How to Add Shortcuts Widget to Today View in iOS 12

This guide provides a straightforward walkthrough on how to add the Shortcuts widget to the Today View on an iPhone or iPad running iOS 12. By placing this widget in your Today View, you can trigger your favorite automated tasks and custom shortcuts with a single tap directly from your Lock screen or Home screen without needing to launch the Shortcuts app.

Steps to Add the Shortcuts Widget

  1. Open the Today View: From your Home screen or Lock screen, swipe right until you reach the Today View screen.
  2. Enter Edit Mode: Scroll all the way down to the bottom of the screen and tap the circular Edit button.
  3. Locate Shortcuts: Scroll down to the More Widgets section, which lists all available widgets that are not currently active. Find Shortcuts in the alphabetical list.
  4. Add the Widget: Tap the green plus (+) icon next to Shortcuts to move it up to the active widgets section.
  5. Reorder (Optional): To change where the widget appears on your screen, touch and hold the three horizontal lines next to Shortcuts and drag it up or down to your preferred position.
  6. Save Changes: Tap Done in the top-right corner of the screen to apply your settings.

Customizing Which Shortcuts Appear

The Shortcuts widget displays shortcuts configured to show in the widget area. To manage which actions appear:

  1. Open the Shortcuts app on your device.
  2. Tap the three dots (...) on any shortcut to edit it.
  3. Tap the Settings/Details icon (located beneath the "Done" button in the top-right corner).
  4. Ensure the toggle for Show in Widget is switched on.
  5. Tap Done to save the shortcut settings.