Set Up Time-Based Automations in iOS 12 Shortcuts

While iOS 12 introduced the Shortcuts app, it does not include a native "Automation" tab or built-in time-of-day triggers, as those features were officially launched in iOS 13. However, you can still set up scheduled, time-based triggers in iOS 12 using effective workarounds. This guide covers how to schedule shortcuts to run at specific times using URL schemes combined with third-party tools or the native Reminders app.

The iOS 12 Limitation

In iOS 12, Shortcuts operates strictly on manual input via Siri voice commands, Home Screen icons, the Shortcuts widget, or inside the Shortcuts app itself. True background execution without user intervention is not supported. To run a shortcut at a specific time, you must trigger it via a scheduled notification using a URL scheme: shortcuts://run-shortcut?name=YourShortcutName.

Launch Center Pro is a third-party utility that supports scheduled notifications paired with custom iOS URL schemes, making it the closest alternative to native scheduling on iOS 12.

  1. Get the Shortcut Name: Open the Shortcuts app and note the exact name of the shortcut you want to run.
  2. Install Launch Center Pro: Download the app from the App Store.
  3. Create an Action: Open Launch Center Pro, tap an empty slot on the grid, and select Action.
  4. Configure the URL Scheme: In the URL field, enter:
    shortcuts://run-shortcut?name=YourShortcutName
    (Replace "YourShortcutName" with your shortcut's exact title. If the title contains spaces, replace each space with %20.)
  5. Set the Schedule:
    • Scroll down to the Schedule section within the action settings.
    • Toggle Schedule on.
    • Set the specific time, recurrence (daily, weekdays, specific days), and alert sound.
  6. Save: Tap Done to save the action.

At the scheduled time, Launch Center Pro will display a notification. Tapping that notification instantly launches and runs your shortcut.

Method 2: Use the Native Reminders App

If you do not want to install third-party software, you can achieve a similar result using the built-in Reminders app.

  1. Format the URL: Prepare your URL scheme:
    shortcuts://run-shortcut?name=YourShortcutName
  2. Open Reminders: Launch the Reminders app and tap an empty line to create a new reminder.
  3. Set the Time:
    • Tap the info (i) icon next to the reminder.
    • Toggle on Remind me on a day and Remind me at a time.
    • Set the desired trigger time and select the Repeat frequency if needed.
  4. Paste the URL: Paste the shortcut URL scheme into the Notes or URL field of the reminder.
  5. Save: Tap Done.

When the notification alerts you at your specified time, open the notification and tap the link to trigger the shortcut.

Alternative: Upgrade to iOS 13 or Later

If your device supports iOS 13 or higher (iPhone 6s and newer), updating your iOS version replaces these workarounds with native functionality:

  1. Open the Shortcuts app on iOS 13 or later.
  2. Tap the Automation tab at the bottom.
  3. Tap Create Personal Automation.
  4. Select Time of Day, choose your schedule, and add your shortcut actions.