5 things your iPhone’s Action Button can do to make mornings easier
5 things your iPhone’s Action Button can do to make mornings easier
https://www.makeuseof.com/5-things-iphone-action-button-makes-easy/
Publish Date: 2026-01-29 16:00:00
Source Domain: www.makeuseof.com
Most people leave their iPhone’s Action Button set to silent mode and forget it’s customizable (or aren’t aware you can change it in the first place). The default options aren’t exactly inspiring. But after building custom Shortcuts on my iPhone 16 Pro Max, I’ve turned that button into something I actually reach for every morning. My current setup cut the friction out of my pre-coffee routine. If you’ve got kids, a smart home, or just a hatred of fumbling with your phone while half-asleep, there are some hidden iOS settings here worth stealing.
Start your morning playlist or podcast instantly
Skip the app hunting and get audio playing fast
Credit: Jonathon Jachura / MUO
Credit: Jonathon Jachura / MUO
Credit: Jonathon Jachura / MUO
My mornings have a rhythm. Coffee brewing, kids waking up, and the general chaos building. I like having something playing in the background—music, a podcast, whatever. The problem is that getting audio going normally means picking up my phone, unlocking it, finding Spotify, and hunting for the right playlist. That’s too many steps when I haven’t had coffee yet. I know—first world problems.
A Shortcut cuts all of that out. One press and the audio plays. The “Play Music” action lets you pick a specific playlist. “Play Podcast” resumes whatever episode you were on. Mine shuffles through some instrumental stuff I like. It’s mellow and works for making eggs or catching up on email. I hit the button and set the phone down and the music’s already going.
Want to get weird with it? Throw in an “If” action that looks at the current time. For example, if it’s before 9 AM, play the calm stuff. In the afternoon, switch to something with more energy. You could also just have it pick up your last podcast automatically. Head to Settings Action Button Shortcut once you’ve built…
