Having trouble turning off notifications from the Shortcut app on an iPhone? Unlike most apps, Shortcuts isn’t a third-party app you can just toggle off notifications for in the usual settings. Instead, it’s kinda baked into the system, so blocking these alerts takes a bit of a workaround. Basically, those annoying lock screen or banner notifications, especially from automations or location-based triggers, can be quite persistent. If you want them gone, these tricks might help you out—though, fair warning, some are a bit sneaky and might not work every single time. Still, a few tweaks here and there can cut down on that overall notification clutter.
How to Fix Notifications in the Shortcut App on iPhone
Fix 1 – Disable Notifications via Screen Time Settings
This is kind of weird, but turning off notifications through Screen Time can block all alerts from the Shortcuts app. Why it helps? Well, because, apparently, automation notifications are bundled under Screen Time restrictions, so turning them off here disables those alerts entirely. Not sure exactly why it works on some setups and not others, but it’s worth a shot when those notifications are driving you nuts.
To do this:
- Step 1 – Open Settings (that gear icon), then scroll down and tap Screen Time.
- Step 2 – Tap See All Activity. You’ll see a list of apps and usage stats.
- Step 3 – Scroll to the Notifications category. Find Shortcuts there. If you don’t see it right away, tap Show More.
- Step 4 – Check the notification count. If it’s high, you’ll probably see quite a few alerts from Shortcuts.
- Step 5 – Tap Shortcuts in the chart, then toggle Allow Notifications off.
This little hack stopped a lot of folks from getting those lock screen prompts. On some newer iOS builds, it works better, but on others, the notifications can still creep back in after a reboot or update. Who knows with Apple?
Fix 2 – Disable ‘Notify on Run’ in Automation Settings
This one is more about automations. If you get notifications every time an automation runs, you can switch them off without touching global settings. It’s simple, but again, only for specific automations, not all shortcuts.
Why bother? Well, it cuts down on those “Automation ran” alerts that pop up when you least want them. Good for when you’ve got a bunch of automations triggering in the background without needing extra noise.
- Step 1 – Open the Shortcuts app, then tap the Automation tab at the bottom.
- Step 2 – Select the automation that’s causing the nuisances.
- Step 3 – Set the automation to Run Immediately if it’s not already, then look for Notify When Run beneath it.
- Step 4 – Turn off Notify When Run. Repeat for other automations if needed.
Now, these automations will just do their thing without alerting you every time. But note: this doesn’t disable notifications from regular shortcuts—only automations with the notify toggle.
Fix 3 – Location-Based Notifications Can’t Be Fully Disabled
This is where it gets a little frustrating: if your shortcut automation relies on location triggers — like arriving at or leaving a place — you can’t just disable those notifications. Apple’s privacy stuff means they have to warn you when your location is being used in automations, so these alerts are baked in. No way around that unless you turn off location access or delete those automations.
So, if you’re seeing a persistent notification and it’s tied to something like “Arrive at Home, ” don’t expect a simple toggle to fix that. It’s kinda designed that way for safety and privacy.
All in all, these tricks can help you keep notification spam in check, at least for normal automations. Sometimes, it’s a matter of trial and error, especially depending on iOS version and device model. Because of course, Apple has to make it more complicated than necessary.
Summary
- Disable Screen Time notifications for Shortcuts to block lock screen alerts.
- Turn off ‘Notify when run’ for individual automations to stop popups from triggers.
- Location-based notifications are locked in — no real way to turn them off, sadly.
Wrap-up
This stuff’s kinda a work-around, but it’s better than flinging the device out the window every time those alerts pop up. Sometimes, it’s just about catching the automations and toggling a few settings. Not foolproof, but enough for most people fed up with constant notifications. Fingers crossed this helps someone save a bit of sanity — it worked for a few setups I’ve messed with!