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What are iOS Shortcuts?

iOS Shortcuts is Apple’s built-in automation app that allows you to create custom workflows on your iPhone and iPad. GoBlue leverages iOS Shortcuts to enable actual message sending, as Apple requires user interaction for automated iMessage delivery. In the GoBlue ecosystem, iOS Shortcuts serve as the bridge between your queued messages and actual iMessage delivery.

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How GoBlue Uses iOS Shortcuts

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Traditional Manual Approach

1

Message is Queued

When webhook data is received, GoBlue creates a personalized message and adds it to your message queue.
2

You Run the Shortcut

You manually run the GoBlue iOS Shortcut on your device (iPhone or iPad).
3

Messages Are Retrieved

The shortcut connects to GoBlue’s API using your API key and retrieves all queued messages.
4

iMessages Are Sent

The shortcut automatically opens Messages app and sends each queued message to the appropriate recipients.
For true automation, you can configure the GoBlue shortcut to run continuously in the background:
1

Background Execution

Set up the shortcut to run continuously in the background on your device, operating 24/7.
2

Continuous API Polling

The shortcut automatically polls GoBlue’s API at regular intervals (every few minutes) to check for new messages.
3

Automatic Message Detection

When new messages are detected in your queue, the shortcut immediately processes them without manual intervention.
4

Instant Message Delivery

Messages are sent automatically through the Messages app as soon as they’re received, creating a seamless automated experience.
The continuous polling approach provides true automation while still satisfying Apple’s requirement for user interaction (the initial shortcut setup). Once configured, messages are sent automatically without needing to manually run the shortcut each time.

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Setting Up iOS Shortcuts

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Download the GoBlue Shortcut

1

Get Your API Key

In the GoBlue app, go to Settings and copy your API key to your clipboard.
2

Download Shortcut

Download the official GoBlue shortcut from the link provided in the app or documentation.

Download GoBlue Shortcut

Official GoBlue iOS Shortcut
3

Configure API Key

When you first run the shortcut, it will prompt you to enter your API key. Paste the key you copied from the GoBlue app.
4

Grant Permissions

Allow the shortcut to:
  • Access the internet (to retrieve messages)
  • Open the Messages app
  • Send messages on your behalf

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Shortcut Configuration

The GoBlue shortcut includes several configurable options:
Your API key is securely stored within the shortcut and used to authenticate with GoBlue’s servers.Security Note: API keys are stored locally on your device and never shared with third parties.
Configure how many messages to process in each shortcut run:
  • Small batches (1-5 messages): Better for testing
  • Large batches (10+ messages): More efficient for bulk sending
Choose whether to review messages before sending:
  • Enabled: Preview each message before sending (recommended for beginners)
  • Disabled: Send messages automatically (faster for experienced users)

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Setting Up Continuous Polling

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Configuring Background Operation

To enable true automation with continuous polling:
1

Enable Background App Refresh

Go to iOS Settings > General > Background App Refresh and ensure it’s enabled for the Shortcuts app.
2

Configure Polling Interval

Modify the shortcut to include a loop that:
  • Checks for new messages
  • Waits for a specified interval (e.g., 2-5 minutes)
  • Repeats continuously
3

Set Up Auto-Loop

Add automation logic to the shortcut that restarts itself after completion, creating a continuous cycle.
4

Optimize for Battery

Configure appropriate polling intervals to balance responsiveness with battery life:
  • Every 2 minutes for high-priority use cases
  • Every 5-10 minutes for standard business use
Continuous polling will use more battery than manual execution. Ensure your device is regularly charged or connected to power for best results.

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Benefits of Continuous Polling

True Automation

Messages are sent automatically without manual intervention

Instant Response

New messages are detected and sent within minutes of being queued

Consistent Operation

Works 24/7 as long as your device is powered and connected

Improved Customer Experience

Faster response times lead to better customer satisfaction

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Running the Shortcut

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Manual Execution

1

Open Shortcuts App

Launch the iOS Shortcuts app on your device.
2

Find GoBlue Shortcut

Locate the GoBlue shortcut in your shortcuts library.
3

Tap to Run

Tap the shortcut to execute it. The shortcut will:
  • Connect to GoBlue’s API
  • Retrieve your queued messages
  • Open Messages app for each recipient
  • Send the personalized messages

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Automation Options

24/7 Automated Operation

Set up once, run forever: Configure the shortcut for continuous polling to achieve true automation
  • Background execution: Runs continuously without user intervention
  • Automatic message detection: Polls API every few minutes for new messages
  • Instant sending: Messages are sent immediately when detected
  • Always-on operation: Works 24/7 as long as device is powered

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Manual Trigger Options

For users who prefer manual control:

