Most people are often stressed these days, for example they hardly have time to make notes for the next appointment or they have so much on their mind that they forget some important topics - Siri could help.
With Siri, Apple is trying to make your life easier, because voice commands can often speed things up - it doesn't matter whether you have questions or are giving specific instructions, Siri makes it possible. Everyone of you has probably used Apple's voice assistant before. Today we're going to talk about how to use Siri correctly and how you can get through your everyday life with it as quickly as possible with hardly any technical knowledge.
What is Siri?
Siri is Apple's digital assistant and allows you to use your Apple products extensively using voice input. If you ask Siri "Hey Siri, what's the weather like?", the software checks the current weather conditions based on your location and then informs you of the result - an active internet connection is required. Siri was introduced in 2011 and was initially only available on the iPhone 4S. In 2012, it was introduced on other devices such as the iPad and iPod touch. With macOS Sierra, Apple's voice assistant found its way onto Mac devices. The Apple Watch has also worked with Siri since the first generation. Of course, it is also available on the Apple TV. The feature is free and therefore already pre-installed on every current Apple device.
How to set up Siri correctly
To use Siri, you first need to set it up. You can do this when configuring a new device. However, some users skip this step and take advantage of the offer at a later time. If you are one of these users, open the settings of your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch and navigate to the menu item “Siri and Search”. You can now continue with the setup. On a Mac, Apple's voice assistant is activated via the settings under “Siri”. The menu item “Ask Siri” must be activated. The settings from your iPhone are automatically transferred to a HomePod or an Apple Watch - if you have already activated Siri, you can use it directly on the respective devices. You can set up Siri on the Apple TV as follows: Open the settings and navigate to “General”. Now you can go to the menu item “Siri” and activate the function. In the respective settings you will also find other features such as speech output, language, voice and much more.
How to use Siri on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch
Siri can be activated via the home button – a long press triggers the action. If you have an iPhone or iPad without a home button, you can activate Siri by long-pressing the power button – on an iPhone X or newer, you will find this on the right side of the device – on an iPad Pro 2018 or newer, the button is on the top right of the device. You can then ask your question or give instructions. If you want to avoid pressing the button, there is also the “Hey Siri” function. You can activate this in the settings under the menu item “Siri and Search”. You can now wake Siri at any time with the command “Hey Siri”. Have you activated the menu item “Allow Siri when locked”? Then you can use Apple's assistant even when locked.
How to use Siri on your Mac
On a Mac (2018 or newer), you can easily activate Apple's voice assistant using the "Hey Siri" function. Alternatively, you can also command Apple's digital assistant using a special key or key combination. If you have a MacBook Pro with a Touch Bar, you can press a round icon on the right side of the digital menu bar - see image. The third way to activate Siri is the following key combination: "Command + Spacebar." If you don't have at least macOS Sierra installed on your Mac, you won't be able to use Apple's voice assistant - the operating system released on September 20, 2016, or later is required to use Siri.
How to use Siri on your Apple TV
On the Apple TV remote control, the Siri button has been marked with a microphone symbol. The button must be held down while making a request, e.g. "Play the movie 'Grown up!'".
How to use Siri on your Apple Watch
The “Hey Siri” function allows you to use the smart assistant on your Apple Watch – the screen must be on for this. You activate it by raising your wrist or by tapping the screen. With Apple Watch Series 3 or watchOS 5, the request also works without “Hey Siri” – simply hold the Apple Watch to your mouth and say, for example, “Play my favorite playlist!”. There is a third way to activate Apple’s voice assistant, and that is via the Digital Crown. To do so, hold down the Digital Crown and tell Siri your request. If you just want to ask a quick question, all you have to do is press the Digital Crown briefly – as soon as the “How can I help” display appears, you can start. If you have longer instructions, such as: “Create an appointment on June 3, 2019 for the current WWDC!”, you must hold down the Digital Crown while you speak.
How to use Siri on your HomePod
On the HomePod, Siri is activated using the "Hey Siri" function or the glass top of the Apple speaker. The button on the surface is used according to the same principle as the Digital Crown on the Apple Watch. For quick requests, a short press is enough - for longer commands, you hold down the top.
How to use Siri on your AirPods, third-party headsets, or a vehicle
If you wear AirPods, you can activate Siri by double-tapping the outside of your earbuds. If it doesn't respond, you need to check your settings. To do this, go to your iPhone's Settings and open the "Bluetooth" section. Now select your AirPods by clicking the blue "i." Here you can configure the use of Siri. The second generation of AirPods support the "Hey Siri" function – however, the use of Siri must be enabled on your iPhone's lock screen. See "How to use Siri on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch." With third-party headphones, you activate Siri using the Home or Power button on your iPhone – depending on the model. Apple's wired EarPods allow you to wake up Siri by long-pressing the button between the volume down/up field. In a vehicle with CarPlay or Siri Eyes Free support, you can press the voice control button and say your command, e.g., "Navigate me to the nearest Apple Store!" Alternatively, you can also use the "Hey Siri" function.
How to personalize Siri
Siri doesn't just help you find a song, open apps, or search the web for terms. The voice assistant can do so much more. That's why there's the Shortcuts app, a separate Apple application for iPhone and iPad to make Siri even easier and more effective. The application contains a library from which you can choose different shortcuts. If you want to create your own shortcuts, you can of course do that too. To do this, create a new workflow and add an action. Then all you have to do is choose a word that best describes the shortcut, e.g. "Set the timer for three minutes!" You can add the word "toothbrush timer." If you want to activate the command in the future, all you have to do is say "Hey Siri, toothbrush timer," and the voice assistant will set a timer for three minutes. The areas in which you can create your own shortcuts range from “Working with scripts” to “Photos and videos” to “Calendar”, “Contacts”, “Location”, “Text” and “Web”.
The app also has a gallery of over 100 predefined shortcuts that you can use or modify. Those who use SmartHome technology can also control their home via Siri. Do you have a thermostat paired with the Home app? Then all you need to do is say, "Hey Siri, set thermostat XY to 20°C," and it will automatically set to 20°C. Since Siri requires an active internet connection—whether Wi-Fi or cellular—it also drains your iDevice's battery faster. How to fix iPhone battery life problems. Of course, like many things in life, using Siri has to be learned. By using Apple's voice assistant, you can simplify your life in some areas. Try it today or take a look at the different sessions in the Apple Store app. At these events, trained Apple employees will explain your Apple product and all its functions to you - completely free of charge.
