# Shortcuts on iOS

> Here's how to create and use a shortcut with YNAB on iOS! Save time by not needing to enter the details of your repeated daily transactions. Coffee anyone?

Source: https://support.ynab.com/en_us/shortcuts-on-ios-a-guide-Bk_lHa5Aq

Last updated: 2026-07-02T17:25:57.009Z

Begin exploring shortcuts by downloading the Shortcuts app to your iOS device. Learn how to create a YNAB shortcut to automatically add regular transactions, such as your morning cup of coffee, without needing to enter the details each time. 

#### In This Article

[How to Set Up the Shortcuts App](#start)

[How to Create a Shortcut Using the Shortcuts App](#app)

[How to Create a Shortcut on Your Lock Screen](#lock)

[Example Shortcut](#example)

[Available Shortcut Actions](#actions)

[Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)](#faq)

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## How to Set Up the Shortcuts App

1.  Download the [Shortcuts app](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/shortcuts/id915249334?mt=8) on your iOS device.
    
2.  Make sure you have the **latest version of YNAB**. 
    

#### Pair Shortcuts with Siri

Once you've set up shortcuts, why not [pair them with Siri](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/using-siri-and-spotlight-with-ynab-B1Me9dj5ge) to make YNAB accessible through voice?

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## How to Create a Shortcut Using the Shortcuts App

1.  Open the Shortcuts app. 
    
2.  Tap the _plus sign_in the top right corner. 
    
3.  Type YNAB into the search bar.
    
4.  Tap _YNAB_. 
    
5.  Tap the YNAB action you want to save as a shortcut and customize. 
    
6.  Tap the top of the screen to rename the shortcut to the name or phrase you will tell Siri when you run your Shortcut. 
    
7.  Tap the share icon if you'd like to add the shortcut to your Home Screen. You can customize the icon before tapping _Add_.
    

Now, you'll have a no-tap way to add that cup of coffee to YNAB! ☕ Tap the icon or say the name of your shortcut to Siri.

#### Add Your Shortcut to the Lock Screen or Control Center

On iOS 18 or later, you can add your YNAB shortcut to the Lock Screen or Control Center for even easier access. The following Apple articles provide all you need to [adjust your Apple Control Center](https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/use-and-customize-control-center-iph59095ec58/ios), and [customize your lock screen](https://support.apple.com/en-ca/guide/iphone/iph4d0e6c351/18.0/ios/18.0). We've provided [steps to add a transaction from your lock screen](#steps) as an example. If you have any trouble getting set up, [tell the chatbot you need a human or send us an email](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/how-to-get-help-SygqcvtC5) for help!

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## How to Create an Add Transaction Shortcut on Your Lock Screen

1.  Tap and hold the Lock Screen until _Customize_ appears at the bottom. 
    
2.  Tap _Customize._ 
    
3.  Tap the minus sign for the icon on either of the lower corners.
    
4.  Tap the plus sign icon.
    
5.  Type YNAB into the search bar.
    
6.  Tap _Add Transaction_.
    
7.  Tap _Done_ at the top.
    

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## Example Shortcut

We’ve built an example shortcut and have included automation instructions to demonstrate some of the actions you can perform with YNAB.

### Automatically add a transaction as you leave the grocery store 

1.  Tap the icon below to download this shortcut from your iPhone.  
    
    [![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/623b25d297003b3fefc740e1/4b52325371195bbfad6f6d9d8bd99df0.png)](https://www.icloud.com/shortcuts/829053f0fc4b45c588733aabb5bddbdc)
2.  Tap _Add Shortcut._
    
3.  Edit the "Add Transaction At Grocery Store" shortcut in the Shortcuts app to include your preferred Payee, Category, and Account.
    
4.  Navigate back to the main Shortcuts screen.
    
5.  Tap _Automation_ at the bottom of the main Shortcuts screen.
    
6.  Tap the plus sign at the top of the screen.
    
7.  Tap _Leave_.
    
8.  Tap _choose_ to the right of Location.
    
9.  Add the address of your grocery store.
    
10.  Tap the checkmark at the top of the screen.
    
11.  Customize your options, then tap _Next_ at the top of the screen.
    
12.  Tap the "Add Transaction At Grocery Store" shortcut you downloaded and edited.
    

The next time you leave your grocery store, the automation will run the shortcut and you'll be prompted to add a transaction in YNAB.

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## Available Shortcut Actions

These shortcuts can be added to your home screen or automated in the Shortcuts app. Use our [example automation above](#example) as inspiration to automate your YNAB experience. 

**Add New Transaction**  
This action opens the Add Transaction screen and optionally fills the fields with preset values.

Customizable Fields:

*   Amount
    
*   Outflow/Inflow
    
*   Payee
    
*   Category
    
*   Account
    

**Find Category**  
This action allows you to find, filter, and organize categories based on criteria.

Customizable Fields:

*   Add Filter (Name, Balance, Group, Group Name, and more)
    
*   Sort by (Name, Balance, Group, Group Name, Random, and more)
    
*   Order (A to Z, Z to A, visible when "Sort by" has been selected)
    
*   Limit (limits the number of categories listed)
    

**Open Category Details**  
This action opens the category details screen for a category of your choice.

**Open Plan**  
This action opens a specified plan.

**Show Category Balance**  
This action shows the category balance of your choice; the result can be tapped to go directly to the category details screen.

Customizable Fields:

*   Category name (partial names can be entered; if more than one category in your plan includes the partial name, you'll be provided a list to choose from)
    

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## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

### Why doesn't shortcuts work consistently?

Shortcuts can provide information on the categories in your **currently active** plan. If you frequently switch between plans, you may see delayed or unexpected behaviors.

### Why can't I find my category shortcuts?

To access the category shortcuts, you must have the current version of YNAB and must have upgraded your operating system to iOS 26.

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