How to Create Your First Custom iPhone Shortcut

Learn to build your first automation on iOS. Master the Shortcuts app to streamline your workflow with custom triggers and actions.

1. Open the Shortcuts application. Launch the Shortcuts app from your Home Screen or App Library. Tap the plus (+) icon located in the top-right corner of the screen to initialize a new, blank shortcut.
2. Name your shortcut. Tap the downward-facing arrow next to 'New Shortcut' at the top of the editor. Select 'Rename' and enter a clear, descriptive name for your automation, such as 'Launch Focus Music'.
3. Add your first action. Tap the blue 'Add Action' button in the center of the screen. Use the search bar to find a specific task, such as 'Set Volume' or 'Open App'. Select the desired action to add it to the editor.
4. Adjust action parameters. Tap the faded text within your added action to modify its variables. For example, in a 'Set Volume' action, tap the percentage number to adjust the specific volume level required for the shortcut.
5. Execute and verify the workflow. Tap the 'Play' icon in the bottom-right corner of the editor to trigger the shortcut. Confirm that the actions perform exactly as configured within the system.
6. Add the shortcut to your Home Screen. Tap 'Done' to save. Press and hold the shortcut tile in the main menu, then select 'Share' followed by 'Add to Home Screen'. Confirm the icon and name, then tap 'Add'.