🎛️ iOS Shortcuts: A precious ally

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iOS Shortcuts are one of the most powerful yet underrated tools in the Apple ecosystem. They allow you to automate actions, link different apps together, and simplify repetitive tasks with a single tap or by voice via Siri.

In this article, we will analyze the topic with a broad overview, starting from the theoretical basics to practical use. We will conclude with a step-by-step guide to enabling untrusted shortcuts.

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What are iOS Shortcuts

A Shortcut is a sequence of actions that iOS executes automatically. Each action can:

  • Interact with the system (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, airplane mode, brightness, etc.)
  • Use functions from Apple apps (Notes, Reminders, Safari, Files, Photos…)
  • Communicate with compatible third-party apps
  • Receive input from the user and return a result

In practice, it is like creating a mini-program without writing code, using predefined logical blocks.

Source Apple

The Shortcuts App

App icon

The Shortcuts app is pre-installed on iOS and iPadOS. Inside, we find three main sections:

  • All Shortcuts – collects all shortcuts created or added by the user
  • Automation – allows you to run shortcuts automatically when an event occurs
  • Gallery – contains ready-to-use shortcuts created by Apple

This structure makes the app suitable for both beginners and advanced users.


How a Shortcut Works

Every shortcut consists of:

1. An input (optional)

  • Text
  • Images
  • Files
  • System data

2. A series of actions

  • Each action receives an input and produces an output
  • The output can be passed to the next action

3. A final result

  • Showing a notification
  • Saving a file
  • Opening an app
  • Sending a message

This approach follows a flow-based logic, very similar to visual programming.

Source Apple

Types of Shortcuts

1. Manual Shortcuts

They are executed by:

  • Tapping the icon
  • Siri (“Hey Siri, run…”)
  • Widgets or the Home screen

2. Personal Automations

They trigger automatically based on events such as:

  • Time of day
  • Location
  • Connection to a Bluetooth device
  • Opening an app
  • Low Power Mode

Some automations require confirmation, others can be completely automatic.


Practical Usage Examples

Example 1: Work Mode

A shortcut can:

  • Enable Do Not Disturb mode
  • Turn off Wi-Fi
  • Open work apps
  • Set brightness

All with a single tap.

Example 2: Smart Sharing

A shortcut can:

  • Resize a photo
  • Rename the file
  • Share it via WhatsApp or Mail

Example 3: Text Management

It is possible to:

  • Translate text
  • Summarize it
  • Convert it to PDF
  • Save it in Notes

Integration with Siri

Each shortcut can be associated with a custom voice command. Siri thus becomes a true automated assistant, capable of executing complex flows on request.

For example, you could run the commands to prepare a calendar with invitees, info, and date for the next meeting simply by saying:

“Hey Siri, prepare meeting”

and Siri will run the shortcut that creates a new event, adds the contacts you configured, sets the date, and saves it in the Calendar app.

Shortcuts and Security

For security reasons, Apple limits the execution of shortcuts created by third parties. This serves to prevent:

  • Unauthorized access to data
  • Execution of malicious actions
  • Invasive automations

However, it is possible to enable untrusted shortcuts consciously.

Guide: How to Enable Untrusted Shortcuts

⚠️ Warning: enable this option only if you know what you are installing.

Step 1: Run at least one shortcut

Apple shows the option only after you have:

  • Opened the Shortcuts app
  • Created or run at least one shortcut

Step 2: Open Settings

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Scroll down to Shortcuts or search "Shortcuts" via the search field

Step 3: Enable the option

  1. For iOS version < 15
    In this case, before downloading a shortcut, you need to enable the "untrusted commands" option:
    1. Turn on Allow Untrusted Shortcuts
    2. Confirm with Face ID / Touch ID or passcode (if requested)
  2. For iOS version 15 or higher
    In this case, the downloaded shortcuts should be immediately installable. If iOS blocks the shortcut you're trying to install, try these steps to enable private sharing:
    1. Turn on Private Sharing
    2. Confirm with Face ID / Touch ID or passcode (if requested)

Step 4: Install the shortcut

Now you can:

  • Open shared shortcut links
  • Install them directly in the app

Want to try some shortcuts right now?

If you want to try some shortcuts immediately, on Techelopment - Shortcuts iOS you will find a useful collection including:
  • Techelopment site navigation optimization
  • Easy creation of a PDF from images in your library
  • Quick and simple tools to help with the most common and useful operations

Conclusion

Shortcuts transform iPhone and iPad into highly customizable tools, capable of adapting to user habits. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, investing time in this tool means saving time every day.

Automation, simplicity, and power: all in one tap.



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