iPhone Shortcuts make your life easier by automating tasks and cutting down on time spent navigating through apps. These custom shortcuts can save you from typing and tapping unnecessarily, all while making your iPhone feel smarter. Wondering what shortcuts you should absolutely have? These eight life-simplifiers will revolutionize how you use your iPhone.
1. Do Not Disturb Until I Leave
We’ve all been there being stuck at places where notifications distract you while you’re trying to focus. With the Do Not Disturb Until I Leave shortcut, you can automatically silence alerts until you leave your current location.
How to set it up:
- Go to the Shortcuts app and create a new automation.
- Select “Leave” under “Location.”
- Choose the current location and set “Do Not Disturb” as the action.
This is great for staying productive during meetings or quiet dinner dates. Once you leave, alerts come back on their own.
2. Calculate Tip
Forget fumbling with mental math at restaurants. The Calculate Tip shortcut does it for you—quickly and accurately.
How to use it:
- Open the Shortcuts app and search for pre-built shortcuts.
- Add Calculate Tip.
- When the shortcut is active, input the bill amount and tip percentage.
For bonus practicality, this Shortcut also splits the bill evenly if you’re dining with friends. Say goodbye to awkwardly passing calculators around the table!
3. Speed Dial for Contacts
Constantly calling your partner, parents, or your best friend? Create a Speed Dial for Contacts shortcut for one-tap access to your favorite people.
How to set it up:
- Use the Shortcuts app to add an action that calls one specific contact.
- Add it to your Home Screen or Widget for easy access.
This works wonderfully when you’re on the go and need to make urgent calls without searching the Contacts app or scrolling endlessly.
4. Home ETA
Headed home and want to keep someone updated on your arrival time? The Home ETA shortcut lets you send an ETA message automatically, based on your current location.
How to set it up:
- Open Shortcuts and create an automation based on your location.
- Add the “Send Message” action, and type in the contact’s info. Include, “I’ll be home in” alongside dynamic ETA scripting.
This is a game-changer if someone’s waiting on you for dinner or errands!
5. Low Battery Alert
Ever forget to charge your phone and only notice when it’s too late? Set up a Low Battery Alert shortcut to send yourself a reminder when your battery drops below a certain percentage.
How to activate it:
- Open Shortcuts and create an automation under “Battery Level.”
- Set an action to send a notification or reminder when your battery hits 20% (or any level you choose).
This alert ensures you’ll never scramble for your charger at the last second.
6. QR Code Scanner
The next time someone hands you a QR code, skip the camera app. The QR Code Scanner shortcut opens codes faster by taking you straight to the linked content.
How to install it:
- Search for QR Code Scanner in the Shortcuts app’s gallery.
- Add it to your Home Screen or Widgets.
It’s perfect for scanning restaurant menus, app links, or even virtual event passes without any fuss.
7. Auto Playlist Creator
Need the right soundtrack for your workout, commute, or cooking session? The Auto Playlist Creator shortcut curates a playlist instantly based on your chosen genre or mood.
How to create it:
- Use Shortcuts to set up actions like “Find Music,” “Add Music to Playlist,” and “Play Playlist.”
- Choose filters like genre, recently added songs, or even explicit-only tracks.
With just one tap, you’re ready to hit play and enjoy the moment.
8. Voice-Activated Flashlight
Looking for something in the dark and can’t manually switch on your flashlight? The Voice-Activated Flashlight shortcut has your back.
How it works:
- Go to Shortcuts and create an action that toggles the flashlight.
- Pair it with a voice command in Siri settings like “Turn on Flashlight.”
Now, just call out to Siri whenever you need the light—no fumbling required!
Final Thoughts
These iPhone Shortcuts are designed to save you time and effort, letting your phone handle repetitive tasks so you can focus on what matters. Install a few of these today, and you’ll never look at your phone the same way again.
