Managing daily tasks on an iPhone becomes much easier when you use the Shortcuts app. One of its best features is automation—where your iPhone performs actions automatically based on triggers like time, location, app activity, battery level, and more.
Automation in iOS Shortcuts can save you time every single day. Instead of repeating the same actions manually—like enabling Wi-Fi, sending a message, or starting music—you can let your device do it automatically.
Whether you’re a student, professional, or someone who wants to boost productivity, learning how to set up automations is incredibly helpful.
What is iOS Shortcuts Automation?
The Shortcuts app allows you to create tasks that happen automatically. Unlike manual shortcuts—where you need to tap or use Siri—automations run on their own when a trigger takes place.
These triggers can be:
- Time of day
- Alarm events
- Location (arriving or leaving)
- Opening or closing apps
- Battery level
- Wi-Fi connection
- CarPlay connection
- NFC scanning
- Airplane Mode, Low Power Mode, DND toggles
The flexibility and number of options make automation extremely powerful. You can create workflows for morning routines, travel, meetings, workouts, home tasks, and much more.
Why You Should Use Automation in iOS
Automation isn’t just about saving time—it is about removing friction from everyday life. Think about how many repetitive actions you perform daily:
- Turning on Wi-Fi when you reach home
- Switching iPhone to silent at work
- Playing songs when you connect to Bluetooth
- Opening navigation when you start driving
- Getting weather reports every morning
All these actions can be automated to run without manual effort.
Benefits of iOS Automation:
✔ Saves time and effort
✔ Reduces repetitive manual tasks
✔ Improves productivity
✔ Helps organize daily workflows
✔ Ensures consistency
✔ Makes your iPhone smarter
Apple designed automations to work smoothly in the background without slowing down your device.
How to Create a Simple Shortcut (Before Automating)
Before you automate tasks, you should understand how manual shortcuts work. These steps help you create a basic shortcut that you can later automate.
Step-by-Step: Create a Manual Shortcut
- Open Shortcuts app on your iPhone or iPad
- Tap the + icon
- Tap Add Action
- Select an action from:
- Apps
- Scripting
- Suggestions
- Add multiple actions if needed (drag to reorder)
- Tap Done
You can now run this shortcut manually or ask Siri to run it for you.
Examples of simple shortcuts:
- Play a playlist
- Open Maps and start navigation
- Send a message to a specific contact
- Toggle Wi-Fi
- Convert text to audio
- Create a daily morning plan
Shortcuts can be as simple or advanced as needed.
How to Set Up Automation in iOS Shortcuts
Now let’s create automations that run automatically without tapping anything.
Steps to Create Automation
- Open Shortcuts
- Tap Automation at the bottom
- Tap Create Personal Automation
- Choose a trigger
- Add actions
- Test the automation
- Tap Done
That’s it—your automation is now active.
Common Available Triggers
| Trigger Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Time of Day | Morning routine, bedtime music |
| Location | Open work apps when arriving at office |
| App Activity | Start timer when opening study app |
| Battery Level | Enable Low Power Mode at 20% |
| Wi-Fi | Connect to specific networks |
| Bluetooth | Start car mode when connecting to car Bluetooth |
| NFC Tags | Use stickers for automation |
| Airplane Mode | Trigger workflows during travel |
Each trigger opens the door for creative and useful automations.
Best Practical Automations for Daily Use
Here are the most useful automations people commonly set up.
1. Morning Routine Automation
Runs automatically every morning.
Actions included:
✔ Read weather
✔ Read calendar events
✔ Play morning playlist
✔ Turn off silent mode
✔ Enable Wi-Fi
2. Reaching Home Automation
Trigger: Arrive at home location.
Actions included:
✔ Turn on Wi-Fi
✔ Disable mobile data
✔ Set home temperature (HomeKit)
✔ Send “I reached home” message
3. Driving Automation
Trigger: Connect to CarPlay or Bluetooth.
Actions:
✔ Start navigation
✔ Play driving playlist
✔ Enable Do Not Disturb
4. Battery Saver Automation
Trigger: Battery falls below 25%.
Actions:
✔ Turn off 5G
✔ Enable Low Power Mode
✔ Reduce brightness
Advanced Automation Examples
1. Automatically Send a Message When Leaving Office
Trigger: Leave office location
Action: Send message—“On the way home”
2. Silence Phone During Meetings
Trigger: Calendar event begins
Action: Enable silent mode
Action: Disable silent mode when meeting ends
3. Auto-Backup Photos
Trigger: Connect to home Wi-Fi
Action: Upload photos to cloud
4. Turn On VPN Automatically
Trigger: Connect to public Wi-Fi
Action: Enable VPN
These advanced automations show how powerful Shortcuts can be for professional users
Tips for Using Shortcuts Automations Smartly
Here are some helpful tips to make automations work efficiently:
1. Disable “Ask Before Running”
Most automations require confirmation unless you turn this option off.
2. Keep Automations Simple
Avoid creating too many steps that slow the device.
3. Use Location Triggers Carefully
Location-based automations may use extra battery.
4. Organize Your Shortcuts
Rename shortcuts clearly like:
- Morning Routine
- Driving Mode
- Office Arrival
5. Test Every Automation
Incorrect action order can cause automation failure.
The End Note
Setting up automation in iOS Shortcuts makes your iPhone smarter and your life easier. By using automations, you reduce manual effort, increase productivity, and simplify everyday routines.
Whether it’s turning on Wi-Fi at home, starting music when driving, running a morning routine, or saving battery—automation handles it all automatically.
Once you begin using these features, your iPhone becomes more personalized and efficient than ever before.