How to Use Siri on iPhone: A Complete Guide for You

Ruminesia – Siri is Apple’s voice assistant, designed to make performing various tasks on your iPhone easier with just a voice command. Everything can be done without touching the screen, from setting reminders, sending messages, and opening apps to controlling smart home devices.

This article provides a complete guide on how to use Siri on iPhone, including enabling, using, customising, and disabling Siri on your iPhone. Specific instructions on volume settings, notifications, Siri suggestions, and voice training are also included. All these steps apply to iPhones running ios 17 or later.

What is Siri?

Siri is Apple’s advanced, voice-activated digital assistant that seamlessly integrates into a variety of Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, AirPods, HomePods, Apple TV, and the Apple Vision Pro.

First introduced in October 2011 with the iPhone 4S, Siri revolutionized the way we interact with smartphones by becoming the first widely accessible virtual assistant.

Over the years, Siri has evolved into a key component of the Apple ecosystem, enhancing user experience and offering a range of functionalities across all supported devices.

How to Use Siri on iPhone

The How to Use Siri on iPhone guide will help you understand the Siri feature more deeply and maximise its use to support your daily activities practically and efficiently.

1. How to Activate Siri on iPhone

Depending on your preferences and iPhone model, you can activate Siri using voice, physical buttons, or typing.

• Voice Activation: Say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to wake it up (ios 17 introduced the shorter “Siri” option). Ensure it’s enabled via Settings > Siri & Search > Listen for ‘Siri’ or ‘Hey Siri.’
• Button Activation: Press and hold the Side Button (iPhone X and newer) or Home Button (iPhone 8 and earlier).
• Type to Siri: Enable it in Settings > Accessibility > Siri > Type to Siri, then hold the button and type your query.
• CarPlay/Headphones: Use the voice button on the steering wheel or headphone controls.

If Siri doesn’t respond, check Settings > Siri & Search to ensure all options are on, and verify microphone permissions in Screen Time.

2. How to Make Siri Work Properly

If Siri isn’t responding, here’s how to troubleshoot:

• Activate Siri via Settings > Siri & Search.
• Set up voice recognition in Listen for ‘Siri’ or ‘Hey Siri.’
• Make sure your internet connection is active.
• Update to the latest ios (17 or later).
• Check Siri’s language in Settings > Siri & Search > Language.
• Restart your iPhone if needed.

Example: If Siri doesn’t respond to “Hey Siri,” turn the feature off and on again, then retrain your voice.

3. How to Turn Off Siri

If you want to fully or partially disable Siri:

• Completely Disable: Go to Settings > Siri & Search and turn off:
  • Listen for “Siri” or “Hey Siri.”
  • Press the Button for Siri
  • Allow Siri When Locked
• Via Restrictions: Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps and disable Siri & Dictation.

Note: Siri will be deactivated but not removed from your system.

4. How to Make Siri Louder

If Siri sounds too quiet:

• While Active: Ask Siri something, then press the Volume Up button while she’s responding.
• Default Volume Settings: Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringer & Alerts to adjust.
• With Headphones: Use your iPhone’s volume buttons or headphone controls.
• Voice Feedback Settings: In Settings > Siri & Search > Siri Responses, choose Always Speak for consistent replies.

5. How to Make Requests to Siri

Use natural speech to make Siri work effectively:

• “Set a 10-minute timer.”
• “Text Mom”
• “Play my favourite playlist.”
• “Turn on the living room lights.”

With ios 17, you can give back-to-back commands. If Siri misunderstands, say, “That’s not what I meant,” or rephrase your request.

6. How to Remove Siri Suggestions

If you want to stop Siri from giving suggestions:

• Global Disable: Go to Settings > Siri & Search and delete all suggestion options.
• Per App: Scroll to the specific app (e.g., Calendar) and disable its Siri options.
• Widgets: Long press on your Home Screen, tap Edit, and remove the Siri Suggestions widget.

7. How to Set Up Siri

You can customise Siri’s language, voice, and behaviour:

• Initial Setup: Activate it in Settings > Siri & Search, then follow the voice training steps.
• Voice and Accent: Go to Siri Voice to choose accents like British Female.
• Language: Choose your preferred language in Settings > Siri & Search >.
• Responses: Set how Siri responds (spoken, captions, etc.).
• Personal Info: Set your contact card in My Information so Siri knows who you are.

