How to Use Ask for Input in iOS 12 Shortcuts

The "Ask for Input" action in iOS 12 Shortcuts allows you to create dynamic, interactive automations by prompting the user for information while a shortcut is running. This guide provides a straightforward walkthrough on how to locate, configure, and use the "Ask for Input" action to capture various types of data—such as text, numbers, dates, and URLs—and pass that data into subsequent actions within your workflow.

Adding the Action to Your Shortcut

  1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iOS 12 device.
  2. Tap the Create Shortcut button, or tap an existing shortcut to edit it.
  3. Tap the search bar at the bottom of the screen.
  4. Type Ask for Input into the search field.
  5. Tap on the Ask for Input action to add it to your shortcut canvas.

Configuring the Prompt and Input Type

Once the action is added to your workflow, you can customize how it prompts the user:

  • Prompt Question: Tap the Prompt field within the action card and type the question or instruction you want to display on screen (for example, "What is your name?" or "Enter the tip percentage").
  • Input Type: By default, the action accepts Text. Tap the word "Text" to change the expected data type. You can choose from:
    • Text: Opens a standard keyboard for alphanumeric input.
    • Number: Opens a numeric keypad, restricting the input to numbers.
    • URL: Optimizes the keyboard for entering web addresses.
    • Date: Displays a date picker wheel.
    • Time: Displays a time picker wheel.
    • Date & Time: Displays a combined date and time selector.

Setting Advanced Options

Tap Show More on the action card to reveal optional settings:

  • Default Answer: Pre-fills the prompt with a preset value. If the user does not type anything and taps "OK," this default value is used.
  • Input Type Specifics: Depending on the type selected (like Numbers), additional toggles such as allowing decimal points or negative numbers will appear here.

Using the Captured Input

When the shortcut runs, the data entered by the user becomes the output of the "Ask for Input" action, labeled as Provided Input.

  1. Add a subsequent action to your shortcut (such as Show Result, Send Message, or Add New Event).
  2. Tap on any text field within the new action where you want to insert the data.
  3. Select Provided Input from the variable bar above the keyboard.
  4. If the variable bar is not visible, tap the blue Magic Variable wand icon above the keyboard and tap the output area directly beneath your "Ask for Input" action.

When you run the shortcut, a pop-up dialog will appear requesting your input, and the entered data will automatically flow into the next steps of your automation.