Before you start
- Install Expensly on the App Store and finish the short setup.
- Make sure your bank sends you a text for card purchases. Check your last few messages from the bank.
Step 1: Add the Expensly shortcut
In Expensly, open the auto-log setup and tap Add the Expensly shortcut. Apple's Shortcuts app opens. Tap Add Shortcut.
Step 2: Create the message automation
- In Shortcuts, tap the Automation tab, then the + button.
- Choose Message.
- Next to Message Contains, paste the word Expensly gives you. It matches your bank's purchase messages.
- Choose Run Immediately, so it doesn't ask you every time.
- Tap Next and choose the Expensly shortcut.
Step 3: Test it
Back in Expensly, tap Run the test. It sends a pretend purchase through the shortcut. Nothing real is spent and nothing is added to your expenses. Your next real card purchase confirms the whole chain works.
If it doesn't log
- Run Immediately is off: open the automation and switch it on. Otherwise iPhone waits for you to tap a notification.
- The word doesn't match: open a recent bank text and check the word appears in it exactly.
- Your bank uses app notifications only: use Back Tap or the Action Button instead.
- Focus or Low Power Mode: automations still run, but notifications from Expensly may be hidden. Check Settings, Notifications, Expensly.