One-tap Shortcuts from Apple Watch complications (no extra “Run” confirmation)
TL;DR: When I tap a Shortcuts complication on Apple Watch, I get a confirmation sheet (“Run”) every time. Please add an option to run trusted Shortcuts in one tap from the watch face.
What’s happening
- Device: Apple Watch Ultra (also seen on other models)
- watchOS: 26.0.2 (repro across versions)
- Scenario: Shortcuts complication (e.g., “Turn on Living Room Lights”)
- Result: Tapping the complication opens a confirmation sheet; I must tap Run again. (see picture)
Why this matters
- Adds unnecessary friction to quick actions (lights, locks, scenes, reminders).
- Slower than third-party HomeKit scene apps that trigger instantly.
- Accessibility impact: extra tap is a hurdle for motor/cognitive efficiency.
- Inconsistent with iOS Automations where Ask Before Running can be disabled.
Steps to reproduce
1. Create a Shortcut, e.g., “Turn on Living Room Lights.”
2. Add a Shortcuts complication to any watch face and assign that Shortcut.
3. Tap the complication.
4. Observe: a confirmation sheet appears; you must tap Run.
What I’m asking Apple for
Please provide a supported way to bypass the confirmation for trusted Shortcuts launched from complications. Two possible implementations:
- Per-Shortcut toggle: “Don’t ask on Apple Watch.” or "Ask for confirmation -> Off"
- Or extend Ask Before Running to manual launches from complications (Apple Watch only). Safeguards can include: off by default, one-time warning, require recent unlock, and/or restrict to non-destructive actions.
Workarounds I’ve tried
- Personal Automations with “Ask Before Running” off → helps only for time/location triggers, not manual taps.
- „Show when run“ option is currently unrelated to this problem!
- Third-party HomeKit scene apps → can be one-tap, but doesn’t help for non-Home actions and fragments the experience.
- Send feedback to Apple
- everything described here: https://www.reddit.com/r/shortcuts/comments/iwwaf8/apple_watch_always_asks_to_confirm_execution_of/
Call to action for the community
- Click “I have this question too” to raise visibility.
- Comment with your watch model + watchOS version + your use case (lights, locks, reminders, etc.).
- If you have accessibility needs affected by the extra tap, please share—this strengthens the case.
- If you actually have a solution (eg. it is perhaps introduced in a future update), feel free to share. Lots of people will be very grateful!
Small change, big win: true one-tap interactions from the watch face would make Shortcuts on Apple Watch faster, more accessible, and more consistent with the rest of the platform. Thanks! 🙏
Apple Watch Ultra
