10 Must-Have iPhone Shortcuts for Daily Productivity (with Setup Steps)

How to use this list

These are “daily driver” shortcuts—simple workflows that remove repetitive friction. For each one, I included a setup outline so you can rebuild it quickly (no sketchy downloads required). Most can be created in under 10 minutes.

At-a-glance: 10 shortcuts that pay off fast

1) Quick Capture to Notes (text + link + timestamp)

Goal: From anywhere, capture a thought in 10 seconds.

1. Action: Ask for Input (Text) → prompt: “What do you want to capture?”
2. Action: Current Date
3. Action: Get Clipboard (optional)
4. Action: Text (format: date + input + clipboard URL if it looks like a link)
5. Action: Create Note (append to “Inbox” note or a folder)

2) Inbox a Reminder (one prompt, correct list)

1. Ask for Input (Text): “New task”
2. Add New Reminder: list “Inbox” (or your preferred list)
3. Optional: Ask for Input (Date) for due date; if empty, skip

3) Share Sheet: Save Article (title + URL)

Tip: Put this in the Share Sheet so it appears in Safari.

1. Input: Safari webpage
2. Get Details of Safari Webpage: Name + URL
3. Create Note (or Add to Reading List depending on preference)

4) Screenshot Cleaner (move screenshots to a folder)

Either in Photos (album) or Files (move from Recents). The cleanest approach depends on your setup, but the key idea is: identify screenshots → move/rename → keep your camera roll clean.

5) Meeting Mode (Focus + brightness + silent + notes)

• Set Focus (Work/Meeting)
• Set Brightness (optional)
• Set Volume / Silence notifications (Focus does most of this)
• Open Notes (or your meeting app)

6) Open My Apps (a personal launcher)

If you always open the same 4–6 apps, make a menu shortcut:

1. Choose from Menu: “Email, Calendar, Notes, Tasks…”
2. Open App based on choice

7) Home Arrival (location automation)

Use an Automation trigger “Arrive” at Home to run a shortcut: set Focus, play music, open a checklist, etc. Some actions may require confirmation depending on iOS version.

8) Low Battery Saver (automatically reduce drain)

• Automation trigger: Battery Level falls below 25%
• Actions: Low Power Mode ON, reduce brightness, disable nonessential settings (what’s available varies)

9) Daily Briefing (weather + calendar + top tasks)

Keep it short. A briefing you won’t read is useless. Pull 3–5 data points max, then show as a notification or open a note.

10) Clipboard to Calendar Draft

Best for people who paste “Tue 3pm – Project sync” often. You can keep it simple: Ask for title → Ask for date/time → Create event.

Checklist: keep your shortcuts reliable

• Name them clearly (“Capture → Notes”, “Meeting Mode”).
• Add a final notification (“Saved to Notes”).
• Handle empty input (if user cancels, stop).
• Avoid too many permissions at once—add them gradually.

FAQ

Should I download prebuilt shortcuts?
It can be fine, but review every action before running. If you’re new, rebuilding is safer and teaches you faster.

Why do some automations ask for confirmation?
Apple restricts certain actions/triggers for privacy and control. This can vary by iOS version and the exact actions used.

Where do I put these shortcuts?
Pin your top 3 to the Home Screen or Today View. Convenience is the whole point.

What’s one shortcut I should build first?
Quick Capture to Notes (or Reminders). It compounds quickly.

How do I share a shortcut with someone?
Use the Share button in Shortcuts to create an iCloud link (if enabled).

Next reads

• Create Your First Shortcut (Step-by-Step)
• Automation Triggers Explained