20 iPhone Shortcuts That’ll Save You Time Every Day

Your iPhone is probably way more powerful than you give it credit for. Like, sure, it takes cute pics, keeps you glued to TikTok, and plays your Spotify playlist on loop, but there’s a whole world of shortcuts baked in that can seriously save you time. We’re talking about actual life-savers for the lazy (aka efficient) folks out there.

So, if you’re all about doing more with less effort, here are 20 iPhone shortcuts you’ll want to start using ASAP. Some are built-in, some you might have to create, but either way—they’re gonna make your life easier.

1. Back Tap to Trigger Stuff

Did you know you can tap the back of your iPhone to make it do stuff? Like take a screenshot or open an app? Just go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap and set it up for double or triple tap. Super handy when your other hand’s holding a coffee or a burrito.

2. Create a “Heading Home” Shortcut

You can set up a shortcut that texts someone, checks traffic, and starts your fave playlist—all with one tap. Use the Shortcuts app and create an automation for when you leave work. It’s chef’s kiss for commutes.

3. Battery Level Automation

You can create a shortcut that turns on Low Power Mode automatically when your battery hits like 30%. No more surprises when your phone dies mid-TikTok scroll.

4. Text Your ETA

Instead of manually typing “On my way,” create a shortcut that sends your ETA based on your current location. Perfect if you’re always “5 mins away” (when you really haven’t left the house yet 😬).

5. Convert Photos to GIFs

There’s a shortcut that can turn a bunch of your photos into a GIF in seconds. Great for making meme-worthy moments or spamming your group chat.

6. Water Reminder

You can automate reminders to drink water throughout the day. Not groundbreaking, but hey—hydrated skin and fewer headaches? Yes, please.

7. Auto-Join Zoom or Google Meet

If you have recurring meetings, set a shortcut that opens the link automatically at a specific time. Less fumbling through emails when you’re already 2 mins late.

8. Speed Dial Your Faves

Make a home screen icon that calls your partner, mom, or bestie instantly. You can even use cute emojis for the icon. It’s the modern version of speed dial but way more aesthetic.

9. QR Code Scanner Shortcut

Sure, the camera scans QR codes—but you can make a shortcut that opens the scanner in one tap. Useful when you’re trying to scan a menu and your camera insists on focusing on literally everything except the code.

10. Log Your Mood

You can set a shortcut to log your mood every day into Notes or a journaling app. Helps with mental health tracking and lets you look back on how you’ve been doing.

11. Silence Notifications with One Tap

If you’re constantly switching between work mode and chill mode, set up a shortcut to turn on Do Not Disturb, lower brightness, and maybe even start your chill playlist. Tap once and vibe out.

12. Tweet from Siri

You can make a shortcut that lets you tweet just by telling Siri. It’s dangerous, yes. But also kinda fun if you’re feeling chaotic.

13. Set a Timer for Laundry (Or Literally Anything)

One tap, boom—timer set. Great if you’re constantly forgetting your clothes in the wash or burning frozen pizza.

14. Calculate Tip and Split Bill

This shortcut does the math for you when you’re out eating with friends. No more awkward calculator moments or “Wait, how much is 18% again?”

15. Auto-Text “I’m Driving”

Set a shortcut to text your friends or partner that you’re driving and can’t reply. Keeps your hands off the phone and your mom from calling 3 times in a row.

16. Shortcut for Directions Home

With one tap, you can pull up Apple or Google Maps and start navigation home, no typing needed. Especially helpful when you’re in a new area and too tired to think.

17. Clipboard Manager

You can save copied text with a shortcut. Like if you’re always copying addresses or codes and then accidentally copy something else—this one’s a lifesaver.

18. Turn on Flashlight with Siri

Yeah, you can ask Siri to turn on the flashlight, but a shortcut icon on your home screen is even quicker. Especially in the dark when you’re trying to unlock your door without waking the whole house.

19. Morning Routine Shortcut

Wake up, press one button, and have your iPhone read the weather, your calendar, and play a morning playlist. It’s basically a personal assistant minus the paycheck.

20. One-Tap Low Power Mode

Create a home screen icon that toggles Low Power Mode on/off. If your battery’s always dying (same), you’ll use this one a lot.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, once you start using shortcuts, you’ll wonder how you ever functioned without them. It’s one of those iPhone features that’s just there, but doesn’t get nearly enough hype.

Set a few up today, and I guarantee you’ll save at least a couple minutes every day—which adds up big time. Plus, it kinda feels like magic when your phone just… does stuff for you.

If you’ve got a favorite iPhone shortcut that’s not on this list, drop it in the comments! I’m always looking to make my life a little easier (and lazier)!

Also read: https://thephoneyguy.com/top-5-iphone-magsafe-accessories-that-are-actually-useful/