This article explains how to set up Siri, the virtual voice assistant created by Apple. You can use Siri features on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. In the latter case, your computer must have macOS Sierra or a later version installed.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: iPhone
Step 1. Make sure your device is connected to the Wi-Fi network
For Siri to work properly, the iPhone or iPad must be connected to the internet.
Step 2. Launch the Device Settings app by tapping the icon
It is characterized by a gray colored gear.
Step 3. Scroll down the menu that appeared and select Siri and search
It is listed at the top of the "Settings" menu.
Step 4. Tap the gray slider "Press the Home button for Siri"
It is displayed at the top of the page.
If the indicated cursor is green, it means that Siri is already active on the iPhone. In this case, skip this step and the next
Step 5. Press the Activate Siri button when prompted
It is contained in a pop-up that will appear at the bottom of the screen. This way, Siri will be activated.
Step 6. Activate the "Hey Siri" feature if you wish
This is the voice command that will allow you to use Siri simply by saying the words "Hey Siri" next to the iPhone. To activate the indicated function, follow these instructions:
- Tap the gray slider Enable "Hey Siri";
- Push the button Continues when required;
- Follow the instructions that will appear on the screen by pronouncing the specified text clearly and audibly;
- Push the button end when required.
Step 7. Activate the "Use Siri when locked" feature
If you want to be able to use Siri even when the iPhone screen is locked, tap the gray "Use Siri when locked" slider.
Step 8. Change the Siri language
If you want to issue commands to Siri in a language other than the one used by the iPhone, select the option Tongue, then select the language to use.
Remember that by making this change, the "Hey Siri" feature will be disabled automatically. You can reactivate it by touching the "Hey Siri" slider and performing the voice configuration in the language you have chosen to use to communicate with Siri
Step 9. Edit the Siri voice
You can change both the gender and the Siri accent by tapping on the item Siri's voice. At this point, you can change the accent or gender of the Siri voice by acting on the appropriate menus. Remember that the accent can only be changed in the case of a language that has multiple regional variations, such as English.
- At the time of writing, Siri supports the Australian, English and American accent. If you've chosen a language other than English for Siri, you may need to download and select one of the possible regional variants.
- Siri supports both male and female voices.
Step 10. Select a voice feedback mode for Siri
Tap the item Voice feedback and choose one of the following options:
- Always active - Siri will always respond to your commands with voice feedback;
- Check with the ringer switch - Siri will only use voice feedback when the iPhone is not in silent mode;
- Speakerphone only - Siri will use voice feedback when the iPhone is connected to Bluetooth headsets or the car's hands-free system.
Step 11. Press the "Back" button
It is located in the upper left corner of the screen. Siri configuration settings will be saved and applied. At this point, Siri is ready to be used. You can activate it by pressing and holding the Home button (or the side button if you are using an iPhone X) or by saying the words "Hey Siri" if you have activated this feature.
If Siri won't recognize you automatically, select the option My info, then tap your name in the "Contacts" menu to allow Siri to use your contact information.
Method 2 of 2: Mac
Step 1. Make sure your Mac is connected to the internet
In order to function properly and take full advantage of its features, Siri needs to access the web.
Step 2. Access the "Apple" menu by clicking on the icon
It features the Apple logo and is located in the upper left corner of the screen. A drop-down menu will appear.
Step 3. Click on System Preferences…
It is one of the options listed in the menu that appeared. The "System Preferences" dialog box will appear.
Step 4. Click on the Siri icon
It is characterized by a multicolored circle visible at the bottom of the "System Preferences" window.
Step 5. Select the "Enable Siri" checkbox
It is listed in the left pane of the window. This way the Siri features will be activated on the Mac.
If the check button is already selected, it means that Siri is already active on the Mac
Step 6. Select your language
Click on the "Language" drop-down menu visible at the top of the main window pane, then click on the language you want to use to issue commands to Siri.
This is only necessary if you want Siri to use a language other than the Mac's default
Step 7. Select the Siri voice
Click on the "Siri Voice" drop-down menu, then click on the option you want. You can choose to use a male or female voice, and depending on the language selected, you may also have the option to choose the accent.
Depending on the language you have set for Siri and the Mac, the accent options may vary
Step 8. Turn on Siri voice feedback
Click on the "Yes" radio button located to the right of the "Voice Feedback" option. This way Siri can respond to your commands using your voice.
Step 9. Edit the keyboard shortcuts (if needed)
The default key combination for using Siri is ⌥ Option + Spacebar, but using the "Keyboard shortcut" drop-down menu you can choose the key combination you prefer.
Step 10. Select the "Show Siri in menu bar" checkbox
It is located at the bottom of the window. This will make the multicolored Siri icon visible at the top right of the Mac screen.
Step 11. Close the "Siri" window
Click on the small red circular button located in the upper left corner of the window. At this point, Siri features will be fully available on the Mac.
Step 12. Add your contact information on Siri if needed
If Siri won't recognize you automatically, follow these instructions:
- Start the Contacts app by clicking on the corresponding icon in the Dock;
- Click on one of your data (for example your name);
- Click on the menu Form, then click the option Set as personal card.
Step 13. Activate Siri
Click on the Siri icon visible at the top right of the screen. It is characterized by a multicolored circle. At this point, you can give Siri any commands you want.
Alternatively, you can activate Siri using the key combination you have configured
Advice
- You can use Siri to send a message to someone or to make a call when you are driving or in other circumstances when you are busy.
- When you do the initial setup of a new iPhone or Mac, you are automatically given the option to activate and set up Siri.
