Hi! It sounds like you’re seeing a mysterious “blue file folder” with a shortcuts icon on it that recently appeared on your iPhone, and it's behaving strangely — it's empty and can’t be deleted. Here's a breakdown of what it likely is and what you can do:
What You’re Likely Seeing
This sounds like the Shortcuts folder created by the Shortcuts app in your iCloud Drive. Here's why it might have appeared:
- Recent Shortcuts Usage: When you start using the Shortcuts app to automate actions, especially those involving file handling (e.g., saving files, PDFs, or images), it may auto-create a folder in your iCloud Drive called “Shortcuts”.
- Folder Icon with Shortcut Symbol: The overlay icon you’re seeing is the alias/symlink symbol, meaning it's not a normal folder but a reference or linked location managed by the system.
- Undeletable Behavior: Because it's managed by the Shortcuts system and iCloud, iOS doesn't let you delete it directly — even if it’s currently empty.
Is This Normal?
Yes, it is normal. Even if it wasn’t there before, it can appear after your first time using a Shortcut that interacts with files, like “Save File” or “Get File from Folder.” It doesn’t necessarily go away when empty.
What You Can (and Can’t) Do
- You can’t delete it manually — iOS prevents deletion because it may be used by future Shortcuts.
- You can ignore it if you’re not using file-saving shortcuts — it won’t take up space if empty.
- You can check your Shortcuts app to see if any automations or custom shortcuts are referencing files or iCloud Drive.
Optional Steps (If You Really Want It Gone)
If it really bothers you, here's a workaround (not guaranteed):
- Delete all file-related Shortcuts from the Shortcuts app (especially ones using "Save File" or "Get File").
- Restart your iPhone.
- Check iCloud Drive again — sometimes it disappears after the system no longer expects to use it.
But again, Apple may recreate it automatically the next time you use Shortcuts with files.
