- The Shortcuts app allows you to execute complex sequences of actions with a single tap, voice commands with Siri, or automatic triggers.
- It is possible to create automations based on external conditions such as location, battery level, NFC tags, or a specific time.
- The tool offers a gallery of pre-configured examples and an intuitive visual editor that requires no programming knowledge.
If you have an iPhone, you've probably been seeing a colorful icon on your screen for a while now, but without knowing exactly what it's for. The Shortcuts app is simply one of Apple's hidden gems , capable of transforming your device into a powerful productivity tool. Basically, it lets you chain together several tasks from different apps so they run automatically, saving you from those repetitive clicks that can sometimes be tedious.
The best part is that you don't need to be a computer expert or know how to write a single line of code to use it. Whether you want your phone to notify you when your battery is low or create a photo collage in a second, this tool's versatility is unmatched . It comes pre-installed on iOS 13 and later and is completely free, so there's no excuse not to give it a try and make your phone work for you.
What exactly is the Shortcuts app and how does it work?
To put it simply, a shortcut is like a recipe: you define a series of steps (called actions ) and the iPhone follows them exactly. These actions can range from opening a specific app to sending a message or changing a system setting. You can trigger these sequences in several ways: by asking Siri with your voice , by tapping an icon you've placed on your Home Screen, by using a widget, or, most powerfully, through automations.
Automations are triggers that execute shortcuts automatically. For example, you can program your phone to activate silent mode when you arrive at the office using GPS , or to launch a playlist when you connect your car's Bluetooth. You can even use NFC tags , which are small stickers that trigger an immediate action when you bring your iPhone close, such as putting your phone to sleep when you tap it on your nightstand.
The most useful and efficient shortcuts for everyday life
There are hundreds of options, but some are real lifesavers. If you're worried about battery life, you can set up a super power-saving mode that disables everything unnecessary when the battery drops below a certain percentage. For frequent drivers, there's the option to send your estimated time of arrival to a contact with a single tap, saving you from having to navigate Maps while you're behind the wheel.
Regarding file management, there are some very practical tricks, such as converting multiple images into a single PDF , ideal for sending scanned documents without installing any unusual apps. You can also clean up your gallery by automatically removing duplicate photos or create custom collages by choosing whether you want the images in a grid, vertically, or horizontally. For the more adventurous, creating a QR code to share your Wi-Fi is an elegant way to avoid dictating long passwords to visitors.
Ingenious solutions to common problems
Did your phone get wet? There's a shortcut called Water Eject that emits high-frequency sounds to expel water from the speakers using vibrations. If you need extra security, the anti-theft mode can lock the device, displaying only the calculator, preventing anyone from turning it off or accessing your data if you have guided access enabled. For social media users, there are tools to download videos from Instagram, YouTube, or Twitter in one place without having to go through ad-filled websites.
If you use Spotify, you can create shortcuts to instantly open your favorite playlist . For those who work with text, the instant translation shortcut takes what you have copied to the clipboard and translates it into your preferred language. There are even options to read web pages in Safari using auto-scroll, allowing you to consume news without constantly scrolling.
How to create your own automations step by step
If Apple's gallery isn't enough, you can design your own workflows. Just tap the "+" button in the My Shortcuts tab and start adding actions . The process is visual: you search for the action (for example, "Select Photos"), then add the next one ("Create PDF"), and finish with an exit action like "Save File". It's essential to give them clear and short names so Siri recognizes them immediately without confusion.
To take the experience to the next level, I recommend adding shortcuts to your home screen . This way, they appear as if they were separate apps with their own icons, allowing you to perform complex tasks with a single tap. If you notice that a shortcut isn't working, always double-check that you've granted the necessary permissions in Settings , especially in the advanced settings, as some actions require access to your contacts or files.
Advanced tricks with WhatsApp and ChatGPT
One of the most in-demand features is the ability to send whatsapp messages to people you don't have saved in your address book. This is achieved using the "Open URLs" action and configuring the link wa.me/numerowhich opens the chat directly. You can also schedule automatic messages to greet your contacts every morning without having to type it manually.
Furthermore, integration with artificial intelligence is possible. Using specific shortcuts like S-GPT, you can quickly query ChatGPT without having to open the full app, receiving detailed answers directly in a pop-up window. All of this transforms the iPhone into a command center where efficiency is paramount.
From the ability to clean your speaker with sound frequencies to intelligent battery management and PDF creation, the Shortcuts app is the key to moving beyond basic mobile usage and optimizing every second of your routine . Mastering these tools not only saves time but also allows technology to adapt to your real needs, not the other way around.
