How to Use Siri Shortcuts

This simple trick will simplify your life

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by Sam Costello
Sam Costello has been writing about tech since 2000. His writing has appeared in publications such as CNN.com, PC World, InfoWord, and many others.
Updated August 12, 2019

Siri Shortcuts is a feature introduced in iOS 12 that uses Siri to automate tasks on an iPhone or iPad. A simple phrase spoken to an iOS device triggers the actions in the shortcut. Shortcuts are created automatically based on frequent actions you take on your phone. For example, if you order food or coffee from the same app every day, Siri may suggest a shortcut that will order for you. You can also make your own shortcuts that work with Siri.

Siri Shortcuts requires iOS 12 on a compatible device. To use the Shortcuts feature with third-party apps, the app must include support for Shortcuts.

How to Make Siri Shortcuts

There are several ways to make shortcuts that you can use with Siri.

From the Settings App

  1. Open the Settings app.

  2. Tap Siri & Search.

  3. Select the plus sign next to a suggestion.

    If you don't see the suggested shortcut you want, perform the action a few times, then return to Settings to see if it shows up.

  4. Tap the record button to decide what Siri should listen for to run the shortcut

    Siri & Search, Plus icon in iOS Settings

  5. Select Done to save it.

Use a Third-Party App

Not all third-party apps support Siri Shortcuts, but if one of your apps does, you'll see an Add to Siri button. Tap Add to Siri to record a phrase for Siri.

With the Shortcuts App

Another way to make Siri Shortcuts is with the Shortcuts app for iOS.

  1. Go to the Library menu.

  2. Tap Create Shortcut, and make the shortcut. Or, open Gallery and browse shortcuts made by other users.

    Create Shortcut, Add New Event, Done buttons in Siri Shortcuts app on iOS

  3. After you make a shortcut or add one to your personal library, tap the three-dotted button on the upper-right corner of the shortcut.

  4. Select the settings button in the upper-right corner.

  5. Choose Add to Siri to make a recording.

    Horizontal dot icon, Shortcut playlist button, Add to Siri buttons in Shortcuts on iOS

How to Run a Siri Shortcut

Launching a shortcut with Siri is as easy as using the specific phrase you created while setting it up.

For example, say "Hey Siri, play my favorite songs" if your Siri Shortcut actions involve your music and you used the "play my favorite songs" phrase in the shortcut. Or, say "Hey Siri, record my voice" if you set up audio recording in the shortcut.

There are several ways to run these shortcuts on a phone or tablet. Find them in the Shortcuts app, in the device settings, or on the home screen.

How to Disable Siri Suggestions

Turn off Siri Suggestions if you no longer want to see suggestions for Shortcuts. You can disable the feature for any specific app or turn it off globally on the lock screen, Search, or Look Up.