iPhone Help on simple shortcuts (wait command)

[dcaccount]

Hello,
is there a way to put a wait instruction in a shortcuts flow?

I would like to freeze the flow until X minutes have passed before moving further with the remaining instructions. I have tried to add the wait command but it does not seem to work.

After the wait is over, the shortcut seem to exit without completing.

What am I missing?

Please advise.
Thanks,
Dan

 

[0128672]

It works for me in iPadOS 14.2. It might be helpful to see a screenshot of that section of your script to help troubleshoot.

When you're in the script and press the play button (so that you can see each step performed), what do you see when the Wait step runs? It should display a transparent green progress bar across the step. You could try adding a temporary script step, Show Alert, to help you test whether the wait step is the problem or the step after it.

 

[dcaccount]

Hello,
thanks for replying.

Actually it works but the script has to be in foreground,

If it is in background, the wait instruction seems to terminate the script.

This is the simple script, sorry it is in Italian.

Thanks for helping,
Dan

 

[0128672]

Hey, Ciao Mondo! I like it!

I modified my test shortcut to match your same steps, and then added it to my Home screen, and it runs as expected. How are you running it so that the Shortcut app is in the background?

 

[dcaccount]

Hey, Ciao Mondo! I like it!

I modified my test shortcut to match your same steps, and then added it to my Home screen, and it runs as expected. How are you running it so that the Shortcut app is in the background?

I simply run the shortcut and while it is waiting, I go back to the home

 

[0128672]

I simply run the shortcut and while it is waiting, I go back to the home

OK, I tried the same thing to reproduce your workflow: started the shortcut, and during the wait step tapped on the home screen. It advanced to the second notification as expected. Did I miss any other action you're doing after you start the shortcut?

 

[dcaccount]

OK, I tried the same thing to reproduce your workflow: started the shortcut, and during the wait step tapped on the home screen. It advanced to the second notification as expected. Did I miss any other action you're doing after you start the shortcut?

No actually not!

 

[dcaccount]

Hey, Ciao Mondo! I like it!

I modified my test shortcut to match your same steps, and then added it to my Home screen, and it runs as expected. How are you running it so that the Shortcut app is in the background?

Actually yes, there is a difference. I am running in my iPhone.

Can you please try with your iPhone?

 

[0128672]

No actually not!

Ha, well ... I'm a little stumped. Which device are you doing it on?

 

[0128672]

OK same thought at the same time. I will test it on my phone.

 

[0128672]

It worked on my phone too, which is an iPhone xR on iOS 14.2. Just to fine tune the steps, here's what I did:

1. Start the shortcut
2. When the first notification appears, I tapped on the home screen
3. When the wait period was done, the second notification appeared.

 

[dcaccount]

iPhone!

 

[dcaccount]

Can you please try and increase the wait time to 120 seconds and advise if it is working?
Thanks

 

[0128672]

It will work at 120 seconds if run as a widget, but not as a home screen shortcut. Running it as a widget from your home screen allows you to watch its progress. Here's the steps I used; I divided the time into two steps. It may work as one step, but I'll leave it to you to test that. Let me know how it goes.

 

[0128672]

In reading other posts on the forum and Reddit about shortcut delay time frame, it seems Siri will choke after 3 minutes (maybe a little less) and will time out and not run. I haven’t tested said time frame but, wanted to pass on what appears to be credible information.

Edited to add: If you are trying to use the shortcut with a Meross smart plug, the Meross app will allow you to set a longer time frame, unlike Siri.

Your experience may or may not be different.

Siri isn't involved in this shortcut discussion at all. The shortcut is invoked by tapping on the widget.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Siri isn't involved in this shortcut discussion at all. The shortcut is invoked by tapping on the widget.

Sorry about that. Disregard me then lol

 

[slothinker]

I predict the day will come when it will be possible to set Shortcut Wait commands by minutes as well as seconds.