How to Set Up Siri

Tue, 20 Dec 2016 08:00:00 GMT

To set up and use Siri on your iOS device, you'll need to open the Settings app and customize Siri's function from the Siri tab. Note that the following devices don't have Siri installed on them: iPhone 4 (and older), iPad 2 (and older), and iPod Touch 4 (and older). You can also enable and set up Siri on your Mac if you're running Mac OS Sierra.

Edit Steps

Edit Setting Up Siri (iOS)

1. Unlock your iOS device. If you have a passcode or a Touch ID, enter it; otherwise, just tap the Home button twice.

2. Tap the "Settings" app.

3. Tap .

4. Tap the switch next to "Siri". If Siri is already enabled (e.g., the switch is green), skip this step and the next one.

5. Tap "Enable Siri".

6. Tap the switch next to "Access on Lock Screen". This will allow you to use Siri while your device is locked.

7. Tap the switch next to "Hey Siri". Doing so lets you activate Siri by saying "Hey Siri" rather than having to hold down the Home button.

8. Tap "Set up 'Hey Siri'".

9. Follow the on-screen instructions. If this is your first time setting up "Hey Siri", you will need to say "Hey Siri" into your microphone several times as per the on-screen instructions.

10. Tap "Done".

11. Tap .

12. Tap your preferred language.

13. Tap . This is in the top left corner of your screen.

14. Tap .

15. Customize Siri's voice. Your options include:

American

Australian

British

Male

Female

16. Tap .

17. Tap .

18. Customize your voice feedback. Your options include:

Always on - Siri will always deliver a spoken response.

Control with Ring Switch - Siri will only speak when your phone isn't on "Vibrate"; this does not apply to "Hey Siri" mode or Bluetooth speakers (or CarPlay).

Hands-Free Mode - Siri will only speak when you use "Hey Siri" or when you're using Bluetooth speakers (or CarPlay).

19. Tap .

20. Tap .

21. Tap your contact information. This will apply your contact details (e.g., your name and email address) to Siri's knowledge bank.

22. Tap .

23. Tap the switches next to apps with which you'd like to use Siri.

24. Tap the Home button. This will apply your changes and exit the Settings app.

25. Hold down the Home button. Siri should pop up in listen mode.

You can do this on your Lock screen if you have "Access on Lock Screen" enabled.

If you have "Hey Siri" enabled, you can just say "Hey Siri" to activate Siri.

26. Tap the Home button again. This will exit Siri. You have successfully set up Siri!

Edit Setting Up Siri (Mac)

1. Click the Apple icon. This is in the top left corner of your screen.

2. Click .

3. Click .

4. Click the checkbox next to "Enable Siri". This will both enable Siri functionality and place a Siri icon in your top right screen menu bar.[1]

5. Customize your Siri settings. Your options include:

Language - The language in which Siri listens and speaks.

Siri Voice - The accent with which Siri speaks.

Voice Feedback - Whether or not Siri speaks.

Mic Input - Which microphone to use when recording your voice.

Keyboard Shortcut - The key combination you can use for Siri (default is + ).

Show Siri in menu bar - Whether or not Siri shows up in the top right corner of your screen (checked by default).

6. Exit the Siri menu.

7. Click Siri's icon. The Siri icon is the multicolored circle in your dock and menu bar.

You can also use your keyboard shortcut (hold down and tap to do this).

8. Click Siri's icon again. This will exit Siri. Your Siri function is now completely set up!

Edit Tips

You can use Siri to send a message or initiate a call for you if you're driving or otherwise occupied.

Siri has functionality on most iPads and iTouches as well as phones.[2]

You have the option of enabling the Mac version of Siri when installing Mac OS Sierra.

Edit Warnings

Allowing Siri Lock Screen access has been known to create security issues.

Edit Related wikiHows

Use Siri

Access Siri

Disable Siri on an iPhone 4S

Change Siri's Voice on an iPhone

Use Siri on an iPad

Change Siri's Gender