iCloud links let you share any shortcut with anyone — they install it in two seconds. Here's exactly how it works.
What an iCloud shortcut link is
Every shortcut you build can be exported as a link in this format: icloud.com/shortcuts/[unique-id]. Anyone who taps that link on an iPhone or iPad sees a preview of the shortcut — its name, icon, and a list of the actions it contains. They can review it before installing. If they want it, they tap "Add Shortcut". It appears in their Shortcuts library instantly.
No account required. No App Store. No download. The link is the installation.
How to create a shareable link
Open the shortcut you want to share
In the Shortcuts app, long-press the shortcut card. Tap "Share".
Tap "Copy iCloud Link"
iOS generates a unique URL for this version of the shortcut and copies it to your clipboard. The link is permanent — it works indefinitely unless you delete the shortcut from iCloud.
Share the link
Paste it anywhere: a message, an email, a Reddit post, a website. Anyone who taps it on an Apple device can install the shortcut. Android users can't use it — Shortcuts is Apple-only.
What recipients see before installing
When someone opens an iCloud shortcut link, they see a preview screen showing: the shortcut's name and icon, every action the shortcut contains in order, and which system data or apps it accesses. This transparency is intentional — users can see exactly what a shortcut does before running it. No hidden behavior.
Updating a shared shortcut
If you update a shortcut after sharing it, you need to generate a new link. The old link always points to the version that was live when you created that link. Recipients of the old link won't get your updates automatically — they'd need to install the new version via the new link.
This is worth knowing before you share widely. Finalize the shortcut first, then generate the link.
How Swiwo uses iCloud links
Every shortcut on swiwo.co is distributed as an iCloud link. You browse the page, decide the shortcut is useful, tap "Install", and it's in your Shortcuts library in two seconds. No account, no app, no setup step. The link is the product.
Browse ready-made shortcuts
Free shortcuts for morning routines, health logging, productivity, and focus. Each one is a single iCloud link install.
Browse free shortcutsSharing shortcuts on Reddit and community sites
iCloud links work well in r/shortcuts, r/productivity, and other communities. Post the link alongside a clear description of what the shortcut does and which iOS version it requires. The community is receptive to well-documented shortcuts that solve a real problem.
The format that works: one sentence on what it does, two to three bullet points on what it requires, the link, and a note on what you'd change if you were rebuilding it. Practical, specific, honest.