How to Setup iOS Shortcuts Automation for SMS Forwarding

• 5 min read

First, Download Forward SMS

Download Forward SMS on App Store

Setup Shortcut Automation for Forward SMS

The Shortcuts app on iOS is a built-in Apple tool that allows users to create custom automations to perform tasks on their devices more efficiently.

Step 1: Open Shortcuts App

  1. Open Shortcuts App Open Shortcuts App
  2. Tap Automation tab Automation tab

Step 2: Create New Automation

  1. Tap New Automation or + button New Automation button
  2. Select Message as trigger Select Message trigger

Step 3: Configure Message Filter

  1. Set Message Contains → single space (tap spacebar once) to forward all texts Message Contains single space
  2. Enable Run Immediately to skip confirmation for each forward Enable Run Immediately

Step 4: Add Forward SMS Action

  1. Tap New Blank Automation New Blank Automation
  2. Search for Forward SMS
  3. Tap Forward SMS Action Forward SMS Action

Step 5: Configure Message Field

  1. Tap Message field Tap Message field
  2. Scroll toolbar above the keyboard
  3. Select Shortcut Input Select Shortcut Input

Step 6: Forward to Phone (Optional)

Only if you have rules for forwarding to Phone
  1. Add action Send Message
    Search Send Message Add Send Message action
  2. Enter recipient's phone number Enter phone number

Step 7: Forward to WhatsApp (Optional)

Only if you have rules for forwarding to WhatsApp
  1. Search for WhatsApp. Add action Send Message
    Search WhatsApp Add WhatsApp Send Message
  2. Enter recipient's phone number Enter WhatsApp phone number

Almost done! Now let's configure the sender information so you know who sent the original message.

Step 8: Configure Sender Variable

  1. Assign Sender → Variables → Shortcut Input. Scroll toolbar above the keyboard Assign Sender variable
  2. Tap Sender's Shortcut Input. Choose Sender from the list Choose Sender from list

Step 9: Configure Sender Name Variable

  1. Assign the Sender Name → Variables → Shortcut Input. Scroll toolbar above the keyboard Assign Sender Name variable
  2. Tap Sender Name Shortcut Input. Set Type to Contact Set Type to Contact

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Setup Complete!

Your SMS forwarding automation is now ready to use.

Additional Setup Guides

Set up where you'd like your messages to be forwarded: