How to Set Up Location Triggers for Shortcuts in iOS 12

This article explains how to run Siri Shortcuts based on your geographic location in iOS 12. Because iOS 12 does not include the automated background trigger system found in later iOS versions, setting up location-based shortcuts requires either training native Siri Suggestions or using Apple's Reminders app alongside URL schemes to trigger notifications when arriving at or leaving specific locations.

Understanding Location Triggers in iOS 12

In iOS 12, the Shortcuts app cannot run tasks completely in the background based on geofencing. To trigger a shortcut based on your location, you must use one of two methods:

  1. Siri Suggestions: iOS learns your routines and automatically displays a shortcut suggestion on your Lock screen when you reach a specific place.
  2. URL Schemes via the Reminders App: Create a location-based reminder containing the shortcut’s URL callback, giving you a prompt to execute the action the moment you enter or exit a geofenced area.

Method 1: Enabling Native Siri Suggestions by Location

Siri monitors routine locations and suggests shortcuts at relevant times and places.

  1. Open the Settings app on your iOS device.
  2. Navigate to Privacy > Location Services.
  3. Ensure Location Services is toggled on.
  4. Scroll down, select System Services, and turn on Location-Based Suggestions and Significant Locations.
  5. Return to the main Settings menu, tap Siri & Search, and scroll to the Shortcuts section.
  6. Verify that shortcuts from the Shortcuts app are allowed.
  7. Run the specific shortcut manually several times while at your desired location (such as home or work). Over time, iOS will display the shortcut as a Lock screen notification whenever you arrive at that location.

Method 2: Creating Exact Location Triggers Using Reminders

To receive a deliberate prompt every time you arrive at or depart from an exact address, use the iOS Reminders app combined with the Shortcuts URL scheme.

Step 1: Format the Shortcut URL

Identify the exact name of the shortcut you want to run. Replace any spaces in the title with %20.

The structure is: shortcuts://run-shortcut?name=Your%20Shortcut%20Name

(Example: For a shortcut named "Arrive Home", the URL is shortcuts://run-shortcut?name=Arrive%20Home)

Step 2: Configure the Location Reminder

  1. Open the built-in Reminders app.
  2. Create a new reminder and give it a name describing the task.
  3. Tap the "i" (Information) icon next to the reminder.
  4. Paste your formatted URL into the URL or Notes field.
  5. Toggle on Remind me at a location.
  6. Tap Location and choose your desired location (e.g., current location, Home, or a custom address).
  7. Select either When I arrive... or When I leave....
  8. Set the geofence perimeter using the map slider.
  9. Tap Done to save the reminder.

When you cross the geofence perimeter, iOS 12 will trigger a notification. Tapping the notification opens the reminder; tapping the attached URL instantly launches the Shortcuts app and runs your designated task.