How to Use the Shortcuts App on iPhone and iPad (2025 Guide)

Shortcuts on iPhone are truly a game-changer when it comes to keeping productivity up and making simple tasks a little easier. You can automate repeated actions, create simple workflows, and even tap into Apple Intelligence features.

Whether you’ve never tried Shortcuts before or are looking to take your automation game to the next level, this is your step-by-step guide on how to use the Shortcuts app on iPhone and iPad.

What Are Shortcuts and Actions?

Shortcuts are mini-programs that automate tasks on your iPhone or iPad. You can think of them as quick commands that combine multiple steps into a single tap or voice command. Each shortcut is made up of actions, which are individual steps. Actions do things like send a message, play music, or open an app.

For example, here’s a shortcut that combines the following actions:

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• Turn on Do Not Disturb
• Set an alarm for 7:00 AM
• Play your morning playlist

With iOS 26, shortcuts have never been more powerful. You can combine multiple Apple Intelligence actions into a single shortcut and run it from your iPhone or even with Siri. This level of integration opens up many possibilities to improve your efficiency and automate experiences for yourself, your family, or your business.

How to Find and Use Pre-built Shortcuts  

Pre-built shortcuts are workflows that are already created and available for you to download and use immediately. These are great if you don’t want to build shortcuts from scratch. Here’s how to get started:

1. Open the Shortcuts app. If you can’t find it, download it from the App Store. 
2. Tap the Gallery tab to browse Apple-curated Shortcuts.  
3. Look for categories like Morning Routine or Shortcuts for Accessibility. Tap See All to explore the category. 
4. Select a shortcut to preview its actions and access points.
5. Tap Set Up Shortcut to save it to your library. You can edit it later if needed.
   

You can also discover shortcuts based on your installed apps in the Library tab. Scroll down and tap the app to view its available shortcuts.

Tip

Many third-party websites like RoutineHub provide complex and unique shortcuts. Always download from trusted sources to avoid security risks.

Once added, shortcuts appear in the All Shortcuts tab, ready to run with a tap. You can also add them to your Home Screen or widgets for quick access.

Related: How to Edit Shortcuts on iPhone

How to Create a Custom Shortcut on iPhone

If you can’t find a shortcut that fits your needs, create one from scratch. It’s easier than you think. Here’s how:

1. Open the Shortcuts app, go to the Library tab, and tap the + button at the top right.
2. Search for tasks like “Play Playlist,” explore the action categories at the top, or scroll to find app-specific actions. Combine multiple actions if needed.
3. Customize each action. For example, in the Send Message action, choose a contact and type a default message or set it to paste from the clipboard.
   
4. Tap the down arrow at the top, select Rename, give your shortcut a title, and tap the checkmark. You can also change its icon by selecting Choose Icon.
5. Tap the info (i) button at the bottom, select where the shortcut should appear—like the Home Screen, Share Sheet, or Apple Watch—and tap the checkmark to save.
6. Tap the play button to run your shortcut and confirm it works.
7. Tap the back button at the top left to save it.
   

With so many available options and controls, you can create shortcuts for nearly everything.

Using Apple Intelligence Features in Shortcuts (iOS 26)

With iOS 26, Apple Intelligence supercharges Shortcuts with AI-driven actions. These allow you to interact with your iPhone in smarter ways, like summarizing text or generating quick replies.

Here’s how to use them:

1. In the Shortcuts app, go to Gallery and explore the Apple Intelligence category.
2. Alternatively, start creating a shortcut and search for actions like “Summarize Text” or “Generate Image.”
3. Add additional actions and customize them according to your needs.
4. Example: Build a shortcut that summarizes voicemails and sends the summary to your Notes app.

Note

Apple Intelligence Shortcuts require an iPhone 15 Pro or later running iOS 26.

How to Run a Shortcut on iPhone or iPad

You can run shortcuts in several ways, depending on your preference:

• Shortcuts App: Open the app, go to the Library tab, and tap the shortcut.
• Share Sheet: In any app, tap the Share icon and select the shortcut.
• Home Screen: Tap the three dots on a shortcut, select the info (i) button, and choose Add to Home Screen.
• Action Button (iPhone 15 Pro or later): Go to Settings > Action Button, choose Shortcut, and select one to run with a press.
• Siri: Say, “Hey Siri, [shortcut name]” to run it hands-free.

