What is "ShortcutsActions" and why is it accessing contacts on my iPhone?

What is “ShortcutsActions” and why is it accessing my contacts so much? I’ve never seen it in my privacy report before ? Anyone else have this in their privacy report?




















[Edited by Moderator]

iPhone 16 Pro Max

Posted on Apr 28, 2025 5:36 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 20, 2025 6:44 AM

if you have found a genuine security breach report it at


https://security.apple.com/bounty/


You could be in for a bounty of up to $1mil.



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May 19, 2025 4:19 AM in response to Ruckles

Ruckles wrote:
What steps can be taken to secure a phone/Apple ID if Shortcutsactions is repeatedly accessing contacts but the app is not on the phone (I am fully aware of how to check) and no shortcuts have ever been created?

I’m grateful for everyone supporting the community, but the “that’s not possible / it’s something you did / that’s expected behavior” party lines for all things security-related are unhelpful and, often, demonstrably false.

Shortcuts has already had a high-severity exploit.

Misguided conspiracy nonsense is also unhelpful

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May 20, 2025 8:10 AM in response to ischmerwayne

ischmerwayne wrote:


no expert on this specific topic or ios related security but due to my general experience with other security related incidents i would recommend those wo are affected or interested or concerned these steps:


greetings Wayne

Nobody is "affected" by stock Apple apps using data from other stock Apple apps . The data goes nowhere except the phone. Anyone thinking that stock apps like Contacts was open to transmission outside the phone or encrypted iCoud would never use it.

Those same people would happily install a VPN and pass their traffic through servers owned by Vlad the Impaler.

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Jun 22, 2025 12:59 PM in response to Carking2013

Hey just found this thread because I was wondering the same thing when looking at my Data & Sensor access.


For everyone who is insisting that it has to do with the shortcuts app— I am an avid shortcut enthusiast and actively use the app. As you can see in my screenshot this is something separate. It raises red flags for me because I'm familiar with the ongoings of my phone and am fully aware of every shortcut I have; how and when they operate.


I do not have any shortcuts that call on contact access nor would the sharing of contacts EVER take place with the shortcuts app unless triggered manually or via automation by the user. As you can see in my screenshot as well, the frequency in which it happens on seemingly randomized times and dates is definitely something worth looking into or else I wouldn't be here.


It takes a special kind to be so naïve as to think Apple is truly impenetrable and then use that closed off way of thinking to condescend to others. Its pretentious c*nty behavior at best.


But don't mind me, it's probably just the aluminum toxicity from my foil hat speaking.



[Edited by Moderator]

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May 17, 2025 11:59 AM in response to Carking2013

Carking2013 wrote:

That would make sense if I had the shortcuts app installed on my iPhone but I do not. I uninstalled that the second I got the phone. And I’ve had the phone for months. And according to my find my, my iPhone is the only phone connected to my iCloud account.

Go to the last page of your Home screen, the App Library, and look for Shortcuts. I suspect it is still there; you only removed it from your Home screen, not from the iPhone.

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Jun 7, 2025 8:47 AM in response to Carking2013

How can you prove a negative? That is 1000% ridiculous.


You have a bunch of apps internal to your phone. They all talk to each other, so they can provide the features you want, or may want sometime, to use. They don’t talk to anyone or anything outside your phone. Where is the security issue here?


If you truly believe it is somehow a security problem then get rid of your iPhone. And don’t get an Android; apps on an Android also share internal data.


Your only option is to get a dumb flip phone, and never use any smartphone or computer again. All computers share internal data between apps also. Of course, flip phones also share a lot of data with the cellular network, so that isn’t an option, either. Give up all mobile phones, and get a hard-wired copper connected dial phone. If you can find a carrier who will still install copper.

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Jun 20, 2025 12:59 PM in response to beekellz

ALL VPNs are less secure than a device without a VPN. And yes, if you have VPN installed, especially a free VPN, it can be used to hack your iPhone→VPN: What you need to know - Apple Community


Restore your iOS device to factory settings - Apple Support

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May 18, 2025 2:23 AM in response to Carking2013

Carking2013 wrote:

I know right? Not sure why they would suggest doing a factory restore as that would just put the app on my phone again…

Even if restoring the backup did restore the orphan icon and fractured app, so what? The app is harmless,

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May 20, 2025 12:14 AM in response to Carking2013

Carking2013 wrote:

I’m sorry but I have a hard time trusting anything you say. You keep saying it’s not a security issue but I have several trusted sources (including apple support) stating that these issues are NOT normal and highly uncommon. I would appreciate it if you would do your research before, in so many words, commenting “it’s fine just ignore it.” You have given no real advice here.

You are wrong, simple as.

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Jun 22, 2025 12:59 PM in response to LD150

Why is ‘Shortcut Actions’ (white grid icon) showing recent activity if the ShortCut App has been deleted for a month? That’s my question and concern.




[Edited by Moderator]

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May 19, 2025 7:50 PM in response to Lawrence Finch

I’m sorry but I have a hard time trusting anything you say. You keep saying it’s not a security issue but I have several trusted sources (including apple support) stating that these issues are NOT normal and highly uncommon. I would appreciate it if you would do your research before, in so many words, commenting “it’s fine just ignore it.” You have given no real advice here.

Reply

What is "ShortcutsActions" and why is it accessing contacts on my iPhone?

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