What Is the Shortcuts App?

The Shortcuts app, built into every iPhone running iOS 13 or later, is a visual automation tool. It lets you chain together actions from apps and iOS itself to create mini-programs that run with a tap, a voice command, or automatically based on triggers. Think of it as automation without needing to write code.

Why Bother Learning Shortcuts?

Once you build even a few shortcuts, you'll wonder how you lived without them. Common uses include:

  • Texting your location to someone with one tap
  • Automatically enabling Do Not Disturb when you open a specific app
  • Creating a morning routine that plays music, shows your calendar, and reads out the weather
  • Resizing and converting images without a third-party app
  • Adding items to a specific Reminders list from anywhere via Siri

Step 1: Find the Shortcuts App

Search for "Shortcuts" on your iPhone — it's the colored icon with interlocking squares. If you deleted it, re-download it free from the App Store. Open it and you'll see three tabs: My Shortcuts, Automation, and Gallery.

Step 2: Try a Pre-Built Shortcut from the Gallery

The Gallery tab is the best starting point. Apple and app developers offer ready-made shortcuts you can add and use immediately. Try:

  1. Tap the Gallery tab
  2. Browse categories like "Essentials" or "At Home"
  3. Tap a shortcut that interests you (e.g., "GIF from Video")
  4. Tap Add Shortcut
  5. Find it in "My Shortcuts" and tap to run it

Step 3: Build Your First Custom Shortcut

Let's create a simple shortcut that sends your current location to a contact:

  1. Open My Shortcuts and tap the + button
  2. Tap Add Action and search for "Get Current Location"
  3. Add the action. Then search for and add "Send Message"
  4. In the "Send Message" action, set the recipient and type a message like "I'm at [Current Location]" — tap "Current Location" to insert it dynamically
  5. Tap the name at the top to rename your shortcut (e.g., "Share My Location")
  6. Tap Done

Now it appears in your shortcuts. You can also add it to your Home Screen or run it via Siri by name.

Step 4: Set Up an Automation

Automations run your shortcuts automatically based on triggers. Tap the Automation tab and then +:

  • Time of Day: Run a morning briefing shortcut every day at 7am
  • App Opened: Start a Focus mode when you open a work app
  • Arrival/Departure: Text family when you arrive home
  • Charger Connected: Play your favorite playlist when you plug in at night

Tips for Getting the Most from Shortcuts

  • Use the Shortcut Gallery in-app and on sites like RoutineHub.co to find community-built shortcuts.
  • Add shortcuts to your Home Screen as custom icons — great for frequently used ones.
  • Use Siri integration — name shortcuts something natural so you can trigger them hands-free.
  • Start simple — one or two actions before attempting complex multi-step flows.

You're Now an Automation User

The Shortcuts app rewards curiosity. Start with one shortcut that solves a real problem in your day, and expand from there. Automation doesn't have to be complicated — even a single shortcut that saves you 30 seconds can add up to meaningful time over a week.