Use Widgets for Quick Access

Widgets make shortcuts even more accessible:

1. Long-press your Home Screen or Today View, then tap Edit > Add Widget.
2. Search for and select the Shortcuts widget.
3. Swipe to choose a widget size (small, medium, or large), then tap Add Widget.
4. For multi-shortcut widgets, long-press the widget, tap Edit Widget, and select a folder to display. 
5. Tap the shortcut tile to run it directly from the widget.

Widgets are great for quick access to frequent tasks, such as starting a workout or checking your calendar.

Related: How to Add and Edit Widgets on Your iPhone

How to Run a Shortcut on Apple Watch 

Shortcuts on your iPhone automatically sync to your paired Apple Watch if both devices are updated.

1. On your iPhone, open the Shortcuts app.
2. Tap the three dots on a shortcut, select the info (i) button, and toggle on Show on Apple Watch.
3. On your Watch, press the Digital Crown, open Shortcuts, and select one.
4. You can also create a shortcut complication by customizing your Watch face.

Tip

Use it to log water intake, start workouts, or control smart devices instantly.

You can also access iPhone shortcuts across other Apple devices. Go to Settings > Apps > Shortcuts and make sure iCloud Sync is enabled.

How to Create an Automated Shortcut 

A regular shortcut must be triggered manually, but an automation runs automatically when certain conditions are met.

Example: Trigger a shortcut to open your garage door and turn on lights when you arrive home.

Here’s how to create one:

1. Open the Shortcuts app and tap b at the bottom.
2. Tap the + icon at the top.
3. Choose a Trigger, such as:
   • Time of Day: Run at a specific time.
   • Arrive/Leave: Based on your location.
   • App Opened: Triggered when an app opens.
   • System Controls: Triggered by Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Airplane Mode.
   • Focus: Linked to a Focus mode.
   • Battery: Based on battery level or charging.
   • Sound Recognition: Triggers when iPhone hears a sound like a doorbell.
4. Choose when the automation should run and enable Run Immediately if desired.
   
5. Tap Next, select actions like Send Message or use a custom shortcut, then tap the checkmark to save.
   

Tip

I created an automation that enables Low Power Mode when the battery hits 30%. iOS 18 also adds triggers like connecting to a specific Wi-Fi network.

How to Manage and Organize Your Shortcuts

Keep your shortcuts tidy for easier access:

• Rearrange: Tap Edit and drag to reorder.
• Create Folders: Select shortcuts, tap the folder icon, and create folders like Work or Home.
  
• Edit: Tap the three dots to modify actions.
• Delete: Tap Edit, select the shortcut, then tap the bin icon and confirm deletion.
  

Review your shortcuts regularly to remove outdated ones or update them for new iOS features.

How to Share Shortcuts with Others

Sharing allows friends or family to use your shortcuts:

1. Go to the Library tab and tap the three dots on the shortcut.
2. Tap the Share button and choose AirDrop, Messages, or another app.
3. Or select Copy iCloud Link to generate a shareable link.
   

Always test shared shortcuts to make sure they work on other devices.

Must-Try Shortcuts for iPhone Power Users

Here are some top recommendations:

• PhotoCollage Pro: Combine multiple photos into a grid.
• Log Water: Track your water intake in the Health app.
• Text Last Image: Send your most recent photo to a contact.
• GIF Maker: Turn images or clips into a GIF with one tap.
• Morning GPT: Read your calendar events, weather, and top news headlines.

Create a location-based shortcut that opens your shopping list when you arrive at the store.

Troubleshooting Common Issues 

If your shortcuts aren’t working, try the following:

• Update iOS: Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
• Check Permissions: Go to Settings > Shortcuts, then enable Private Sharing.
• Restart the App: Force quit and reopen Shortcuts, or restart your device.
• Simplify the Shortcut: Test each action to isolate the issue.
• Reset Settings: If nothing works, go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings (note: this affects other preferences too).

For Apple Watch: Make sure both devices are updated and properly paired. If Siri won’t trigger shortcuts, check Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri.

Work Smarter, Not Harder with iPhone Shortcuts

Shortcuts empower you to do more with less effort. Whether it’s launching automations, using AI, or activating features hands-free, the Shortcuts app helps you simplify your day.

Start with something simple today. Set up a Siri command or try a pre-built automation. With iOS 26, your possibilities are only expanding—make your iPhone work smarter for you.

Related articles worth reading:

• 20 Best macOS shortcuts for fast workflows
• How to use the Shortcuts app on your Mac
• How to merge PDFs on iPhone and iPad