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iOS 14 Favorites Widget: How to Make a Replacement With Shortcuts https://ift.tt/2GdM0Su In iOS 14, Apple overhauled widgets and introduced an option for adding widgets to the Home Screen, but in the process, a well-loved Favorites widget that existed in iOS 13 was removed. The Favorites widget let users set certain contacts and contact methods as favorites that were easily accessible, so you could, for example, add a favorite option for messaging Eric or calling Dan, with those actions executed with a tap. Why the Favorites widget was removed is a mystery and it could be a simple oversight with Apple planning to reintroduce it later, but for now, those who relied on the widget can recreate its functionality with Shortcuts. It takes some effort, but it may be worth the time investment if you often relied on your Favorites. Creating a Favorites ShortcutMaking a shortcut that replicates the behavior of the Favorites widget isn't too tough, but if you want multiple favorite options, you'll need to create a separate shortcut for each one in the Shortcuts app.
After this step, there are slightly different Shortcut creation methods that can be used to create quick contact options for calling, FaceTiming, and messaging someone. Making a Shortcut to Call Someone
After you tap Done, your shortcut to make a phone call to one of your contacts will be listed in the appropriate folder in the Shortcuts app. To activate it, just tap it and it will automatically call the intended person. Repeat these steps for anyone you want to create a call shortcut for. Making a Shortcut to FaceTime Someone
When you tap this Shortcut, it will initiate a FaceTime call to the person that was added as the contact. Making a Shortcut to Message Someone
Tapping the finished Shortcut will open up the Messages app with a compose window for the person who you added as your target contact. Note that if you want to send a message to more than one person, just type in multiple names at the part where you're entering the name of your contact. Adding the Shortcuts Favorites Widget to Your Home ScreenOnce you've created all your shortcuts for quickly sending a message, calling, or FaceTiming your contacts, you're ready to add a widget that can be accessed from the widget interface or right from the Home Screen.
That's all there is to it. Once the Shortcuts widget is set up with the appropriate folder that contains all of your contact shortcuts, a tap on any one of the widget options will initiate the action right from the widget interface, just like the prior favorites widget. Note that the Shortcuts widget has limited space when it comes to names, so you may need to shorten some of the Shortcut names you've created to make it clear who's going to be contacted if you have multiples. If you need more detailed instructions on adding widgets, see our dedicated Widgets how to. Favorites Still in the Contacts AppJust to be clear, it's the Favorites widget that's been removed, not the Favorites functionality in its entirety. You can still create and access your previously made favorite options in the Phone app under the "Favorites" tab if that's easier than making a whole bunch of Shortcuts. For more on how to make use of widgets and the new Home Screen changes in iOS 14, make sure to check out our widget how to and our Home Screen guide. This article, "iOS 14 Favorites Widget: How to Make a Replacement With Shortcuts" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums Gadget News via MacRumors https://ift.tt/1ZNziIk September 30, 2020 at 08:56PM
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