If you’re new to the Shortcuts app, start here with sevenrecommended automations.

Strangely, Apple never offered a shortcut action for simply opening an iMessage thread.

In iOS 18.4, though, Apple is fixing that mistake.

shortcut iOS screenshots

Then, in theSearch Actionsbar, search forOpen Conversation, and add the action.

(It can be a group message thread or an SMS conversation.)

And there you have it.

Creating a new shortcut.

I would recommend you tap on the Shortcut name up top, and rename it something you’ll remember.

Tap the Shortcut name up top, and choose the “Add to Home Screen” option.

To add it to the Lock screen, first tap and hold the Lock screen.

Creating and adding shortcut to the Home screen.

Then, tap onCustomize, and chooseLock Screen.

You’ll now see the two buttons below.

Here, search for and choose the “Shortcut” option.

Adding shortcut to the lock screen.

Next, tap theChoosebutton, and opt for shortcut we just created.

TapDone, to save the Lock screen layout.

Next, search for and add theShortcutcontrol.

Saving shortcut to the lock screen.

In the customization screen, tapChoose, and pick the shortcut that you just made.

Go back to the Control Center and feel free to move the control as you wish.

To set this up, go toSettings>Action Buttonand slide over to theShortcutsoption.

Adding shortcut to the Control Center.

Then tap onChoose a Shortcut, and opt for shortcut just created.

Action button shortcut.