How to Use Shortcuts App to Schedule Shutdown in Mac?

In our previous article, we have explained how to schedule shutdown from Terminal on Mac. Though using Terminal app is an easy option, every time you need to open the app for running a command. So, using Shortcuts app is the best and alternate option you can use for scheduling automatic shutdown in Mac. In this way, you can add the created shortcut to Dock or top menu bar and access quickly. It also offers an option to enter the delay time in a prompt and cancel the schedule in visual mode instead of command-line interface.

Mac Shortcuts App

Shortcuts is a default macOS app and is a powerful automation tool that allows users to create custom workflows for various tasks. It provides a user-friendly interface for creating, editing, and executing automated sequences of actions, thus making it a versatile tool. Shortcuts app is available in “Applications” folder or your can use Spotlight Search to find and open.

Step 1: Download the Shortcuts Workflow

To schedule a shutdown, you need to create a workflow like below in Shortcuts app with three steps.

1. First step will ask for number of seconds to delay the shutdown.
2. Second step will wait for the input to be provided.
3. Third and find step is to trigger shutdown based on the input.

Do not worry!!! You don’t need to break your head in creating these steps. To make this process easier for you, we’ve prepared a pre-made workflow that you can simply import using this iCloud link.

• If the link opens in a browser, click the “Get Shortcut” button located at the bottom of the page. You will be prompted to open the workflow in Shortcuts app and click on “Open Shortcuts.app” button to proceed further.

• Once the Shortcuts app is opened, click on the “Add Shortcut” button.

• You will now find the “Shutdown” shortcut under “All Shortcuts” section in your Shortcuts app.

Step 2: Run Shutdown Shortcut

Hover over “Shut Down” shortcut and click the run button or right-click and select “Run” option.

This will execute the “Shut Down” shortcut workflow and prompt you to input the number of seconds you want to wait before the shutdown occurs. Simply enter your desired value in seconds and click “Done” button.

Your Mac will automatically trigger the default shutdown prompt after given input seconds. The prompt will wait for 60 seconds and system will be shutdown if there are no response.

Note that you can also simply call “Hey Siri, Shut Down” to trigger the shortcut. However, you still need to type the seconds as the workflow will wait for the input.

Step 3 – Adding Shutdown Workflow to Dock and Menu Bar

The advantage with Shortcuts app is that you can add the shutdown workflow to your Dock or in top menu bar.

• Simply right-click on the shortcut and select “Add to Dock” option.

• Now, you will see the shortcut icon in the Dock.

• Clicking on the icon will trigger the workflow and show the prompt to enter number of seconds.

With this, you’ll be able to conveniently access this shortcut right from your Mac’s Dock. Follow the below steps if you want to add it to the top menu bar.

• Double-click on the “Shut Down” shortcut to view its workflow steps.
• Click the information icon on the top right corner.
• Go to “Details” tab and check “Pin in Menu Bar” option.

• This will add an icon in top menu bar, click on it and select “Shut Down” to trigger the workflow. You will also find the “Shut Down” is added under “Menu Bar” section in Shortcuts app.

Note that Dock and menu bar icons will remain available even if you close the Shortcuts app.

Step 4 – Stopping Scheduled Shut Down

After triggering the workflow from Shortcuts app, Dock or menu bar, you will see an icon is showing in the menu bar. Click on it to view the progress of the event and click on the “Shut Down” item to stop the schedule.

If you have selected “Run” from Shortcuts app, then right-click on the shortcut and select “Stop” to terminate the scheduled shutdown.

Step 5 – Deleting Shut Down Workflow

• For permanently deleting the Shut Down workflow, simply select “Delete” option from right-click menu and confirm your action.
• If you want to remove the icon from menu bar, go to “Menu Bar” section in Shortcuts app. Right-click on “Shut Down” item and select “Remove from Menu Bar” option.
• Similarly, right-click on the Dock icon and select “Options > Remove from Dock” option to delete the icon from the Dock.

Final Words

You do not need to break your head in creating a custom shutdown workflow. All you need is to simply import our shortcut in your Shortcuts app and add it to your Dock or menu bar. Trigger it any time when you need, provide the time and schedule the shutdown of your Mac like a pro.