How to Access Siri

Written by Jack Lloyd

Last Updated: December 19, 2020 Tested

This wikiHow teaches you how to bring up Siri on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. In order to use Siri, she must be compatible with your mobile item or computer. You must set up Siri before using her.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:
On Mobile

1
Make sure you set up Siri before proceeding. If you haven't yet enabled Siri on your iPhone or iPad, do so before you continue.
2
Hold down the Home button. This is the circular button below the bottom of the screen.
- On an iPhone X, you'll hold down the Power button on the right side of the housing instead.
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3
Release the Home button when Siri appears. Once the screen displays the multicolored Siri logo, you can release the Home button.
4
Say aloud your request or question. You should see the words you're saying appear on-screen as you speak.
5
Wait for a response. Siri will analyze your request or question and then follow up with an answer.
- You can tap the Siri logo at the bottom of the screen to open Siri again when she's done talking.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:
On Desktop

1
Make sure you set up Siri before proceeding. If you haven't yet enabled Siri on your Mac, do so before you continue.
- Siri is available on any Mac running macOS Sierra and up.
2
Find Siri in the menu bar. Look for the multicolored Siri circle in the upper-right side of the screen.
- If you don't see Siri there, skip this step and the next one.
3
Click
Siri. This icon should be in the menu bar. Doing so will prompt the Siri menu to appear in the upper-right corner of the screen.
- You can also click this icon in the Dock if it's there.
4
Use the keyboard shortcut instead. If you couldn't find the Siri logo, press and hold ⌘ Command+Space until Siri appears in the upper-right corner of the screen.
- You can view the current keyboard shortcut (if it's different than ⌘ Command+Space) by opening System Preferences, clicking Siri, and reviewing the "Keyboard Shortcut" field.
- On MacBooks with Touch Bars, you can access Siri by tapping the Siri icon in the Touch Bar.
5
Wait for Siri to appear. The Siri menu should appear in the upper-right side of the screen.
6
Say aloud your request or question. Siri will begin processing your request when you finish speaking.
7
Activate Siri for further questions. If Siri stops asking for additional input, you can re-activate her by clicking the multicolored Siri icon at the bottom of the Siri window.

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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:
Using Hey Siri

1
Open your iPhone's
Settings. Tap the Settings app icon, which resembles a grey box with gears on it.
2
Scroll down and tap
Siri & Search. You'll find this near the middle of the Settings page.
3
Tap the white "Listen for 'Hey Siri'" switch
. This switch, which is near the middle of the page, will turn green
. You should see the setup prompt appear.
4
Follow the setup prompts. On the screen that appears, do the following:
- Tap Continue at the bottom of the screen.
- Say aloud the on-screen text.
- Tap Done when prompted.
5
Say "Hey Siri" near your iPhone. Doing so will cause Siri to appear, at which point you can talk to her like usual.
6
Use "Hey Siri" on a Mac. If you have a 2018 MacBook Pro model, you can access Siri via the "Hey Siri" feature by saying "Hey Siri" when the lid is open.^{[1]
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Community Q&A

Question

How can I get Siri on my iPhone 4?

Community Answer

Hold down the home button or go to settings and turn Siri on. Make sure everything is working correctly and maybe even watch a video on it.
Question

How do I end my conversation with Siri?

Community Answer

Just click the home button (which is underneath the screen, and it looks like a circle with a square inside it) and you should be redirected to whichever page you were on before you began to have a conversation with Siri.
Question

How do I access voicemail using Siri?

Community Answer

Ask Siri "Hey Siri, will you check my voicemails for me?" It will list your voicemails and when and how long the message it was. Then click on one of them and it should play it back for you.
Question

How do I use Siri on Messenger?

Community Answer

In your contacts list, you should have a name for each person, ie: John Smith. Get on Siri, and then say, "Send iMessage to John Smith," and then give your message.
Question

Can I access Siri's previous responses?

Community Answer

You can scroll through your current conversation with Siri. Once you exit out of the feature, the conversation clears and you can not access your previous questions or Siri's previous responses.
Question

Can I get Siri on my PC?

Community Answer

This feature will be available in 2016.
Question

What should I do if I can't get Siri to work on my iPhone 6?

Community Answer

Go to Settings → General → Accessibility → AssistiveTouch. Turn AssistiveTouch on. Press Siri or hold Home in AssistiveTouch (you can use the default setting).
Question

When I use Siri, will the microphone and speakers in my car work?

Community Answer

It will stop while speaking to Siri, but when you have finished speaking, the speakers will continue playing.
Question

What if I don't have Siri on my settings?

Community Answer

You may have restricted Siri, which would prevent her from showing up. Go to your Settings, then open up General. From there, open Restrictions, and make sure that Siri is "allowed." If she isn't, turn the switch on.
Question

How do I get Siri on my Galaxy S5?

Community Answer

Siri is only available on Apple products. Samsung implemented the Bibxy assistant with the Galaxy S8. Contact your cellular carrier if you want to upgrade your phone or switch to an iPhone.