How to Activate Siri on iPhone and Mac

Updated Feb 21,2017 | by Shannon

Siri is the application that allows you to control the functioning of your iPhone or Mac with the help of voice commands. It is a type of personal assistant that allows you to perform your task in a much simpler way without putting in a lot of efforts. With the help of Siri, you can send messages, plan your workout routine, receive an email and much more. Make sure your device is compatible with Siri and it is enabled to get the maximum benefit. Now, most of you must be thinking about how to activate Siri? Well, the answer to this question is explained in the following steps: 

·           Step 1:

The process of how to turn Siri on starts with checking the compatibility of your device with Siri. Keep that in mind that Siri does not work on the old Apple devices.

·           Step 2:

After checking the compatibility, you can turn on the option of Siri in the settings of your iPhone. Go to setting and click on the general option. In this way, the general settings of your phone will be displayed.

·           Step 3:

In general settings, you will find the option of Siri. You need to click it. If you are unable to find the option of Siri in the general settings, your phone must not have the compatibility of Siri then. 

·           Step 4:

After finding the Siri option, tap on it to enable the option. By tapping, the Siri will be turned on.

·           Step 5:

After that, you will find the option of “hey Siri” that can be present to turn it on. Pressing it again will help you in turning off the option. With the help of this features, you will able to use the application of your phone when it is plugged in for charging.

·           Step 6:

The functions of Siri depends on a lot of information that is being stored on your iPhone especially when it comes to the current location information. Enabling the information about the current location will allow you to do a lot more with the help of Siri. Although the location services in your iPhone will be enabled by default but still, if it is not, go through the following steps:

·           Open settings

·           Select Privacy

·           Tap on the location services option

·           Check if it's on, if not, tap it

·           Make sure the option of "Siri & Dictation" is set to "while using"

In all of the Apple devices, the Siri is enable by default. It can usually start working by pressing and holding the home button to start it. By pressing the home button, you will be able to send in a command through your voices. If the Siri is not working by pressing the home button, it must be disabled.

How to turn on Siri on Mac:

The process of how to turn on Siri on the Mac starts with the change in the Siri keyboard shortcut. It usually starts with the dictation. After placing the keyboard shortcut at its place, follow the following steps to activate Siri on your Mac.

·           Step 1:

Got to the apple menu and then click on the system preferences. In that option. Click on the keyboard icon.

·           Step 2:

Within the keyboard icon, select the dictation tab. If there is no action taken place after tapping it, open another tap and then again click on the dictation tap.

·           Step 3:

In the options that are displayed on the screen, look for the dictation option. After finding it, turn it on and select the enhanced dictation option. In a result, you will find a downloaded process that will help in the offline usage of Siri.

·           Step 4:

In the case of multiple microphones, select the one that you want to be used. The selected language can also be changed.

·           Step 5:

Select the show all icon that will appear at the top of the opened window. In that icon, select the accessibility option. You will find the option of dictation in the left column of the accessibility system preferences. Check the box so that the dictation keyboard phrase will be activated. A word computer will appear in the box, rewrite it with Hey.

·           Step 6:

Click on the button with the name dictation commands and then click the enable advanced commands option. The “+” option will allow you to create personalized commands. You can enter the following information:

When I say: Siri

While using: Any application

Perform: In this option, you can specify your requirements e.g. write control-space

·           Step 7:

The final step in how to turn on Siri on Mac will end up by clicking on the done option below the box.

Changes in the voice or language of Siri:

With the help of Siri, you have the option to change the language or the voice of Siri that will be used. To perform this task, consider the following steps:

·           Go to the Settings

·           Select Siri

·           Select Siri Voice

With the above option selected, you will be able to change the voice that was already installed on your device. You can also include a new one with the same procedure. Now, for changing the language of the Siri, follow the following steps:

·           Go to Settings

·           Click on General

·           Select Siri

·           Go to Languages option

After selecting the language option, you will be provided with the list of languages that can be used by the Siri speakers. Select the one that you can speak and understand. You can also change the way in which Siri responds to your commands. For that purpose, go to the settings, select the general setting option, select Siri and then click on the voice feedback option and then select your desired response.

This was all you needed to know about how to turn Siri on and how to make changes in the voice, language and response. 

Related readings:

How to Use Siri for iPhone and iPad

5 Things You Need to Know About Siri

Siri Not Working after iOS 9: How to Fix It?

Related Readings for Reference