Siri Voice Command

Say “Hey Siri, run GoBlue messages” to trigger the shortcut hands-free

Widget

Add the shortcut to your home screen widget for quick access

Back Tap

Set up Back Tap in iOS Settings to run the shortcut with a double/triple tap

Time-based Reminder

Set iOS reminders to prompt you to run the shortcut at specific times

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Shortcut Behavior

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Message Processing Flow

When the shortcut runs, it follows this process:
  1. API Authentication: Connects to GoBlue using your API key
  2. Message Retrieval: Downloads all queued messages for your account
  3. Data Validation: Checks phone numbers and message content
  4. Messages App Integration: Opens the Messages app for each recipient
  5. Message Composition: Pre-fills the message content
  6. Send Confirmation: Depending on settings, either sends automatically or prompts for confirmation

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Handling Different Message Types

Standard text messages are sent directly through the Messages app.
When messages include attachments (like GIFs), the shortcut:
  • Downloads the attachment from GoBlue’s servers
  • Adds it to the message composition
  • Sends both text and attachment together
If a message fails to send (invalid phone number, network issues), the shortcut:
  • Logs the error for debugging
  • Continues processing remaining messages
  • Provides a summary of successes and failures

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Customizing the Shortcut

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Advanced Configuration

You can modify the GoBlue shortcut to better fit your workflow:
1

Open Shortcut Editor

In the Shortcuts app, tap the three dots (•••) on the GoBlue shortcut to edit it.
2

Modify Actions

Common customizations include:
  • Adding logging actions
  • Including notification sounds
  • Modifying the user interface
  • Adding error handling
3

Test Changes

Always test your modifications with sample data before using with real messages.

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Custom Actions

Insert “Add to Notes” actions to log sent messages for record keeping.
Add notification actions to alert you when messages are sent successfully.
Include try/catch blocks to handle network errors or API issues gracefully.
Modify the shortcut to process messages in smaller batches if you experience performance issues.

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Troubleshooting iOS Shortcuts

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Common Issues

Possible Causes:
  • Shortcuts app needs permission to access internet
  • GoBlue app isn’t logged in
  • API key is incorrect or expired
Solutions:
  • Check iOS Settings > Privacy & Security > Shortcuts
  • Re-login to GoBlue app
  • Copy API key again from GoBlue settings
Possible Causes:
  • No messages in queue
  • API key authentication failed
  • Network connectivity issues
Solutions:
  • Check Messages tab in GoBlue app for queued messages
  • Verify API key in shortcut settings
  • Test internet connection
Possible Causes:
  • Invalid phone numbers
  • Messages app permissions denied
  • iOS restrictions on automated messaging
Solutions:
  • Validate phone number formats in your forms
  • Check iOS Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions
  • Grant Messages app permissions to Shortcuts

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Debugging Steps

1

Enable Shortcut Logging

Add “Show Notification” actions throughout the shortcut to track execution progress.
2

Test with Sample Data

Create test messages in GoBlue with your own phone number to verify the shortcut works.
3

Check API Response

Add actions to display the API response from GoBlue to verify data is being retrieved correctly.
4

Verify Permissions

Review all app permissions in iOS Settings > Privacy & Security.

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Security Considerations

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API Key Protection

Your API key grants access to send messages on your behalf. Keep it secure:
  • Don’t share shortcuts containing your API key
  • Regenerate your API key if you suspect it’s compromised
  • Only install the official GoBlue shortcut from trusted sources

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Message Content

  • Review message templates before enabling auto follow-up
  • Test with your own phone number before sending to customers
  • Be mindful of message content and timing to avoid spam complaints

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Device Security

  • Use device passcode/biometric locks
  • Keep iOS updated for latest security patches
  • Don’t install shortcuts from untrusted sources

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Best Practices

Regular Testing

Test your shortcut regularly with sample data to ensure it’s working correctly

Batch Processing

Run the shortcut multiple times per day rather than letting messages queue up

Error Monitoring

Monitor for failed messages and invalid phone numbers

Backup Configuration

Export your customized shortcut as a backup in case you need to restore it

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Performance Optimization

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Continuous Polling Optimization

Optimal intervals for continuous operation:
  • 2-3 minutes: High-priority business requiring immediate response
  • 5 minutes: Standard business use (recommended)
  • 8-10 minutes: Low-priority or overnight operations
Balance responsiveness with battery life and API rate limits.
Strategies for 24/7 operation:
  • Keep device plugged in during business hours
  • Use longer polling intervals overnight (10-15 minutes)
  • Consider using a dedicated iOS device for automation
  • Monitor battery usage in iOS Settings
Ensure reliable connectivity:
  • Use WiFi when possible for faster API calls
  • Configure cellular backup if WiFi is unreliable
  • Add retry logic for failed network requests
  • Monitor connection quality and adjust polling accordingly
Maximize background execution:
  • Enable Background App Refresh for Shortcuts app
  • Avoid iOS restrictions that limit background activity
  • Use efficient API calls to minimize processing time
  • Configure the shortcut to restart automatically if interrupted

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Manual Execution Patterns

For users not using continuous polling:
Run the shortcut 2-3 times per day rather than once at the end of the day for better performance.
If you’re sending 50+ messages daily, consider running the shortcut more frequently with smaller batches.

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Next Steps

iOS Shortcuts Setup Guide

Detailed step-by-step setup instructions

Message Automation

Learn about GoBlue’s automation capabilities