[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "are%20ios%20shortcuts%20automatically%20saved%20to%20icloud%20drive"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "No \u2014 iOS shortcuts are *not* automatically saved to iCloud Drive in the way that regular files are. But parts of the Shortcuts system *do* sync via iCloud, depending on your settings. Here\u2019s how it works \u2014 what is and isn\u2019t saved/synced:\n\n---\n\n## \u2705 What *is* saved / synced via iCloud\n\n- If you **enable iCloud Sync** for Shortcuts (via *Settings \u2192 Shortcuts \u2192 iCloud Sync*), then your collection of shortcuts will sync across your Apple devices signed in with the same Apple ID. That means any new or edited shortcuts will be shared across your iPhone, iPad, Mac, etc. ([support.apple.com](https://support.apple.com/guide/shortcuts/sync-shortcuts-apdb3a4240b0/ios?utm_source=openai))  \n- The order in which the shortcuts appear is also kept consistent across devices when syncing is on. ([support.apple.com](https://support.apple.com/guide/shortcuts/sync-shortcuts-apdb3a4240b0/ios?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## \u26a0\ufe0f What *isn\u2019t* automatically saved to iCloud Drive\n\n- The actual **Shortcuts folder in iCloud Drive** (i.e., the location under *\u201ciCloud Drive \u2192 Shortcuts\u201d*) does **not** store all of your shortcuts by default. Some shortcuts \u2014 especially personal automations \u2014 don\u2019t appear in that folder. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/shortcuts/comments/1ijd2xh?utm_source=openai))  \n- Personal automation shortcuts (those triggered automatically, rather than manually launched) **do not sync** to other devices, even if iCloud Sync is turned on. ([support.apple.com](https://support.apple.com/guide/shortcuts/sync-shortcuts-apdb3a4240b0/ios?utm_source=openai))  \n- The folder in iCloud Drive may contain files that certain shortcuts explicitly save to it (like if you use the \u201cSave to Files\u201d action), but it does *not* serve as a drop-in backup for every shortcut or automation. ([talk.automators.fm](https://talk.automators.fm/t/shortcuts-get-file-action/5443?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## \ud83d\udd27 How to make sure your shortcuts are backed up reliably\n\nIf you want to be sure your shortcuts are safe and retrievable, especially across devices or after reinstalling:\n\n1. Turn on **iCloud Sync** for Shortcuts.  \n2. Export important shortcuts via the Shortcuts app using *\u201cShare \u2192 Save to Files\u201d*, and pick a location in iCloud Drive (e.g. a \u201cBackups\u201d folder). This generates `.shortcut` files you can import later. ([support.apple.com](https://support.apple.com/my-mm/guide/shortcuts/apdf01f8c054/ios?utm_source=openai))  \n3. For automations, since they may not sync, you might take screenshots or otherwise document them so you can recreate them if needed. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/shortcuts/comments/iumfox?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\nIf you tell me which version of iOS or which devices you have (iPhone, iPad, Mac), I can walk you through exactly how to check your setup to make sure your Shortcuts are syncing and backed up correctly."
    }
]