How to Use Siri Shortcuts on Your iPhone Siri Shortcuts let you automate everyday tasks on your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and other Apple devices, so you can perform multi-step actions with just a tap, a simple phrase, or a tap on a widget. Shortcuts combine actions from your favorite apps — like Calendar, Music, Maps, Photos, and Reminders — and run them automatically or with Siri. 

Siri Shortcuts are a powerful way to save time and reduce repetitive taps on your Apple device. Whether you want to get directions home, start a playlist, share your ETA with a loved one, or trigger multiple steps with a single request, Siri Shortcuts help you do it faster — by voice or with a tap. 

Shortcuts App Overview

The Shortcuts app — available for iPhone, iPad, and other Apple devices — includes hundreds of built-in actions you can combine into custom workflows. You can start from examples in the Gallery or build your own from scratch. Once saved, a shortcut can be run directly from the Shortcuts app, added to your Home Screen, used as a widget, or triggered by Siri with a voice phrase. 

Getting Started With Siri Shortcuts

First, open the Shortcuts app on your device. You’ll see two main sections: Shortcuts and Gallery. The Gallery offers ready-made actions from Apple and supported apps. Tap any shortcut in the Gallery and then Add Shortcut to save it to your library. 

Customizing and Creating Your Own Shortcuts

To create a custom shortcut, follow these steps:

Settings > Shortcuts > Open Shortcuts app

Tap the + button in the upper right to start a new shortcut.

Tap Add Action and search for actions from apps such as Calendar, Maps, Music, or Reminders.

Add multiple steps — for example, get travel time to work, share ETA, and launch your commute playlist — all in one shortcut.

When done, rename the shortcut with a clear, simple phrase you’ll say to Siri. 

Using Siri to Run Shortcuts

Once your shortcut is ready, you can request it with Siri. Activate Siri by saying “Hey Siri” or pressing the side button, then speak the name of your shortcut. Siri will run the sequence of actions you defined. 

For example, if you designed a shortcut called “Home ETA,” you could say “Hey Siri, Home ETA,” and your iPhone will calculate directions, share your ETA, and open your preferred navigation app. 

Shortcut Suggestions and Automation

iOS also suggests shortcuts based on how you use your apps. Suggested shortcuts may appear on the Lock Screen, in Search, or on the Home Screen. Tap a suggestion to add it to your shortcuts library. In addition to voice activation, many shortcuts can run automatically based on triggers such as time of day or arriving at a location using Automations. 

Shortcuts can be a simple tap away via a widget — swipe right on your Home Screen to view the Shortcuts widget and tap any shortcut you’ve added there. 

Best Practices for Using Shortcuts

Choose descriptive, easy-to-say names for your shortcuts to improve Siri recognition. Keep actions focused on a clear task, and test them to confirm they work as intended before relying on voice commands. You can also combine Shortcuts with Apple Intelligence triggers or third-party app shortcuts when supported. 

Siri Shortcuts are especially useful when paired with daily routines — such as morning commutes, workouts, messaging, and travel — transforming multiple steps into one effortless request.