Is it possible to execute a Shortcut that opens an app on MY device without intervention?

Magefesa · December 30, 2020, 6:37pm

I have an IOS14 as a Background Server, and I know that a shortcut can be run automatically.
My problem is different:

I have a location trigger, when I arrive at home -> Run Shortcut
This Shortcut is an easy url that opens an iphone app (xcallbackurl)
The problem is that the notification is shown, but I would like to run the Shortcut without my push on the notification. (The automations based on locations triggers on Shortcuts app needs approbation too, so is not an option)

Is it possible ?

Thanks again for this great product.

sylumer · December 30, 2020, 7:41pm

I may be wrong, but I think that your device would have to be unlocked to launch an app.

sliemeobn · December 31, 2020, 5:45pm

in iOS it is simply not possible (for 3rd-party apps) to open anything from the background.

apps can do “some” background work (eg: update their stuff on location triggers or similar), but they can never open or trigger another app or open something visible to the user. that is why the Pushcut Automation Server requires this “always foreground” mode…

there are more and more automations available in Shortcuts directly that can run without confirmation - but afaik location triggers are not one of them… : (

Magefesa · December 31, 2020, 6:50pm

Thanks for your reply. So I always need to push the notification.

Talking about server, the most important functionality is to be able to run shortcuts, etc… On the background, but never interacting with clients (iPhone,iPad).

Thanks for your reply, now it’s time to think possible uses to optimize the server !!! Could you gave us some samples please ?

Great great tool !!

tim.mul · May 16, 2021, 7:58am

Apologies for jumping on an old post. Does this count for apple apps also, like siri shortcuts?
I am trying to run a shortcut that is triggered from my device (carplay connects) and then pushcut runs the shortcut “carplay navigation” without interaction. Currently it works on my server device without interaction.

Thank you

victorma · May 18, 2021, 2:30am

Have you already tried to create a Personal Automation using only the Shortcuts app? I think there’s a CarPlay trigger there that can be activated without interaction.

tim.mul · May 18, 2021, 4:29am

Yes thank you
It requires a “tap to respond” interaction before allowing the “dictate text” step to run

victorma · May 18, 2021, 12:43pm

Yeah, I’m pretty sure in this case, given iOS limitations, there’s nothing you could do.

Since “dictate text” is a shortcut action that activates the device microphone, it’s very unlikely that Apple will ever allow it to run without any specific demonstration of intent from the user due to the privacy and security risks.

A less convenient option would be to trigger this shortcut via Siri instead of relying on the CarPlay trigger.

tim.mul · May 19, 2021, 5:07am

Thank you!!
It makes sense when you put it like that, I think it’s just disappointing because it has only been implemented recently that it needs that interaction. Defeats the purpose of dictation really lol.
Thanks again!

dreh0602 · July 21, 2021, 4:41pm

I’m not sure I’m following the ‘not possible’ logic. Another iOS app, SimpleCommands, can (until last week) connect to the MyQ garage API. I can then set a geofence in Alexa to open my garage, with the aid of SimpleCommands. It happens without user intervention. Since SimpleCommands is being challenged right now with that MyQ API, I’m looking at other solutions. Seems you might be saying Pushcut cannot do what I’m attempting? Is that correct? (Connect to the MyQ API so I can run the Shortcut without my intervention.)