8. How to Stop Siri from Announcing Notifications on AirPods

If you don’t want Siri reading notifications aloud on AirPods:

• Disable it in Settings > Notifications > Announce Notifications.
• Could you turn it off per app (e.g., Messages)?
• Toggle off Headphones in the same settings menu.
• Temporarily mute by saying “Siri, stop announcing notifications” or enabling Do Not Disturb.

9. How to Stop Siri from Reading Texts

To stop Siri from reading incoming messages aloud:

• Go to Settings > Notifications > Announce Notifications and turn it off.
• For CarPlay, go to Settings > Siri & Search to disable message announcements.
• Adjust headphone settings in the same menu.
• Enable Focus > Do Not Disturb to silence all notifications.

10. How to Talk to Siri

Follow these tips for better interaction with Siri:

• Say “Siri” or press the button, wait for the orb, then speak clearly.
• Use natural phrases, e.g., “Remind me to buy milk at 5 PM.”
• Pause briefly after activating Siri to ensure it’s listening.
• Siri remembers context (in ios 17), so you can ask follow-up questions without repeating details.
• If misunderstood, correct by rephrasing or clarifying.

Example: “Siri, send a text to Sarah saying I’ll be there at 6,” then wait for confirmation.

11. How to Train Siri to Recognise Your Voice

Voice training helps Siri understand you better:

• Go to Settings > Siri & Search > Listen for ‘Siri’ or ‘Hey Siri,’ then tap Set Up or Retrain.
• Follow the prompts and speak five sample phrases.
• Retrain in a quiet room and talk naturally.
• Repeat training on each Apple device you use.

Example: If Siri reacts to other people’s voices, retrain via Settings > Siri & Search.

Also Read:

• Related Articles Topic Apple
• Related Articles Topic Siri

Frequently Asked Questions about Siri Topic

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Siri, along with their answers:

1. What is Siri?

Siri is a voice-activated virtual assistant created by Apple. It helps you perform tasks on your devices using natural language commands, making it easier to interact with your technology.

2. How do I activate Siri?

You can activate Siri by saying “Hey Siri” or by pressing and holding the Side button on iPhones with Face ID. For older models, press and hold the Home button. On the Apple Watch, raise your wrist and say “Hey Siri,” or press and hold the Digital Crown. On Mac, click the Siri icon in the menu bar or use the keyboard shortcut Command + Space bar.

3. What can Siri do?

Siri can assist you with a variety of tasks, including sending messages, making calls, setting reminders, checking the weather, controlling smart home devices, and providing information on a wide range of topics.

4. Is Siri available offline?

Siri requires an internet connection to function fully. Some basic commands may work offline, but for more complex tasks, you will need to be connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data.

5. Can I change Siri’s voice?

Yes, you can change Siri’s voice and accent. Go to Settings > Siri & Search > Siri Voice to select your preferred voice and dialect.

6. How does Siri handle privacy?

Apple prioritizes user privacy with Siri. Voice data is processed securely, and Siri is designed to minimize data collection while still providing useful features. You can manage your privacy settings in Settings > Siri & Search.

7. Can Siri integrate with third-party apps?

Yes, Siri can work with compatible third-party apps. You can enable Siri integration for these apps in Settings > Siri & Search. Make sure the app supports Siri Shortcuts for optimal functionality.

8. What should I do if Siri doesn’t understand me?

If Siri misinterprets your commands, try speaking more clearly or adjusting your language settings. You can also check the microphone for any obstructions and ensure it’s functioning properly.

9. How can I improve Siri’s accuracy?

To improve Siri’s accuracy, ensure that you are using the correct language settings, speak clearly, and regularly update your device to the latest iOS version. Additionally, teaching Siri about your contacts can help it understand your requests better.

10. Can I use Siri to control my smart home devices?

Absolutely! Siri can control HomeKit-enabled smart home devices. You can say commands like “Hey Siri, turn on the lights” or “Set the thermostat to 72 degrees” to manage your home environment effortlessly.

These FAQs provide a comprehensive overview of Siri, helping you understand its capabilities and how to make the most of this powerful virtual assistant.

Conclusion

Now you know how to use Siri on your iPhone more effectively, from activating to customising features according to your needs. By understanding each step, you can utilise Siri to Help with various daily activities more quickly and practically.

If you find this helpful article or have enjoyable experiences using Siri, please share in the comments column. Don’t forget to share this article with friends or family who may need a complete guide on using Siri on iPhone.

References

• https://www.apple.com/siri/
• https://appleinsider.com/inside/siri