How to Create Multi-Step Siri Shortcuts in iOS 12

This guide explains how to build a custom multi-step workflow using the Siri Shortcuts app in iOS 12. You will learn how to initialize a new shortcut, chain multiple actions together using data passing, configure dynamic inputs, test your automation, and assign a personalized voice command for seamless hands-free execution.

1. Download and Open the Shortcuts App

In iOS 12, the Shortcuts app must be downloaded from the App Store if it is not already installed on your device. Launch the app and tap the Create Shortcut button to open the workflow canvas.

2. Search for and Add Actions

Actions are the individual building blocks of a workflow.

  • Tap the search bar at the bottom of the screen to open the action library.
  • Browse actions by category (such as Apps, Scripting, Media, or Sharing) or search directly for specific tasks.
  • Tap an action to add it to your canvas, or drag and drop it into your preferred position.

3. Connect Actions to Create a Multi-Step Sequence

To build a functional multi-step workflow, arrange actions in logical order so data flows from top to bottom. For example, to build a "Heading Home" automation:

  1. Get Travel Time: Add the "Get Travel Time" action and set the destination to your home address.
  2. Text: Add a "Text" action below it. Tap inside the text box, select the "Travel Time" variable from the variable bar above the keyboard, and type a message like: "I am on my way home. ETA is [Travel Time]."
  3. Send Message: Add the "Send Message" action. The text from the previous step will automatically pass into the message body. Specify the recipient in the contact field.

4. Use Magic Variables for Advanced Data Passing

If an action later in the sequence needs information from an earlier step that isn't directly above it:

  • Tap within an action parameter where you want to insert data.
  • Tap the Magic Variable button in the keyboard toolbar.
  • Select any previously generated output highlighted in blue on the canvas.

5. Test the Workflow

Tap the Play button at the top of the screen to run the shortcut in test mode. The workflow will execute each step sequentially. If an error occurs, the editor will pause at the faulty action so you can adjust parameters or data types.

6. Name and Assign a Siri Voice Phrase

  • Tap the Settings icon (two toggle switches) in the upper-right corner of the canvas.
  • Enter a recognizable name and customize the shortcut's icon and color.
  • Tap Add to Siri.
  • Tap the red Record button and speak the custom phrase you want to use to trigger this multi-step sequence (for example, "Heading home").
  • Tap Done to save the voice shortcut, and tap Done again to exit the editor.

Your custom multi-step shortcut is now ready to run by invoking Siri with your recorded phrase, through the Shortcuts widget, or directly from the app.