Shortcuts 201: Learn 15 Key Actions for iPhone

[@JeffPom]

Shortcuts is absolutely the most powerful, most underused feature of iPhones. So - Freaking - Amazing!!!

[@beardfm]

It's the standout feature on iPhone IMO!

[@dgernale]

@@JeffPom I agree

[@Evanescence4ever100]

Could you make a video explaining the dictionary action in shortcuts? I've seen many shortcuts using that, but I can't figure out how it works.

[@BryanRoseveare]

This has become my best channel. Massive value. Thank you

[@beardfm]

Means so much, thank you for watching 🙏🏻

[@SanGerardino]

It’s really unique!

[@Sh3rwood]

The silence callers shortcut alone is amazing, thank you for that!

[@beardfm]

Welcome!

[@hanshans387]

that N64 rumble pak unlocks so many memories for me!

[@reylold]

very detailed and useful

[@beardfm]

Glad it was!

[@FH-ge4ye]

Really appreciating the depth you add to this kind of videos. A lot of videos on the subject of shortcuts are either far too superficial (and without specific recommendations), or extremely specific to an individual use case. Your videos are a welcome exception. The learning curve for creating shortcuts is so steep that I really appreciate the input you provide.

[@beardfm]

That means a lot 🙏🏻 thank you for saying. My goal is to make Shortcuts more approachable and accessible, plus inspire useful automations for everyone!

[@danielrojel812]

Love your videos. You explain shortcuts so well. Your clipboard shortcut from another video is game changer. I was wondering if you have a way to add a shortcut to the keyboard? My objective is to have a shortcut directly from the keyboard to access my clipboard shortcut. Or some kind of automation that brings up the clipboard shortcut every-time I copy something.

[@beardfm]

Thank you very much! And right now there's not a way to run a Shortcut from the iPhone keyboard. The best places for quickly running is the Action Button or two and three tap back-taps in the accessibility settings. I'll actually be making a short video on this soon, but the Clicks keyboard for iPhone accessory lets you run shortcuts with key commands, but it's a physical keyboard attached to your phone.

[@danielrojel812]

@@beardfm I’ll try the back tap, thank you

[@Trackhoe075]

I am so glad I subscribed to your channel I learn so much about short cuts and automations Thank you so so much for all you do for us

[@beardfm]

Thank you 🙏🏻 Glad it's been helpful

[@DawnTonyKline]

Love the tutorials. Is there a way to create an action that will clear calculator history on exiting the app. I get why the added history and I know you can go into history and clear all but it seems like they should have created a setting to turn on/off history. Thanks

[@ToyinBeatty]

17:00 great video. You can remove the format adjusted date and just tap in current date to adjust it to medium/none etc.

[@beardfm]

I always forget that! Good point

[@gmr699]

How to select a particular menu item of a settings app using shortcuts in iphone

[@analkhanjari]

I'm looking to have a shortcut that will open notes duplicate my meeting template for minutes taker, then open it to start taking meeting notes.

[@italiangspot]

Can you make a video on choose from menu were we can pick applications and add custom icons to show for the application.

[@beardfm]

I show that here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eX-voGVseruIq5osi=30f-1ljRKGN3yIGe

[@kenwong4899]

Hi Stephen, there are some actions u are using but i can't find. e.g. "is low power mode on". Is there any third party app i need to install? thx.

[@TakWorks216]

Always my go to for help in creating home automations and shortcuts! Hope you were able to solve the time of day high and low temperature issue you had been working on. Look forward to the next one!

[@raymond62]

do you have a class or something that i can go and learn?

[@MrFlawless241]

This is really helpful thank you. Is there an option to download from a item from the rss feed as a mp3? For example you wanted to save a podcast.

[@beardfm]

You can! I'll go over that in my next Shortcuts Requests video

[@StickySYC]

Choose from menu total game changer , Amazing

[@lt9165]

Shortcut to convert the audio file to text. I’m student I wish to get recorded a lecture to convert to text from the audio file for better understanding. It will great help if you can let me know how to use shortcuts app for these, thanks

[@beardfm]

You can transcribe short clips in Shortcuts right now, but it fails for clips longer than 30-60 seconds unfortunately.

