1. Force stop Shortcuts app

Your iPhone automations may stop suddenly if there is not much free RAM space. Therefore, close apps, including Shortcuts, from running in the background. To force stop the app, swipe up on the Shortcuts app from the app drawer. Open the Shortcut app again after 10 seconds and try running any task.

2. Refresh Siri settings

If your Siri Shortcuts commands are not responding, cross-check your Siri settings. You may also restart your iPhone before switching on the settings. Besides, check if other options are enabled for the Shortcuts app. 

3. Add “Wait to Return” 

The Wait to Return script pauses the shortcut execution until you return to the app again. It’s helpful if you want to halt the actions of Shortcuts while not in use and you often use them. Also, it optimizes your iPhone’s battery.

4. Check the Shortcut source

Every Shortcut is meant to operate differently and runs from specific apps. Few shortcuts work from the Shortcut app, whereas some are accessible only from the Share Sheet. Sometimes a shortcut appears on Share Sheet but operates only from the assigned app. Therefore, try running it elsewhere if a particular iPhone automation is not working. If your desired shortcut is not available on the Share Sheet, follow the steps below:

5. Enable Shortcut for the locked screen

If you face iOS 16 Shortcuts not working while your iPhone is locked, do the following:

6. Use official Shortcuts 

Third-party shortcuts downloaded from the web can be buggy or broken and not function as required. So, I recommend using shortcuts from the app library. 

7. Allow untrusted sources

If you can’t find your required iPhone automation in the Gallery, you must download it from the web. But due to security purposes, Apple doesn’t allow running third-party scripts. So, you need to Allow Untrusted Shortcuts to use shortcuts you’ve added from other locations on your iPhone.

8. Verify Shortcut steps 

Sometimes, a shortcut suddenly stops working while running or doesn’t provide the final output after running. In this case, the script may have missing actions. Therefore, you must check the script steps and edit the Shortcut to get the desired results.  But be careful as the internal working are pretty complex, and the simplest changes can affect the functionality.   For instance, if a shortcut only gives a media output, ensure the Save action is appended at the end. Then, it will fix if a shortcut initially succeeds but fails to save the finished document. Similarly, check that “If there’s no input” is set to “Ask For” if a shortcut doesn’t appear to do anything when you press it. 

9. Delete and re-setup Shortcut

If a few Siri Shortcuts are giving you trouble while the others are operating well, there is a problem with those in particular. You may fix this Shortcuts app not working issue by removing the broken one and generating a new shortcut version.  Now, to add the shortcut again, go to Gallery → search and choose the shortcut → tap Add Shortcut.

10. Delete iCloud data

Your iCloud stores the downloaded shortcuts on your iPhone. But if the Shortcuts app can’t retrieve the cloud data correctly, it may stop working. So, I suggest deleting existing iCloud data for the Shortcuts app and 

11. Delete old Shortcuts and automations

Your old installed shortcuts could sometimes be outdated, and the actions linked to any old apps or shut websites won’t function. Sometimes you will get a message telling you why. So, look for an alternative. Besides, getting rid of old personal automation may be beneficial.

12. Clear iPhone storage

You can experience several annoyances, including broken shortcuts if your iPhone is short on free space. Therefore, free up space on your iPhone to ensure that automation runs well.

13. Remove the Shortcuts app

Uninstall and reinstall the Shortcuts app to iron out bugs and glitches. First, sync shortcuts with your iCloud. After that, delete the app from your iPhone and then download it from the App Store. Once installation is done, go to Settings → your name → iCloud, and toggle Shortcuts on and off. 

14. Basic fixes for Shortcuts not working on iPhone

Check your internet: Running some shortcuts requires an internet connection, so ensure you have strong cellular or Wi-Fi network.    Offload and reinstall the app: If the Shortcuts app data is corrupted or has accumulated a large amount of memory, offload the app. Then install it from the App Store.   Restart your iPhone: Apple suggests restarting iPhone to solve minor software bugs and temporary glitches. Update iPhone: Using outdated iOS can cause malfunctions. Therefore, regularly update your iPhone. Go to Settings → General → Software Update. Tap Download & Install to get the latest software version. Restore your iPhone: Siri Shortcuts not working might result from a clashing of multiple iPhone settings. So, factory reset your iPhone to get back to the default settings.

Get back your productivity! Shortcuts on an iPhone are a fantastic feature that can make your life easier by automating tasks and saving you time. However, it can be frustrating when they stop working and disrupt your daily routine. I hope the above-mentioned troubleshooting tips will help you to fix the problem and get your shortcuts up and running again. Explore more…

How to use the Shortcuts app on iPhone and iPad like a PRO Best Shortcuts supported apps for iPhone and iPad How to use Shortcuts on Apple Watch Google search not working on iPhone? 14 Ways to fix it! 14 Ways to fix Shortcuts not working on iPhone - 5614 Ways to fix Shortcuts not working on iPhone - 6414 Ways to fix Shortcuts not working on iPhone - 1114 Ways to fix Shortcuts not working on iPhone - 9614 Ways to fix Shortcuts not working on iPhone - 1514 Ways to fix Shortcuts not working on iPhone - 4914 Ways to fix Shortcuts not working on iPhone - 7114 Ways to fix Shortcuts not working on iPhone - 9914 Ways to fix Shortcuts not working on iPhone - 6914 Ways to fix Shortcuts not working on iPhone - 1414 Ways to fix Shortcuts not working on iPhone - 1814 Ways to fix Shortcuts not working on iPhone - 714 Ways to fix Shortcuts not working on iPhone - 4


title: “14 Ways To Fix Shortcuts Not Working On Iphone” ShowToc: true date: “2023-07-04” author: “Linda Deleone”

1. Force stop Shortcuts app

Your iPhone automations may stop suddenly if there is not much free RAM space. Therefore, close apps, including Shortcuts, from running in the background. To force stop the app, swipe up on the Shortcuts app from the app drawer. Open the Shortcut app again after 10 seconds and try running any task.

