Shortcuts on iPhone

On Mac, Alfred already boosts efficiency. On iPhone, the official Shortcuts app can also help. Here are some workflows I use.

Common shortcuts

1. Quickly open ID document

   • I renew every three days for health checks. To make it easy, I store my ID file in iCloud and use a shortcut to open it. I avoid Photos because it contains personal pictures, and ID info is sensitive. So I store it as a file instead.

2. Unicom SMS quick send

   • For common SMS like points redemption, I add them as options and trigger send directly.

3. Quickly open cycling workout (Go)

   • For daily commuting, I want to quickly open Workout -> Cycling. I built a shortcut for that.

   • I also show it on Apple Watch and place it prominently on the watch face for one‑tap start.

     

4. Make GIF

   To enrich WeChat stickers, I often record short videos and convert to GIF with one tap. Then in WeChat, long‑press to add as a sticker.

5. WeChat scan

   This simply opens the WeChat scan URL scheme: weixin://scanqrcode

   I summarized a list of common app URL schemes here

6. AirDrop latest image

   Sometimes after saving an image, I want to send it to another device without searching in Photos.

7. ChatGPT Chinese‑English translation

   • Requires the ChatGPT iOS app
   • Install

etc.

Notes

1. These workflows are based on my own needs and are not universal. This is more about ideas; build your own based on your use cases. The barrier is low.
2. What Shortcuts can do depends on the host system (iPhone/Mac, etc.) and the capabilities exposed by apps. Understand the limitations.