[@ralf750]

Thank you very much for the great explanations with shortcuts! You explain it really well and I've already learnt a lot 🙏 Only as a non-native speaker I have to reduce your speed to 0.75 🤣🤣

[@karanchordiaable]

You really provide high value. Keep going.

[@beardfm]

Appreciate that 🙏🏻 I will!

[@fulcrum8108]

can you do a video showing whats new for tvOS18?

[@beardfm]

Yes! It's on the plan, but many of the features aren't available yet in the tvOS beta

[@fulcrum8108]

@@beardfm thank you!

[@omarflores6597]

Hi. I am a new subscriber and i learned a lot from your tutorials for shortcuts specially the photo to text. Is there a way to generate a table from a photo into numbers app or table in notes.

[@beardfm]

Hm that's a tough one, will try!

[@RifdyKhairil]

Hi stephen, Love your channel 🤟🏼 Need help, is there’s any shortcut for un/mute iphone? Maybe a drop down menu, instead of using the side button or assistive touch. I’m using IP15, no action button. Thanks in advance 🙏🏼 Or anyone can help me with this?

[@kamranbabri]

Great video as always. Can you create a video about muting a certain WhatsApp group chat at certain time daily because I don’t want to get any notifications off my work group after certain time. I tried but failed. May be you have an answer.

[@moisescorona9860]

Hi Stephen, how to create an automation that silences your phone in current location like church

[@jeffhale1189]

Thanks for sharing. Blessings on your day.

[@beardfm]

You're welcome!

[@dgernale]

Can you show how to create shortcut that turns on wifi and turns off mobile data when I get home and vice versa when I leave? Thank you

[@beardfm]

Got you here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3nFoXWFiZZmacU&si=ZGACE6_KUfOGzUMz

[@dgernale]

@@beardfm Thank you. Tried this but turning on cellular data does not work when you have two sims or networks.

[@AppFanUAE]

the moment I saw the shortcut, I knew it its something amazing. today, most of my daily routine is done via shortcuts, in crypto buy/sell is also with the shortcut. without it, I can't do it really

[@saadj3179]

I receive sms updates containing a number but between parentheses, something like (1234), i tried “Get Numbers from” but it doesn’t seem to recognise the numbers, any trick for that? I am trying to only pick the number and share it some where else.

[@AnilAtluriWord]

Thank you Stephen for that specific Silence Calls From Unknown numbers. Can I ask you to create one to send a message in WhastApp to a temporary contact...say like a cab driver or a delivery person? Numbers one need not add to the contacts lists? Thanks.

[@beardfm]

You're welcome! Unfortunately WhatsApp only has limited Shortcuts actions so this kind of automation isn't possible just yet. Sorry!

[@woffi7397]

As always - nice video! Maybe you can help me: I have this little shortcut that works fine when I start it from the shortcut app or from the dock. But I also put it in the menu bar, and when I start it from there, I get an error message. (Operation permitted) The shortcut just calls a shel script, which does nothing wild: copies a few files, converts a few Markdown documents into HTML using pandoc and uploads the HTML files to a server via ftp - and all this works without any problems. So what exactly is the difference when I start the shortcut from the menu bar?

[@trekforwardhiking]

I'm trying to create a shortcut with drop down menu of my top 5 social media apps under one app on home screen like you created on your home screen, as you mentioned in this (above) video. I can't figure out how to make this shortcut....Can you please help me? I'd be so grateful and thankful......Troy

[@sandrahafner5854]

He explains it in the video, which step is it you struggle with? Instead of enable or disable in the video just put „instagram“ or „facebook“, then under these options choose the action „open app“ and then choose the app.

[@TheCasualGamer01]

Can you do say I want LD for local date and LT for local time when typing in apps.

[@dmp2262]

Please make shortcut for multiple contact speed dial. Speed dial with multiple contact is in ios 16 but in ios 17 only for one contact.