2. Refresh Siri settings

If your Siri Shortcuts commands are not responding, cross-check your Siri settings. You may also restart your iPhone before switching on the settings. Besides, check if other options are enabled for the Shortcuts app. 

3. Add “Wait to Return” 

The Wait to Return script pauses the shortcut execution until you return to the app again. It’s helpful if you want to halt the actions of Shortcuts while not in use and you often use them. Also, it optimizes your iPhone’s battery.

4. Check the Shortcut source

Every Shortcut is meant to operate differently and runs from specific apps. Few shortcuts work from the Shortcut app, whereas some are accessible only from the Share Sheet. Sometimes a shortcut appears on Share Sheet but operates only from the assigned app. Therefore, try running it elsewhere if a particular iPhone automation is not working. If your desired shortcut is not available on the Share Sheet, follow the steps below:

5. Enable Shortcut for the locked screen

If you face iOS 16 Shortcuts not working while your iPhone is locked, do the following:

6. Use official Shortcuts 

Third-party shortcuts downloaded from the web can be buggy or broken and not function as required. So, I recommend using shortcuts from the app library. 

7. Allow untrusted sources

If you can’t find your required iPhone automation in the Gallery, you must download it from the web. But due to security purposes, Apple doesn’t allow running third-party scripts. So, you need to Allow Untrusted Shortcuts to use shortcuts you’ve added from other locations on your iPhone.

8. Verify Shortcut steps 

Sometimes, a shortcut suddenly stops working while running or doesn’t provide the final output after running. In this case, the script may have missing actions. Therefore, you must check the script steps and edit the Shortcut to get the desired results.  But be careful as the internal working are pretty complex, and the simplest changes can affect the functionality.   For instance, if a shortcut only gives a media output, ensure the Save action is appended at the end. Then, it will fix if a shortcut initially succeeds but fails to save the finished document. Similarly, check that “If there’s no input” is set to “Ask For” if a shortcut doesn’t appear to do anything when you press it. 

9. Delete and re-setup Shortcut

If a few Siri Shortcuts are giving you trouble while the others are operating well, there is a problem with those in particular. You may fix this Shortcuts app not working issue by removing the broken one and generating a new shortcut version.  Now, to add the shortcut again, go to Gallery → search and choose the shortcut → tap Add Shortcut.

10. Delete iCloud data

Your iCloud stores the downloaded shortcuts on your iPhone. But if the Shortcuts app can’t retrieve the cloud data correctly, it may stop working. So, I suggest deleting existing iCloud data for the Shortcuts app and 

11. Delete old Shortcuts and automations

Your old installed shortcuts could sometimes be outdated, and the actions linked to any old apps or shut websites won’t function. Sometimes you will get a message telling you why. So, look for an alternative. Besides, getting rid of old personal automation may be beneficial.

12. Clear iPhone storage

You can experience several annoyances, including broken shortcuts if your iPhone is short on free space. Therefore, free up space on your iPhone to ensure that automation runs well.

13. Remove the Shortcuts app

Uninstall and reinstall the Shortcuts app to iron out bugs and glitches. First, sync shortcuts with your iCloud. After that, delete the app from your iPhone and then download it from the App Store. Once installation is done, go to Settings → your name → iCloud, and toggle Shortcuts on and off. 

14. Basic fixes for Shortcuts not working on iPhone

Check your internet: Running some shortcuts requires an internet connection, so ensure you have strong cellular or Wi-Fi network.    Offload and reinstall the app: If the Shortcuts app data is corrupted or has accumulated a large amount of memory, offload the app. Then install it from the App Store.   Restart your iPhone: Apple suggests restarting iPhone to solve minor software bugs and temporary glitches. Update iPhone: Using outdated iOS can cause malfunctions. Therefore, regularly update your iPhone. Go to Settings → General → Software Update. Tap Download & Install to get the latest software version. Restore your iPhone: Siri Shortcuts not working might result from a clashing of multiple iPhone settings. So, factory reset your iPhone to get back to the default settings.

Get back your productivity! Shortcuts on an iPhone are a fantastic feature that can make your life easier by automating tasks and saving you time. However, it can be frustrating when they stop working and disrupt your daily routine. I hope the above-mentioned troubleshooting tips will help you to fix the problem and get your shortcuts up and running again. Explore more…

How to use the Shortcuts app on iPhone and iPad like a PRO Best Shortcuts supported apps for iPhone and iPad How to use Shortcuts on Apple Watch Google search not working on iPhone? 14 Ways to fix it! 14 Ways to fix Shortcuts not working on iPhone - 2014 Ways to fix Shortcuts not working on iPhone - 1914 Ways to fix Shortcuts not working on iPhone - 414 Ways to fix Shortcuts not working on iPhone - 1014 Ways to fix Shortcuts not working on iPhone - 5114 Ways to fix Shortcuts not working on iPhone - 9314 Ways to fix Shortcuts not working on iPhone - 7514 Ways to fix Shortcuts not working on iPhone - 9914 Ways to fix Shortcuts not working on iPhone - 5514 Ways to fix Shortcuts not working on iPhone - 7414 Ways to fix Shortcuts not working on iPhone - 2414 Ways to fix Shortcuts not working on iPhone - 6014 Ways to fix Shortcuts not working on iPhone - 45