Fix Shortcuts Not Working iPhone [iOS 17]

This article provides solutions for the “shortcuts not working iPhone” issue in iOS 17. It outlines seven easy steps, from restarting your iPhone to contacting Apple Support. These methods are designed to get your shortcuts working smoothly!

Author Avatar Joy Taylor Last Updated: May. 06, 2024

Are you struggling with the “shortcuts not working iPhone” issue on iOS 17? Consider trying to automate your morning routine with a shortcut, but it fails to launch. Or imagine setting up a shortcut to get directions quickly, but it just won’t activate. These problems can be frustrating for any iPhone user.

In this guide, we will cover several practical fixes to address these issues. Whether you’re an experienced iPhone user or new to iOS, these steps are easy to follow. Let’s fix this issue to ensure your daily tasks remain effortless and efficient.

What Is Shortcuts on iPhone?

Shortcuts on the iPhone are a feature that lets users automate tasks. With it, you can create custom actions using various apps and services. For example, you can set a shortcut to send a message, play music, or open a map route with just a tap or voice command. It’s like having a personal assistant on your phone.

You can find ready-made shortcuts in the app or make your own. This tool helps save time and streamline everyday activities. It’s especially useful for repetitive tasks. With shortcuts, you can simplify complex sequences into easy, quick actions. This feature enhances iPhone usability. So making it more efficient and customized to your needs.

Until now, you know what shortcuts are on iPhone. Now, let’s understand why shortcuts not working iPhone.

Why Is iPhone Shortcuts Not Working?

iOS 17 brings small updates, including changes to current features for today’s users. No software is perfect, and this is true for all big companies. Several reasons might explain why iPhone shortcuts don’t work. Here’s a list of possible causes.

  • iPhone features might not work well due to RAM management and resource-saving modes.
  • An unstable iOS update can cause errors, including with Shortcuts.
  • Shortcuts may not work if the app version is outdated.
  • Incorrect settings related to shortcuts can lead to problems.
  • System glitches on the iPhone can also cause shortcuts to stop working.

Now that you know the possible causes of why “iPhone shortcuts not working.” Next, let’s see how to fix this issue.

7 Fixes for Shortcuts Not Working iPhone

It is a very frustrating experience when the shortcuts on your iPhone don’t work. Let’s discuss seven practical fixes for resolving this issue on your iPhone.

Fix 1. Restart iPhone and Shortcuts App

If iPhone shortcuts not working, first try restarting the app. Close it and reopen it. This can fix minor glitches. If that doesn’t work, a restart of your iPhone might help. It clears temporary issues that might be affecting the app. Restarting the app and phone is a quick and easy first step in troubleshooting.

Force Restart iPhone to Fix iPhone Not Responding to Touch or Screen Frozen

Force Restart iPhone

To reboot an iPhone 8 or later:

  1. Press and release the volume up button.
  2. Press and release the volume down button.
  3. Hold the side/power button until the Apple logo shows.
  4. Let go of the side button.

For iPhone 7:

  1. Press and hold both the volume down and the sleep/wake buttons.
  2. Release when the Apple logo appears.

For iPhone 6:

  1. Long press and hold the Wake/ Sleep and the Home buttons together.
  2. Release them when the Apple logo appears.

After restraining your iPhone, restart the shortcuts app. If doing so doesn’t resolve the issue, move to the next fix!

Fix 2. Re-setup Shortcuts

In some cases, the issue might be with a specific shortcut rather than the app or the operating system. If this is the case, the solution is to delete the problematic shortcut and create a new one. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1. Open the Shortcuts app.

Step 2. Tap ”Select” in the top right corner, near the plus (+) icon.

Step 3. Choose the shortcuts you wish to remove.

Step 4. Tap ‘Delete’ to remove them.

Delete the Shortcuts

Delete the Shortcuts

Step 5. To make a new shortcut, tap the plus (+) icon at the top right and follow the steps.

Now, let’s go to the next fix for shortcuts not working iPhone. This will help your shortcuts work better on your iPhone. Let’s see what it is.

Fix 3. Re-enable the Automation

If your Shortcuts aren’t working, try re-enabling Automation. And you can follow the steps below.

  1. First, open the Shortcuts app.
  2. Then, find your Automations tab.
  3. Turn off each automation and turn them back on.
Re-enable the Automation

Re-enable the Automation

This simple step can fix issues. It refreshes the settings and often gets things working again.

After trying to re-enable automation, let’s explore another solution to address the issue of “iPhone shortcuts not working.” This next step could be the key to resolving any remaining problems.

