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Schedule An Automation Using Shortcuts

Use the Shortcuts app with a time-of-day trigger to run a Health Auto Export automation on a schedule.

Last updated: February 20, 2026

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Use the Shortcuts app with a time-of-day trigger to run a Health Auto Export automation on a schedule. Because iOS does not allow apps to run at an exact time in the background, using Shortcuts is a more predictable way to trigger an export at a chosen time (for example, every morning after you wake up).

Please keep in mind your device must be unlocked at the trigger time in order to access health data.

Overview

Health Auto Export provides a Run Automation action for the Shortcuts app. You can add this action to an Automation shortcut with a Time of Day (or At Time) trigger so the shortcut runs at a specific time. When the shortcut runs, it triggers the selected automation, which then exports your health data according to that automation's settings.

Benefits:

  • Run an automation at a chosen time (e.g. daily at 8:00 AM)
  • Combine with other Shortcuts actions if needed
  • Works even when the app isn't in the foreground (Shortcuts runs the action)
  • More predictable than relying only on background sync

Prerequisites

  • Health Auto Export installed with at least one automation created and configured.
  • Shortcuts app (built into iOS).

Configuration

The following instructions are based on the latest iOS version at the time of writing (iOS 26).

  1. Open the Shortcuts app.
  2. Select the Automation tab in the Shortcuts app (bottom bar).
  3. Select "New Automation"
  4. Under Time of Day:
    • Set the time you want (e.g. 8:00 AM).
    • Choose Daily (or the repeat pattern you want).
    • Recommendation: Select Run After Confirmation so the action doesn't fail if it attempts to run when your phone is locked.
  5. Continue to add an action.
  6. Search for Auto Export or Run Automation.
  7. When an action is selected the scheduled automation should now complete.

Your automation will now run at the scheduled time. When it runs, Shortcuts will execute your shortcut, which triggers the chosen Health Auto Export automation.

Tips

  • Best time: Choose a time when your phone is usually unlocked (e.g. after you wake up) so the shortcut and health data access can run without issues.
  • Multiple triggers: Create several personal automations (e.g. 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM) that each run the same shortcut if you want exports more than once a day.
  • Testing: Run the shortcut manually from the Shortcuts app first to confirm the correct Health Auto Export automation runs and data appears at the destination.
  • Notifications: In Health Auto Export, you can enable notifications for "when run" so you see when the automation was triggered.