How to Use Siri on iPhone/iPad: Complete Beginner's Tutorial
Siri is an intelligent personal assistant integrated into iOS, watchOS, macOS, and tvOS. This helpful assistant can answer questions, send messages, play music, make calls, and more, all through voice commands. This means you can interact with your device without using your hands, making it especially convenient when you are busy.
While Siri is undoubtedly useful and engaging, many iPhone and iPad users are unsure how to use it or cannot even locate it because it does not have a dedicated app icon. There is no need to worry, as a complete guide on using Siri on iPhone and iPad is available. Following this tutorial, you will learn how to activate Siri, use its features effectively, and enjoy the convenience it offers.
Part 1: How to Enable/Disable Siri on iPhone
In order to use Siri, the first thing you must do is to turn on the service on your iPhone or iPad. Actually, when you first set up your device, it would ask you whether you want to enable Siri or not. But you do not need to worry if you do not enable it at that time since you can go to Settings to turn it on anytime you like. Before accomplishing the setting, please make sure that your device is iPhone 4S or later. In addition, the internet you used must be stable.
- Click on "Settings" on your iPhone or iPad.
- After entering the Settings, you will see some categories, just find out "Siri" and tap on it.
- Slip the slider next to "siri" to turn it on.
And oppositely, you just need to slip the slider from right to left to disable Siri when you do not want to use it.
See also:
Part 2: How to Use Siri on iPhone/iPad
After enabling Siri on your device, you can begin the journey of using it now. In fact, it is very simple to use it- you can achieve the goal by pressing the device button or say "Hey, Siri". What's more, it can receive your commands not matter you are using the iPhone or iPad with Bluetooth, headphone or nothing. Now let's learn how to start Siri.
Method 1: Using a button to activate Siri
- Press and hold the Side button on your device.
- When the Siri screen appears, speak your command.
- Release the button and wait for Siri's response.
Method 2: Using voice activation
- Open Settings and go to "Siri & Search."
- Turn on "Listen for ‘Hey Siri'."
- Say "Hey Siri," then speak your command when you hear the prompt.
Part 3: How to Edit Siri Command on iPhone or iPad
It is known to all that there is nothing perfect in the world. Siri is the same. Actually, in our daily lives, even our families would misunderstand our words, let alone an intelligent service. Therefore, it is understandable that Siri would misjudge your questions or commands. And when the misjudgment happens, you need to repeat your requirements or edit your original question manually. To edit your command or question, you can:
- Activate Siri using the Side button or by saying "Hey Siri."
- After Siri responds, look for the command you just gave at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap the text of your command to open the editing screen.
- Make the necessary changes to your request.
- Tap "Done" on the keyboard, and Siri will process the updated command.
Part 4: How to Set a Passcode for Siri
You cannot set a separate passcode specifically for Siri, but you can control when Siri is allowed to work while your device is locked. This protects your information and prevents others from using Siri without permission. ([How to Reset Restrictions Passcode on iPhone/iPad?)
- Open "Settings" on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap "Face ID & Passcode" or "Touch ID & Passcode" and enter your device passcode.
- Scroll down to the "Allow Access When Locked" section.
- Turn "Siri" on or off depending on your preference.
If you turn it off, Siri will only work after you unlock your device with your passcode, Face ID, or Touch ID.
Part 5: What Can Siri Do? The 5 Best Siri Voice Commands
Siri can help you with a wide range of tasks. You can even ask Siri directly what you are able to request. To get started, here are five of the most useful voice commands for Siri.
1. Check and manage your calendar
As a virtual assistant, Siri can help you keep your schedule organized. You can ask simple questions like "Do I have any meetings today?" or "How many days until my birthday?" You can also give more detailed instructions, such as "Remind me to call Mom when I leave work." Siri can create calendar events as well, for example, "Schedule a meeting with Pete next Tuesday at noon." (Top 4 Methods to Sync iPhone and iPad Calendars)
2. Open the camera
Siri cannot take photos for you, but it can open the Camera app. You can even specify which camera to use. Saying "Take a picture" opens the rear camera, while "Take a selfie" opens the front camera.
3. Search your photos
Siri can quickly find photos in your library. For example, you can say, "Search for photos I took in Spain," and Siri will show all the pictures from your trip. You can also narrow your search by date or by person. (Photos Disappeared from iPhone?)
4. Control settings
Siri can make it easy to turn phone settings on or off. You can say "Turn on" or "Turn off" to control features such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Do Not Disturb, Airplane Mode, Night Shift, and Dark Mode.
5. Travel commands
Siri is especially useful when you are on the move. You can ask for directions, find nearby locations, or get travel information hands-free. Commands like "Show me the nearest gas station" or "How do I get to work by train?" are convenient while driving. You can even say "Take me home," and Siri will provide navigation through Apple Maps.
See also:
Part 6: FAQs on Using Siri on iPhone
Q1: Why isn't Siri responding to "Hey Siri"?
If Siri is not reacting, make sure "Listen for ‘Hey Siri'" is turned on in the Siri settings. You should also check that the microphone is clear and working properly.
Q2: Can I change Siri's voice after setting it up?
Yes. You can update Siri's voice at any time by going to the Siri settings and selecting Voice.
Q3: How do I turn off Siri?
To turn off Siri, open the Siri settings, switch Talk to Siri to Off, and turn off the option that lets you activate Siri with the Side button.
Q4: Is Siri available in all languages?
Siri works in many languages, but availability can differ depending on your region. You can see the list of supported languages in the Siri Language settings.
Do More with Siri
Do more with Siri. It has grown far beyond a basic assistant and now works as an intelligent, AI-powered tool that makes daily tasks easier. Whether you are setting reminders or creating emails with ChatGPT, Siri is more intuitive, more aware of context, and closely connected with the Apple experience. If you have any questions about Siri, feel free to leave them in the comments and we will reply as soon as possible.
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