Fix 4. Fix System Issues

To fix the “shortcuts not working iPhone” issue without losing data, you can use a smart tool: AnyFix – iOS System Recovery. This software helps with various iOS system issues. It’s great for common problems, like an iPhone shortcut not working, stuck on Apple logo, stuck on recovery mode, won’t turn on, frozen screen, etc. It’s easy to use and works fast, ideal for non-tech users. A big plus is it fixes problems without losing data. This is important for those who don’t back up their phone often. And it also offers 3 repair modes to meet different needs. AnyFix supports all iPhone models and iOS versions, making it versatile.

Here’s how to use AnyFix to fix shortcuts not working iPhone.

Step 1. Firstly, free download and install AnyFix on your computer. Then, choose the System Repair Mode.

Free Download

Free Download

* 100% Clean & Safe

Free Download * 100% Clean & Safe

AnyFix System Repair Option

AnyFix System Repair Option

Step 2. You will see the below interface as your device is detected. Now select the Start Now Button.

AnyFix System Repair Device Bug

AnyFix System Repair Device Bug

Step 3. You can select a mode to repair your iOS device. Now select the Standard Repair option first to avoid data loss.

AnyFix Standard Repair

AnyFix Standard Repair

Step 4. After clicking the standard repair button, you will see the below interface. Click on the Download button.

AnyFix System Repair Firmware Download

AnyFix System Repair Firmware Download

Step 5. As the firmware download completes, you will see the below page. Click the Start Standard Repair button.

AnyFix System Repair Firmware Finish Downloading

AnyFix System Repair Firmware Finish Downloading

Step 6. Now, AnyFix will automatically repair your iOS device.

Repair Is Completed

Repair Is Completed

This is all about how to use Anyfix to fix system issues. If you are not satisfied with this method, you can try the next one!

Fix 5. Clear iPhone Storage

To fix issues with shortcuts, clear clutter from your iPhone. To do this:

  1. Open Settings, then General, and go to iPhone Storage.
  2. You might see suggestions to free up space. Follow these as needed.
  3. Also, check how much space each app uses. Delete apps or files you don’t use.
Select iPhone Storage

Select iPhone Storage

If your iPhone’s storage is nearly full, use more tips to free up memory. This can help shortcuts work better. If this method doesn’t work for you, try the next one!

Fix 6. Reset All Settings

If Shortcuts still isn’t working, try resetting all settings on your iPhone. This won’t delete your data, but it resets system settings to default. Here are the steps.

  1. Go to Settings > General > Reset and select ”Reset All Settings”.
  2. You’ll need to enter your passcode to reset.
Select Reset All Settings

Select Reset All Settings

This resets network, privacy, and location settings, among others. It can often fix issues with apps like shortcuts. You’ll have to set up some settings again after this reset.

However, if you don’t want to reset all settings, you can try the next fix on ”shortcuts not working iPhone.”

Fix 7. Contact Apple Support

If other solutions fail, reach out to Apple Support. They’re skilled in handling iPhone issues. You can call them, chat online, or go to an Apple Store. Their team can give specialized help. They can solve complex problems that other steps can’t. This should be your go-to for stubborn issues with Shortcuts.

This is the last solution that you can try to fix this issue! Hopefully, trying the above fixes will help you to get rid of the issue!

FAQs about iPhone Shortcuts

Q1. Do shortcuts work when iPhone is locked?

Shortcuts don’t work when your iPhone is locked. This keeps your phone secure. To use a shortcut, you need to unlock your iPhone first. This is to make sure only you or someone else can use the shortcuts. While most shortcuts won’t run with the iPhone locked, Siri can enable some of them. So, if a shortcut is set up with Siri, you can use it even when your phone is locked. This is useful for quick tasks without needing to unlock your phone.

Q2. What is the shortcut to restart an iPhone?

There’s no shortcut in the Shortcuts app to restart an iPhone. You need to use the phone’s buttons to do this. New updates might change this, so it’s good to keep checking. For the latest info, look at Apple’s website or tech news.

The Bottom Line

In a nutshell, resolving the “Shortcuts not working iPhone” issue in iOS 17 is easy with these seven steps. Each method is clear-cut and might be the solution you need. And we highly recommend you try AnyFix for free first due to its convenience and high success rate. Just fix Shortcuts not working iPhone now! And make the most of your iPhone’s shortcuts to simplify your daily routines.

Free Download

Free Download

* 100% Clean & Safe

Free Download * 100% Clean & Safe

Author Avatar
Joy Taylor Twitter Share Facebook Share

Senior writer of the iMobie team as well as an Apple fan, love to help more users solve various types of iOS & Android-related issues.

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