[@chweatherl]

I would like to know how to create a shortcut to lock my Toyota doors a set number of seconds (let's say 45) after I disconnect from Apple CarPlay.

[@MrEastcost222]

Is there a shortcut for Apple Watch where I can ask Siri to show me Libre3?

[@suhaibkhan4956]

how to enable or disable system haptics as i want a mute button so that it can disable haptics occasionally

[@AhmadSaeed-df2dw]

Hi, Can you create an automation in which if a specific focus mode in turned on, any app can be put to lock screen? Like if I want to five my phone to my friend and because of privacy concern, I toggle on DND. I want that if he tries to open Photos app, it automatically locks the phone and this happens only in DND focus mode

[@beardfm]

You could create an automation that checks for DND and if on, it will kick them out of the app. But honestly iOS 18 is going to have a great hide / lock app feature that may solve this for you.

[@carolcaldwell9192]

Awesome video thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. Always how well you explain things.

[@beardfm]

My pleasure! Glad it was easy to follow.

[@DjangoGroen]

Although I’m more advanced I still get ideas from this video! Love your vids Also: In iOS 18 we can put shortcuts on the control centre too! That’s great.

[@beardfm]

Thanks for saying! And YES! Control Center and Lock Screen can have Shortcuts (I'll be using both 😏 )

[@DjangoGroen]

@@beardfm yeah love it 👌🏻🔥

[@joelkdean]

Thanks!! 🎉🎉

[@beardfm]

Welcome!

[@shagbolt1]

Always really helpful stuff, it is much appreciated

[@beardfm]

You're welcome! Enjoy making these for sure

[@Divyv520]

Hey Stephen , really nice video ! I was wondering if I could help you with more Quality Editing in your videos and also make a highly engaging Thumbnail and also help you with the overall youtube strategy and growth ! Pls let me know what do you think ?

[@interwurx]

Fantastic and informative video!

[@beardfm]

Appreciate that! 🙏🏻

[@Llyd5]

I created a automation where in whenever I open a certain app it will go to LOCK SCREEN for my Face ID, the is to lock certain apps. Can u please help me to add “proximity” to that, whenever Im around my HOME address or area it will not require me to have my Face ID.

[@jackrussell9094]

Is there a way to get iphone to make an alarm say every hour and if not cancelled it will send a text to a specified number? Was thinking if a family member is unwell they have to check in every hour by cancelling an alarm and if they don’t it notifies someone via text for their safety?

[@beardfm]

That would take a number of automations but it's possible! I talk about Alarm Shortcuts here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3nFoXWFiZZmacU&si=g9FjZFZ2x_o920xP

[@Rollexm]

I got a question boss. I have Wiz lights that works with shortcuts but not HomeKit. How do I create a shortcut to turn it on and off? A shortcut that recognizes the state of the light and acts accordingly. Thank you.

[@beardfm]

I explain here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eX-voGVseruIq5o&si=42B6yKc2dwsTot3C

[@Rollexm]

@@beardfm thank you for all you do!

[@dblack8262]

Is there a way to turn low power mode on if the phone has no signal?

[@beardfm]

Losing signal isn't a trigger, but you could do periodic automations like on the hour, check for cellular signal using third party apps like Toolbox Pro or Actions, and enable low power mode

[@Poppin023]

