Messages Actions
for Apple Shortcuts
Automate your iPhone texting with 13 Messages actions for Shortcuts. Send your location with one tap, create message templates for common replies, and schedule texts for specific times. Stop typing the same messages over and over-let Shortcuts handle your routine communication.
Actions with Details (13)
Set Messages Focus Filter
Messages
Sets the behavior of the Messages app when the given Focus is enabled.
Find Conversation
Messages
Remove Tapback
Messages
Removes the user-sent-tapback on the specific message
Open Inbox
Messages
Opens a specific inbox in Messages.
Open Conversation
Messages
Opens a specific conversation in Messages.
Send Tapback
Messages
Sends a tapback to a specific message.
Send Message
Messages
Sends a message. Pass images, videos, or other files as input to include attachments.
Mark as Read
Messages
Marks a specific conversation as read or unread.
Send Message Reaction
Messages
Sends the Reaction to the given MessageEntity
Send Reply
Messages
Sends a reply to a specific message.
Delete Conversation
Messages
Deletes the specified conversation.
Delete Message
Messages
Deletes the specified message.
Find Message
Messages
What You Can Automate with Messages
- Send "On my way!" texts with your live location and ETA to family with a single tap
- Create message templates for common replies like "Running late", "In a meeting", or "Call you later"
- Schedule good morning texts, birthday wishes, or appointment reminders to send at specific times
- Auto-reply to your spouse when you leave work: "Left office, home in 20 minutes"
- Save important info from texts (addresses, phone numbers, links) directly to Notes or Contacts
- Send the same message to multiple contacts at once without creating a group chat
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I send automated text messages with Shortcuts?
The 13 Messages actions let you send texts and iMessages, find recent conversations, and process message content. You can pre-compose messages with dynamic content (names, dates, locations), send to individuals or groups, and include attachments like photos, locations, or links. Note: For privacy, iOS requires you to tap "Send" to confirm-truly automatic sends without confirmation aren't allowed. However, all the text is pre-filled, so it's just one tap to send.
Can I send my location automatically when I leave work?
Yes! Create a shortcut that uses "Get Current Location" then "Send Message" with the location attached. The recipient gets a tappable map link. To trigger this automatically, go to the Automation tab in Shortcuts and create a "When I Leave" automation for your work address. While iOS will still ask for confirmation before sending (for security), the message and recipient are pre-filled, so it's just one tap when you get the prompt.
How do I create reusable message templates?
Build shortcuts that use "Ask for Input" to collect variable details (like "How many minutes late?" or "What's your ETA?"), then insert those values into pre-written message templates. For example: "Running {{minutes}} minutes late, sorry!" or "On my way, arriving at {{time}}". Save these as individual shortcuts named "Running Late", "On My Way", etc., and add them to your home screen or widget for instant access. Way faster than typing from scratch every time.
Can I schedule text messages to send later?
Not directly with built-in Shortcuts, but you can create time-based automations that remind you to send messages. Set up a Time of Day automation that composes the message at your chosen time-you just tap Send when prompted. For true scheduled sending without interaction, you'd need third-party apps or services (though these often require SMS APIs or workarounds that may violate carrier terms).
How do I send the same message to multiple people without a group?
Create a shortcut with multiple "Send Message" actions, each targeting a different contact. You compose the message once at the start using "Ask for Input" or "Text" action, store it in a variable, then each Send Message action uses that variable. This sends individual messages (not a group chat), perfect for birthday wishes, event invitations, or announcements where you don't want replies going to everyone.
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