What a shortcut is and why you might use one
A shortcut on iPhone is a quick way to run a task or series of tasks with one tap. Instead of opening an app, navigating through menus, and tapping multiple times, you can create a single icon that does all of that work at once. Shortcuts are built into iOS and live in the Shortcuts app or on your home screen.
Common shortcuts include sending a text to a specific person, turning on Do Not Disturb and opening a particular app, converting currency, or playing a specific playlist. You can create shortcuts from scratch, or you can read pre-made ones that other people have shared.
The Shortcuts app comes installed on every iPhone running iOS 12 or later. If you cannot find it on your home screen, swipe down and search for "Shortcuts" in the search box.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Shortcuts app, tap the plus icon, and choose "Create Shortcut" to build a new one from scratch.
- Add actions by tapping the plus icon inside the editor and searching for what you want the shortcut to do — like "Send Message" or "Open App".
- Name your shortcut, choose an icon and color, then tap "Done" to save it to your library.
- Add your shortcut to your home screen by opening it, tapping the three dots, and selecting "Add to Home Screen".
- You can also read ready-made shortcuts from the Shortcuts Gallery or from other people's shared links.
Creating a shortcut from the ground up
Open the Shortcuts app and tap the plus icon in the top right corner. Choose "Create Shortcut" from the menu. You will see a blank canvas with a plus icon in the middle — this is where you add actions.
Tap the plus icon to open the action library. You will see categories like "Scripting", "Media", "Documents", and "Apps". Search for the action you want — for example, type "send message" if you want your shortcut to text someone. Tap the action to add it to your shortcut.
Each action you add will have fields you can fill in. If you added "Send Message", you will see a field for the recipient and a field for the message text. Fill in these details. You can add as many actions as you want — each one will run in order when you tap the shortcut.
Once you have added all the actions you need, tap "Done" in the top right. A menu will appear asking you to name your shortcut and choose an icon. Type a name, tap the icon area to pick a symbol and color, then tap "Done" again. Your shortcut is now saved in the Shortcuts app.
Adding a shortcut to your home screen
To make your shortcut appear as an icon on your home screen, open the Shortcuts app and find the shortcut you just created. Tap and hold on it, then select "Add to Home Screen" from the menu that appears.
A preview window will show you what the icon will look like. You can change the name that appears under the icon and adjust the icon itself if you want. Tap "Add" in the top right, then tap "Add to Home Screen" again to confirm. The shortcut will now appear on your home screen as a standalone icon.
When you tap the icon, the shortcut will run when ready. The first time you run a new shortcut, iPhone may ask for permission to perform certain actions — for example, to send a message or access your contacts. Tap "Allow" to proceed.
Using pre-made shortcuts from the gallery
You do not have to build every shortcut yourself. The Shortcuts app includes a Gallery tab with pre-made shortcuts you can read. Open the Shortcuts app, tap the Gallery tab at the bottom, and browse the available options. Categories include Productivity, Communication, Health, and Entertainment.
Tap any shortcut to see what it does. If you want to use it, tap "Get Shortcut" or the plus icon. The shortcut will be added to your library. You can then customize it — for example, if you read a "Send Daily Report" shortcut, you might change the recipient or the time it runs.
You can also find shortcuts that other people have created and shared. When someone shares a shortcut link with you, tap the link on your iPhone. The Shortcuts app will open and show you what the shortcut does. Tap "Add Shortcut" to add it to your library.
Common actions you can add to shortcuts
The Shortcuts app includes hundreds of actions. Here are some of the most useful ones for everyday tasks:
- Send Message: Sends a text to a contact you choose.
- Open App: Opens any app installed on your iPhone.
- Play Sound: Plays a sound or alarm tone.
- Set Do Not Disturb: Turns Do Not Disturb on or off.
- Turn On Wi-Fi: Enables or disables Wi-Fi.
- Ask for Number/Text: Prompts you to type something when the shortcut runs, then uses that input in other actions.
- Get Current Location: Finds your location and can pass it to other actions.
- Open URL: Opens a website in Safari.
You can combine these actions in any order. For example, you could create a shortcut that asks you to type a note, then sends that note to a contact, then plays a confirmation sound — all with one tap.
Editing and deleting shortcuts
To edit a shortcut after you have created it, open the Shortcuts app, find the shortcut, and tap it. Tap the three dots in the top right corner, then select "Edit". You can now add, remove, or change actions. Tap "Done" when you are finished.
To delete a shortcut, tap and hold on it in the Shortcuts app and select "Delete" from the menu. If the shortcut is also on your home screen, you will need to remove it from there separately — tap and hold the icon, select "Remove App", then choose "Remove from Home Screen".
Troubleshooting shortcuts that do not work
If a shortcut does not run or stops partway through, check that you have given the Shortcuts app permission to perform the actions it needs. Go to Settings, scroll down to Shortcuts, and make sure the toggle next to "Allow Running Scripts" is turned on. Also check that you have given permission to individual apps — for example, if your shortcut sends a message, make sure Shortcuts has permission to access your contacts.
If a shortcut you downloaded from someone else does not work, it may have been created for a different version of iOS. Try creating a simpler version yourself using the same actions, or search the Shortcuts Gallery for an alternative that does the same thing.
If a shortcut freezes or hangs, force-close the Shortcuts app by swiping up from the bottom of the screen and pausing on the Shortcuts app card, then swiping up on it. Open the app again and try running the shortcut once more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a shortcut from Siri?
Yes. When you create or edit a shortcut, you can assign a voice phrase to it. Tap the three dots, select "Add to Siri", and record a phrase like "Hey Siri, send my daily report". After that, you can say the phrase to Siri and the shortcut will run without opening the app.
What is the difference between a shortcut and a widget?
A widget is a small app window that sits on your home screen or lock screen and shows information at a glance — like weather or calendar events. A shortcut is an action or series of actions that runs when you tap it. Some shortcuts can also appear as widgets, but most are just icons you tap.
Can I share a shortcut I created with someone else?
Yes. Open the shortcut, tap the three dots, and select "Share". You can send the shortcut via message, email, or a link. The person who receives it can tap the link and add it to their own Shortcuts app. Note that some actions may not work if they do not have the same apps installed.
Why does my shortcut ask for permission every time I run it?
This usually means you have not granted the Shortcuts app full permission to perform that action. Go to Settings, find Shortcuts, and check that "Allow Running Scripts" is on. You may also need to open the specific app the shortcut uses — like Messages or Contacts — and grant Shortcuts permission there.
Can I create a shortcut that runs automatically at a certain time?
Yes, but only if you use the Automation feature. Open the Shortcuts app, tap the Automation tab, and create a new automation. You can set it to run at a specific time, when you arrive at a location, or when you open a certain app. Add the actions you want to run, then save the automation.