IOS – have iOS Automation shortcuts run automatically

airpodsiosshortcutshortcuts-app

I've been having a problem where sometimes I'll forget that my iPhone's volume is set pretty high from a previous use. When I put my AirPods in for a phone call or to listen to music, the volume isn't automatically lowered to a reasonable level. Instead, loud, ear-damaging noise blasts through my AirPods when the call starts or the music plays, and I often have to quickly take them out.

I tried to resolve this by using the new Automation feature in Shortcuts. I created an automation that uses the Bluetooth trigger to run whenever my phone connects to my AirPods. When this happens, it sets the volume to 30%.

So far, so good.

But when I actually use my AirPods, all I get is a notification from Shortcuts giving me the option of running the script (see below).

The little popup is actually kind of irritating – I want Shortcuts to just silently fix the volume without prompting me.

enter image description here

Is it possible to have the Automation feature automatically run the script when the trigger occurs?

Best Answer

EDIT: This has improved with iOS 14: In iOS 14, Turn off "Ask Before Running" to avoid getting a notification and have automations run automatically in the background. See full list at See https://support.apple.com/guide/shortcuts/enable-or-disable-a-personal-automation-apd602971e63/ios

Not all triggers can make an automation run in the background.

When you Arrive, Leave, connect to CarPlay, or use the Before I Leave or Time of Day triggers, or try to automate connecting to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, your shortcuts will only show up as notifications and won't run in the background. These are the only triggers where a user may not be in control of their device or it's state, and thus seem to be limited for security reasons – all other triggers can run in the background.

https://imore.com/whats-new-siri-shortcuts-betas. See under "Personal automation". It's a long page, so cmd + F.

https://support.apple.com/guide/shortcuts/enable-or-disable-a-personal-automation-apd602971e63/ios

Related Question