Shortcuts
Use iOS Shortcuts with TorchPhoto to create a smoother automatic upload and backup routine.
Shortcut features work in TorchPhoto v5.5 PRO or later.
This shortcut will not work properly even if it is added in the FREE version.
Shortcut features work properly only with the PRO version.
- This shortcut is an example that backs up photos and videos taken today.
- An FTP server must be added in TorchPhoto for it to work correctly.
1. What You Can Automate
Automatic Backups Through iOS Shortcuts
By combining TorchPhoto with iOS Shortcuts and Personal Automation, you can create custom backup routines that fit your own environment. The examples below are just a few ways you can choose, filter, and upload photo items automatically.
- Back up to your server at a specific time of day
- Upload only photos, only videos, or a custom media selection
- Back up items captured during a specific date range
- Exclude screenshots before starting the upload
- Upload only items captured at a specific location
- Use the Action Button on supported iPhone models to start a backup instantly
- Start a backup automatically when your charger is connected
- Run backups only when your device is connected to Wi-Fi
- Automatically back up items from a specific album
- Start a backup whenever the Camera app is opened
These are only examples. You can combine TorchPhoto with any available Shortcuts actions and automation triggers to build an upload routine that works exactly the way you want.
2. Add the Upload to TorchPhoto Action
Upload Passed Photo Items
In the Shortcuts app, add the Upload to TorchPhoto action to your workflow. Photo items passed into this action are uploaded to the folder path of the server selected by the user.
Basic upload behavior follows the upload settings configured inside the TorchPhoto app first, so it is a good idea to review your TorchPhoto upload settings before running the shortcut regularly.
3. Live Photo Backup Tip
Back Up Live Photos as Matching Photo and MOV Files
In your shortcut, after selecting a Live Photo, add an Encode Media action for that selected photo. Encode the motion part as a MOV file and upload it with the exact same base filename as the image, changing only the extension to .mov, such as FileName.mov.
When the image file and the matching MOV file are uploaded together, TorchPhoto can pair them as one photo with one Live Photo video by using the Video Pairing feature in Settings.
4. Skip Duplicates and Check Backup History
Duplicate Handling and Upload Logs
During a Shortcuts backup, TorchPhoto skips an item if a file with the same name and the same extension already exists on the server.
You can review backup history from the TorchPhoto app. Open the Upload page, then tap the upload log button in the top-right corner to check the history of backups started through Shortcuts.
5. Recommended Automation Triggers
For everyday backups, time-based, charging-based, and Wi-Fi-based automations are usually the most practical. A charging trigger is useful for evening backups, while a Wi-Fi trigger is useful when uploads should only run on a trusted network.
If iOS shows an option such as Ask Before Running, adjust it based on how much confirmation you want before the upload starts.
6. Reliability Tips
Automatic uploads work best when the device has enough battery, a stable network connection, and permission to access the selected photos or videos. If your FTP server is only available inside your home network, connect to the same Wi-Fi or connect through your VPN before the shortcut runs.
For large libraries, start with a smaller upload range first. After confirming that the shortcut works reliably, expand the automation into your regular backup routine.
7. Privacy Note
Shortcuts-based uploads use the server connection you configure in TorchPhoto. Your photos and videos are transferred directly from your iOS device to your own FTP server, and TorchPhoto does not upload them to a separate service provider server.