This secret iPhone shortcut will help you in emergencies while travelling
The shortcut activates the 'Do Not Disturb' feature, turning off all incoming calls, messages, and notifications. Next, it'll send a text message with your current location to all the contacts that you've selected beforehand. At the same time, your phone will start recording a video with the front camera. These are the default settings, but you can customise them in various ways — for example, you can set it so it records with the rear camera instead.
Here's a quick rundown for iPhone users on how it all works.
Step 1: Adjusting phone settings
Although it's made to let the user create their own shortcuts, you can also download pre-made shortcuts from third-party apps or developers. Since the shortcut is made by a third-party, your iPhone will consider it an 'untrusted' shortcut, which implies that you'll need to adjust your phone settings before you download and use it.
Open your 'Settings' app and tap on 'Shortcuts'. Depending on your version of iOS, it'll either be listed with the other iOS apps or with the larger list of apps at the bottom. You can also find the Shortcuts menu using the search bar.
Next, toggle on 'Allow Untrusted Shortcuts'. Again, remember that before you can select this, you'll have to create and run at least one 'trusted' Shortcut. You'll need to authorise third-party shortcuts to use 'I'm Getting Pulled Over'. A pop-up window will warn you of potential risks. To continue, tap 'Allow', and then enter your passcode.
Step 2: Downloading the shortcut
Open the link in your iPhone's Safari browser. The 'Shortcuts' app will open, listing all of the shortcut's features. At the bottom, tap 'Add Untrusted Shortcut.' Choose which contacts will receive a message with your location. Then hit 'Continue.' Next, select which contacts will receive a copy of the video and select 'Done.'
Back on the 'My Shortcuts tab', tap 'All Shortcuts,' and then tap the three dots (...) on the 'I'm getting pulled over shortcut'. Scroll down to the 'Location' section and select 'Allow Access', then tap 'Allow While Using App.' You'll need to enable location services to use the shortcut. Then, scroll down to the 'Messages', 'Camera', and 'Photo' sections and do the same thing — tap 'Allow Access,' and then 'OK'. You'll need to grant the shortcut access to your other apps.
In the 'Camera' section, select 'Front' or 'Back' depending on what camera you want to start the recording with. The 'I'm Getting Pulled Over' shortcut will ask you to choose between your front and back camera. Scroll down to the scripting 'Choose from Menu' settings and choose where to store your video when the shortcut ends. You'll have the following options of iCloud Drive, Dropbox, and Do not upload. You can tap one of the red minus options to delete a location, or the green plus to add one. You can add and remove storage services from the shortcut. When complete, choose 'Done' to confirm your settings.
Step 3: Activating the shortcut
Activate Siri by holding down the lock button or Home button, depending on your iPhone model. Once the shortcut is enabled and Siri is listening, say "I'm getting pulled over." The shortcut will activate. Alternatively, you can open the 'Shortcuts' app and tap the 'I'm getting pulled over' button in your 'My Shortcuts' tab.
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