Hi Stephen, what's the best way to contact you for shortcut requests? If a KZbin comment is ok: I'm a teacher and I am wondering how I can add my schedule to my Apple Watch. I particularly would like to see an automatic countdown for when a new period starts so I can glance at my Watch and see how much time I have left in a period. So if it's period 3, it would be nice to look at my watch and have it say "Period 3: 10:40-11:30". If possible, having a timer showing how many minutes left would be super convenient too. Like "Period 3: 10:40-11:30 (20 minutes remaining)" or something like that. My school has two schedules: a regular schedule but also a short schedule (periods are shorter and the kids get out an hour early). So I think I'd have to create two sets of schedules and then use them depending on the day. The above is the main part. But if you have time, there's also one more step: About once a week I also teach a different school. This school also has its own schedule (but it's always just one schedule). It would be nice to see when a period starts/ends on my watch just by looking at it at this school, too. Maybe this could all trigger based on my location? I have both schools listed as "work" on my phone. Having something like this on my watch would make work meaningfully convenient. I've been teaching for a while but there are still times I'll completely forget what time a period will end and how much time I have left. Having a countdown showing "4 minutes left" is also extremely useful for times when a lesson is really busy. Please let me know if I can provide more details! It's all good if you don't have the time for this but I just thought I'd ask. Thanks again.

[@beardfm]

Phew, not all of that may be possible but I'll work on it for the next video!

[@tonydigital6017]

So what’s the purpose of the N 64 thing being strategically placed in the shot?

[@Rollexm]

Composition

[@beardfm]

Very important reason: Because it's cool

[@KimM0624]

I’d love to know how to do a “Choose from Menu” with the social media shortcuts like you have and not silence unknown callers. I’m trying to figure it out, but can’t get it.

[@KimM0624]

OMG I figured it out! 😂 Hahaha

[@beardfm]

Amazing! This is how I explain it for reference: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eX-voGVseruIq5o&si=Hkm6YT79zKiXrFMA

[@b.ruhlig]

Okay I need some help with a shortcut I can’t figure out: I’m in charge at the church my dad works at to put up the flags. I’m supposed to put up the flags on every holiday, funeral, & the church picnic. What I would like is in the morning a reminder & an alarm to be created for the morning (around 9am) to put up the flags and just before sunset to take down the flags. I don’t know how doable this is, but any help will be appreciated.

[@BlakeFealy]

Here’s how I would do it. Use an automation that runs at a time of day and make it every morning (12:30am). Use the get calendar events, and filter it to the calendar is (whatever calendar you put these flag days on, maybe a “flag” calendar and maybe add a holiday calendar if you wanna mix it), then make an if statement: if it finds and event that meets the criteria, toggle 9am alarm on. Now you just need to add a calendar event for that criteria to read every time you need a 9am alarm.

[@beardfm]

Will work on this in the next video!

[@jeffsnead]

Another great post!

[@Vinicius-hy4lr]

L post

[@beardfm]

Appreciate it!

[@fantasiaandrea]

Why my shortcuts after a while don’t work anymore because they go in conflict with my Apple Watch?! What do i have to do?!

[@beardfm]

Watch Shortcuts can be buggy, to be honest. What kind of automation are you trying to run?

[@fantasiaandrea]

@@beardfm just regular menu shortcuts activated by the action button, if I turn off an turn on my iPhone it works but after a while it just stop to work.

[@GymKoala]

I dont know why but on my iPhone 15 pro max 17.5.1 i can’t add shortcut to my home screen (((i tried to even delete the app to turn off iPhone…nothing…maybe somebody can help?

[@beardfm]

Is the option not in the menu at the top of the Shortcut? When you tap its name?

[@Sashazur]

I have the same phone and iOS version. I can do it the same way as shown in the video, but there’s another way I can do it too: 1. In the Shortcuts app tap the 3 dot menu in the shortcut. 2. At the bottom of the screen tap the share symbol (the square with the arrow pointing up). 3. Choose “Add to Home Screen” from the menu. 4. If you want, change the icon or color or name. 5. Tap Add in the upper right.

[@FRANKWHITE1996]

nice

[@rickmosher5862]

Something I find super annoying about using a shortcut with the action button, is that the Shortcuts app launches and when the shortcut is done running your left looking at the Shortcuts app. I’d much rather have the shortcut run, then just return to the watch face.

[@choqao]

First for you mate

[@beardfm]

Thanks for watching!

[@callmecheese4696]

Too complicated the way u explain..

[@beardfm]

Sorry to hear that! I do have a "101" video that starts with the basics here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eX-voGVseruIq5osi=NUp_ANUUqrX0iyZ-