What Are Untrusted Shortcuts and Should You Allow Them on iPhone

Apple first launched the Shortcuts app in iOS 12, providing the ability to use shortcuts seamlessly on the iPhone and iPad. Of course, there was the Workflows app before that, but the shortcuts are exceptional for performing simple and complex task sequences without breaking a sweat. And it’s also integrated with Siri, which makes using shortcuts even better.

The Shortcuts app includes a built-in gallery of trusted shortcuts that you can add and start using right away. There are many focused on accessibility, productivity, social media, etc. In addition, you can create your shortcuts, as long as you take the time to understand the different nuances associated with the actions that compose them.

Having said that, there are also shortcuts that you can download from various sources online. However, the Shortcuts app marks them as “ unapproved shortcuts ” and will refuse to add the shortcuts to your library. Of course, you can allow untrusted shortcuts to run on your iPhone or iPad. But should you?

If you add them

Most “unreliable” shortcuts are pretty safe, but there is still cause for concern. Before adding a shared iCloud shortcut or one from a third-party gallery, it is wise to go through the various actions and sequences that make up a shortcut. This is possible after pressing the link or button to get the shortcut – then you will see the full list of actions and sequences in the Add Shortcut screen.

If something looks fishy – like in actions doesn’t match the shortcut description – and you don’t want to risk your privacy or security, it’s best not to add the shortcut. Otherwise, tap the “Add untrusted shortcut” option to add it to your library.

You can then start using the shortcut immediately via the My Shortcuts tab of the Shortcuts app. If the shortcut is configured to work from apps, you can also run it through the share sheet. You can even launch the shortcut from the Shortcuts widget in Today view or on the Home screen (from iOS 14 only).

It is also possible to view the third-party shortcuts that you added previously. On the My Shortcuts tab, tap the Plus icon (three dots) in a shortcut thumbnail to review the sequence of actions. If you decide to remove the shortcut after reviewing it, long press the tile and then tap Remove.

Missing Allow untrusted shortcuts option

You might not see the Allow unapproved shortcuts option in the Settings app if you’ve never used at least one shortcut on your iPhone or iPad before. It’s a pretty weird restriction that doesn’t make sense.

To make the Allow untrusted shortcuts option visible, run one of the default shortcuts listed in the My Shortcuts tab of the Shortcuts app. If you don’t see any shortcuts there, switch to the Gallery tab, add a shortcut listed in, and then run it.

Once you’ve done that, go to Settings> Shortcuts, and you should see the Allow untrusted shortcuts in option.

Make your choice

Shortcuts make for an enhanced experience on your iPhone and iPad, and while the built-in gallery has lots of cool shortcuts, you’ll find many better and useful ones online. Despite the rather frightening label of “unreliable,” third-party shortcuts are mostly harmless.

As long as you refrain from adding shortcuts from sketchy websites and examine action sequences before adding or running them, there is no reason why you should not allow them. third-party shortcuts on your device. But if a shortcut isn’t right for you, it’s best to ignore it, especially if your iPhone or iPad has sensitive data that you’d rather not compromise.