iOS 13 Siri Shortcuts Guide: How to Add and Use Siri Shortcuts on Your iPhone

One of the best productivity enhancements in iOS 13 is the revamped Siri Shortcuts feature. Now baked directly into iOS, Shortcuts lets you streamline everyday tasks by assigning them to Siri — no additional downloads required.

Whether it’s automating your morning routine, sending a message, or launching a favorite playlist, Siri Shortcuts can make your iPhone do it all — hands-free.

Here’s a simple guide to using Siri Shortcuts in iOS 13.

✅ What Are Siri Shortcuts?

Siri Shortcuts allow you to perform complex tasks or multi-step actions using just a phrase or a tap. It works with both Apple’s native apps and many third-party apps.

In iOS 13:

The Shortcuts app is built-in by default (no App Store download needed).
Updates are rolled into iOS updates.
Siri suggestions for shortcuts appear automatically based on your usage.

📲 How to Add a Siri Shortcut

Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
Tap the My Shortcuts tab at the bottom.
Tap Create Shortcut (or the “+” icon in the top-right corner).
Tap Add Action.
Choose from suggested actions or search for an app/task.
After selecting the action, tap Next.
Tap Add to Siri and record your custom phrase (or use the suggested phrase).
Tap Done to save it.

Now, just say “Hey Siri, [Your Phrase]” to run the shortcut.

⚙️ How to Automate with Siri Shortcuts

iOS 13 introduces a new Automation tab in the Shortcuts app. This allows shortcuts to run based on:

Time of day (e.g., “Start my work playlist at 9 AM”)
Arriving or leaving a location
Connecting to a charger, Wi-Fi network, or Bluetooth device

To create an automation:

Go to the Automation tab.
Tap Create Personal Automation.
Select a trigger (e.g., time of day).
Choose the action(s).
Toggle Ask Before Running off if you want it to run automatically.
Tap Done.

🗑 How to Edit or Delete a Shortcut

Open the Shortcuts app.
Long press on the shortcut you want to edit or delete.
Tap Edit.
To delete: tap the checkmark > tap the trash bin icon.
Tap Done when finished.

📱 Compatible Devices for Siri Shortcuts

iOS 13 and Siri Shortcuts are supported on:

iPhone 6s / 6s Plus
iPhone SE (1st gen)
iPhone 7 / 7 Plus
iPhone 8 / 8 Plus
iPhone X, XR, XS, XS Max
iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
iPod touch (7th gen)

🧠 Tips for Using Siri Shortcuts

Look under the Gallery tab for pre-built shortcuts from Apple and your apps.
Combine multiple actions in one shortcut (e.g., text someone, open Maps, play music).
You can run shortcuts via Home Screen widgets, Siri voice commands, or Automation triggers.

Siri Shortcuts in iOS 13 takes convenience and productivity to the next level — and you don’t need the latest iPhone to enjoy it. All it takes is a little customization and a Siri phrase, and your iPhone can do the rest.