How to Run a Shortcut

Apple Shortcuts provides a variety of ways to trigger and run, this guide explains how to run our AI powered shortcuts easily from any of your Apple devices.

Run A Shortcut In The Shortcuts App

This is the most straightforward and fundamental method.

1. Open the Shortcuts app. It’s a pre-installed app with a colorful icon depicting interconnected squares.
2. Locate the shortcut you want to run. Shortcuts are displayed as rectangular tiles.
3. Tap the shortcut tile. This immediately executes the shortcut.

This method is compatible on devices with a screen such as iPhones, iPads, Macs, Watch and Vision Pro.

Run A Shortcut With Siri

You can use Siri voice commands to trigger shortcuts. This is the most convenient method for running shortcuts on any devices, sometimes even when the device is locked.

1. Ensure "Hey Siri" is enabled.
   • Go to Settings > Siri & Search.
   • Toggle on Listen for "Hey Siri". Follow the on-screen instructions to set up voice recognition.
2. Give your shortcut a clear name. This makes it easier for Siri to understand your command. You can rename a shortcut by tapping the three dots in the top right corner of the shortcut tile and then tapping the name at the top.
3. Activate Siri. Say "Hey Siri" or press and hold the side button (or Home button on older devices).
4. Say "[Shortcut Name]". For example, "Smart" or "Play Trivia".
5. To make it even simpler, without triggering Siri first, just say "Siri, [Shortcut Name]" to run the shortcut. For example, "Siri, Smart" or "Siri, Play Trivia".

This method works on most devices including iPhones, iPads, Macs, Watch and Vision Pro, Apple TV and HomePod.

After iOS 18, you can also run shortcuts with your voice without saying "Siri" or "Hey Siri", there is a new feature called "Vocal Shortcut". For example, just say "Jarvis" to run a shortcut. This make it more flexible for users to interact with shortcuts. Learn more on MacRumors.

Run A Shortcut With Action Button (iPhone 15 Pro and later)

The Action button on iPhone 15 Pro models can be customized to run shortcuts.

1. Go to Settings > Action Button.
2. Swipe to the Shortcuts option.
3. Select the shortcut you want to assign to the Action button.

Run A Shortcut With Share Sheet

Many apps offer a Share Sheet, which allows you to share content with other apps and services. You can share any content with our AI powered shortcuts to provide it with context. For example, you can share a paragraphs then ask it to summarize, translate or rewrite.

1. Open an app with a Share Sheet. Examples include Safari, Photos, and Files.
2. Select the content you want to share (e.g., a photo, webpage, or file).
3. Tap the Share icon. It’s a square with an upward arrow.
4. Scroll through the app icons in the Share Sheet until you find "Shortcuts." If it’s not visible, tap “Edit Actions” at the bottom of the share sheet, and enable Shortcuts.
5. Tap "Shortcuts" to open a list of your shortcuts.
6. Select the shortcut you want to run with the shared content as input.

This method is a powerful way to run shortcuts with context. It helps you to accomplish complex tasks with AI easily.

Run A Shortcut With Home Screen Widget

Widgets allow you to access information and perform actions directly from your Home Screen.

1. Add the Shortcuts widget.
   • On your Home Screen, touch and hold an empty area until the apps jiggle.
   • Tap the "+" button in the top-left corner.
   • Search for "Shortcuts" and select a widget size.
   • Tap "Add Widget".
2. Choose which shortcuts to display (optional). Long press on the widget and select “Edit Widget” to select which shortcuts to display.
3. Tap a shortcut in the widget to run it.

Run A Shortcut With Search

You can find and run shortcuts using the iOS Search function.

1. Swipe down from the middle of your Home Screen to open Search.
2. Type the name of your shortcut.
3. Tap the shortcut in the search results to run it.

Run A Shortcut With Back Tap (iOS 14 and later)

This feature allows you to trigger actions by double or triple tapping the back of your iPhone.

1. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap.
2. Choose either "Double Tap" or "Triple Tap."
3. Select "Run Shortcut" from the list of actions.
4. Choose the shortcut you want to trigger.

Run A Shortcut On Apple Watch

Shortcuts can also be run from your Apple Watch (with tap or voice).

1. Ensure your iPhone and Apple Watch are paired.
2. Shortcuts you want to run on your watch must be added to the Apple Watch section in the Shortcuts app on your iPhone. To do this, open the shortcut, tap the three dots, and enable “Show on Apple Watch”.
3. Open the Shortcuts app on your Apple Watch.
4. Tap the shortcut you want to run.

Run A Shortcut With Automations

Automations trigger shortcuts based on certain events or conditions.

• Personal Automations: These are triggered by events related to your device or activity, such as arriving at a location, connecting to Wi-Fi, or at a specific time of day.
  1. In the Shortcuts app, tap the Automation tab.
  2. Tap the "+" button in the top-right corner.
  3. Select "Create Personal Automation."
  4. Choose a trigger (e.g., Time of Day, Arrive, Leave, Before I Commute, etc.).
  5. Configure the trigger details (e.g., time, location, etc.).
  6. Tap "Next."
  7. Tap "Add Action" and search for "Run Shortcut."
  8. Select the shortcut you want to run.
  9. Tap "Next" and then "Done."
• Home Automations: These are triggered by events related to your HomeKit accessories. These require a Home Hub (HomePod, Apple TV, or iPad set up as a Home Hub). The setup process is similar to Personal Automations, but you choose “Create Home Automation” and the triggers are related to HomeKit devices.