How to Share Siri Shortcuts on iOS 12

Apple allows you to share custom Siri Shortcuts with other users on iOS 12. Using the dedicated Shortcuts app, you can package your automated workflows into unique iCloud links and distribute them via text, email, or social media. This guide covers how to generate these sharing links, how recipients can install them, and the basic requirements needed to transfer custom shortcuts between iOS 12 devices.

To share a custom shortcut, you must use the Shortcuts app to create an iCloud URL:

  1. Open the Shortcuts app on your device running iOS 12.
  2. Locate the custom shortcut you wish to share in your Library.
  3. Tap the three-dot icon (...) on the shortcut card to open the editor.
  4. Tap the Share icon (a square with an upward arrow) located in the upper-right corner or at the bottom of the screen.
  5. Select Copy iCloud Link.
  6. Paste the copied link into a message, email, note, or web post to send it to another user.

How Recipients Add a Shared Shortcut

When a recipient receives an iCloud link to a shortcut, they can add it directly to their own collection:

  1. The recipient must have the Shortcuts app installed on their device running iOS 12 or later.
  2. Tapping the link opens Safari, which displays a preview of the shortcut and its actions.
  3. Tap Get Shortcut.
  4. The Shortcuts app will open automatically, allowing the recipient to review the actions and configure any required setup steps before adding it to their library.

Key Considerations

  • Privacy and Data: Shared shortcuts export the workflow configuration, but they do not share your private account credentials. If a shortcut requires specific API keys, contact access, or logins, the recipient will be prompted to enter their own information upon installation.
  • Independence: Once shared, the recipient's copy is entirely independent. Any future edits made to your original shortcut will not affect their version, and changes they make will not affect yours.