Introduction
In 2025, the iPhone’s Shortcuts app remains a game-changer for automating tasks and enhancing efficiency in both professional and personal settings. Shortcuts allow users to combine multiple actions into a single tap or Siri command, saving time and reducing manual effort. From organizing work tasks to simplifying daily routines, shortcuts can transform how you use your iPhone. This article explores the most practical iPhone shortcuts for work and life, answering the question: What are the most useful shortcuts to streamline your day? All recommendations are drawn from trusted sources, ensuring relevance and reliability as of May 2025.
Understanding iPhone Shortcuts
The Shortcuts app, pre-installed on iPhones running iOS 13 or later (or downloadable for iOS 12 from the App Store), enables users to create custom workflows or use pre-existing ones. These workflows can automate tasks like sending messages, generating documents, or controlling smart home devices. Shortcuts can be accessed via the app, added as Home screen widgets, or triggered with Siri. The app’s Gallery offers many ready-to-use shortcuts, while third-party shortcuts can be downloaded from reputable sources, sometimes requiring the “Allow Untrusted Shortcuts” setting to be enabled in Settings > Shortcuts.
Shortcuts for Work
These shortcuts are tailored for professionals looking to boost productivity, stay organized, and maintain focus during work hours. They address common workplace needs, such as task management and communication.
1. Location-Based Reminders
- Description: Set reminders that activate when you arrive at or leave a specific location, such as your office or a client’s site. For example, you can set a reminder to prepare for a meeting when you arrive at work.
- Why It’s Useful: Ensures you never forget location-specific tasks, making it ideal for dynamic schedules. It integrates with the Reminders app and uses GPS for accuracy.
- How to Access: Available in the Shortcuts app Gallery or via Zight.
2. Declutter Reminders
- Description: Automatically delete completed reminders to keep your task list clean and focused on pending actions.
- Why It’s Useful: A clutter-free task list reduces distractions and helps prioritize work, especially during busy days.
- How to Access: Find it in the Shortcuts app or on Zight.
3. Easily Create PDF Documents
- Description: Convert photos, web pages, or documents into PDFs with a single tap, ready for sharing via email or other apps.
- Why It’s Useful: Simplifies sharing professional documents like reports or presentations, saving time on formatting.
- How to Access: Available in the Shortcuts app or through Zight.
4. Set a DND Timer to Get Your Focus Back
- Description: Activate Do Not Disturb mode for a specified duration to minimize distractions during focused work sessions.
- Why It’s Useful: Helps you concentrate on tasks or meetings without interruptions from notifications.
- How to Access: Available in the Shortcuts app or via Zight.
Shortcuts for Life
These shortcuts make everyday tasks easier, support personal goals, and enhance convenience. They’re perfect for managing personal responsibilities or adding ease to daily routines.
1. Tip Your Server the Perfect Amount Using a Custom Percentage
- Description: Calculate the perfect tip amount based on your bill and a customizable percentage (e.g., 12%, 15%, 18%, 20%).
- Why It’s Useful: Saves time and ensures accurate tipping when dining out, reducing mental math.
- How to Access: Available in the Shortcuts app or via Zight.
2. Quickly Pinpoint Exact Travel Times to Any Address
- Description: Get precise travel times to any address, integrating with navigation apps like Apple Maps.
- Why It’s Useful: Helps plan commutes, trips, or errands efficiently, reducing travel-related stress.
- How to Access: Find it in the Shortcuts app or on Zight.
3. Notify Your Event Contact When You’re Running Late
- Description: Automatically send a notification to a contact when you’re running late for an event, based on your current location and estimated arrival time.
- Why It’s Useful: Keeps social and family commitments on track without manual messaging.
- How to Access: Available via Zight.
4. Track Your Water Intake
- Description: Log daily water intake and receive summaries to help you meet hydration goals.
- Why It’s Useful: Supports health by encouraging consistent hydration, a key aspect of well-being.
- How to Access: Available in the Shortcuts app or on Zight.
Versatile Shortcuts for Both Work and Life
These shortcuts are flexible, offering value in both professional and personal contexts, making them essential for any iPhone user.
1. Clip Online Text Directly to Apple Notes
- Description: Save text from any app (e.g., Safari, Messages) directly to Apple Notes with a single tap.
- Why It’s Useful: Ideal for saving research, ideas, or important information for work projects or personal use.
- How to Access: Find it in the Shortcuts app or on Zight.
2. Get Directions to Any Calendar Event With A Single Tap
- Description: Get directions to your next calendar event, whether it’s a work meeting or a social gathering, with one tap.
- Why It’s Useful: Saves time and ensures punctuality for appointments.
- How to Access: Available in the Shortcuts app or via Zight.
3. Receipt/Document Scanner & Storage
- Description: Scan receipts or documents and store them in iCloud or Dropbox, organized for easy access.
- Why It’s Useful: Perfect for tracking work expenses or maintaining personal records like warranties.
- How to Access: Available via Zight.
How to Set Up Shortcuts
To use these shortcuts, follow these steps:
- Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
- Search for shortcuts in the Gallery section by name (e.g., “Create PDF”).
- For third-party shortcuts, visit trusted sources like Zight and download via provided links.
- Enable “Allow Untrusted Shortcuts” in Settings > Shortcuts for non-Apple shortcuts.
- Customize settings as prompted (e.g., setting locations or contacts).
Always download shortcuts from reputable sources to ensure safety. You can also create custom shortcuts in the app to tailor actions to your specific needs.
Conclusion
iPhone shortcuts are a powerful way to enhance efficiency and convenience in both work and personal life. By automating repetitive tasks and simplifying complex actions, these tools help you focus on what matters most. Whether you’re organizing your workday or streamlining daily errands, the Shortcuts app offers endless possibilities. Start exploring these shortcuts today to unlock the full potential of your iPhone in 2025.
Summary Table of Shortcuts
| Shortcut Name | Category | Key Benefit | Source Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location-Based Reminders | Work | Task automation based on location | Zight |
| Declutter Reminders | Work | Keeps task list organized | Zight |
| Easily Create PDF Documents | Work | Simplifies document sharing | Zight |
| Set a DND Timer to Get Your Focus Back | Work | Enhances focus during tasks | Zight |
| Tip Your Server the Perfect Amount | Life | Accurate tipping made easy | Zight |
| Quickly Pinpoint Exact Travel Times | Life | Efficient travel planning | Zight |
| Notify Your Event Contact When Running Late | Life | Maintains social commitments | Zight |
| Track Your Water Intake | Life | Supports hydration goals | Zight |
| Clip Online Text Directly to Apple Notes | Both | Saves information quickly | Zight |
| Get Directions to Any Calendar Event | Both | Ensures punctuality | Zight |
| Receipt/Document Scanner & Storage | Both | Organizes records | Zight |
