How to Use Siri: 8 Commands You Didn’t Know About

Remember when talking to your phone meant you were either losing your marbles or auditioning for a sci-fi movie?

Well, times have changed, and now we’re all walking around chatting with our digital assistants like they’re our new best friends.

For iPhone users, that chatty pal is Siri. But if you think Siri is just for setting alarms and asking about the weather, boy, do I have news for you!

This little digital genie has more tricks up its sleeve than a magician at a retirement home talent show. So grab your reading glasses, silence that Jitterbug, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of Siri!

What Is Siri?

Siri is Apple’s virtual assistant, born way back in 2011. That’s right, Siri is now a teenager, which explains why it sometimes acts like it knows everything and occasionally gives you attitude.

But unlike some (most?) human teenagers, Siri has actually gotten more helpful with age.

Over the years, she’s learned a lot more tricks and can now help you with a variety of tasks, from setting reminders to finding your way back to your parked car.

It’s like having a super-smart grandkid in your pocket, minus the requests for money and constant texting.

No More ‘Hey, Siri’

Remember the days when you had to politely say “Hey, Siri” to get her attention? Well, Apple decided that after a decade, the “Hey” was just too much work.

If you’re running iOS 17, you can simply say “Siri” and she’ll be ready to listen.

Whether it’s setting an alarm, sending a text, or reminding you to take your medication, Siri’s there without the extra pleasantries. It’s like getting on a first-name basis with your digital friend!

Did You Know Siri Can Do This?

I bet there are a lot of things you can do with Siri you didn’t know about. Some things that are genuinely helpful. Others that will just make you the coolest cat at the senior center.

8 Ways to Use Siri You Might Not Know About

Have Siri Read an Article in Safari to You

Got your reading glasses on but still struggling with that tiny text? Or maybe you just want to sit back and listen to an article while you sip your coffee?

Siri can read webpages to you—as long as they’re compatible with Safari’s Reader View. Just say, “Siri, read this to me,” and she’ll start narrating. It’s like having your own personal audiobook narrator, minus the fees.

Quickly Find Saved Passwords for Websites and Apps

Can’t remember your password for that streaming service you signed up for ages ago? Siri’s got your back. Instead of fumbling through your settings, just say, “Siri, show me the password for [insert app or website],” and she’ll take you directly to it.

You’ll need to verify your identity with Face ID or Touch ID, but after that, your password is just a tap away.

Restart Your iPhone Without Lifting a Finger

We all know the classic trick of restarting your phone when it’s acting up. But did you know Siri can do it for you? Just say, “Siri, restart my phone,” and she’ll ask you to confirm.

Once you say “Yes,” your iPhone will restart itself. No need to press any buttons—Siri’s got it covered.

Turn Off an Annoying Alarm

We’ve all been there: your alarm is blaring, and you can’t seem to find your phone because it’s buried somewhere in the bed or the couch cushions.

Instead of tearing apart your living room, just say, “Siri, turn off my alarm,” and enjoy the sweet sound of silence.

Find Family or Friends Using the Find My Tool

Wondering where your family members are? Maybe you want to make sure your grandkids made it home from school safely. Siri can quickly check for you.

Just ask, “Siri, where is [insert contact name]?” and she’ll show you their location using the Find My feature. It’s like having a digital detective on speed dial.

Translate Foreign Words or Sentences

Whether you’re trying to impress someone with your multilingual skills or just need a quick translation, Siri can help. Ask her to translate a word or phrase into one of 17 supported languages.

For example, say, “Siri, translate ‘Where’s the bathroom?’ to Spanish,” and she’ll not only show you the translation but also say it out loud. Handy for travel—or impressing your friends at the local taco joint.

Set Reminders Based on Your Location

Got a list of things to do but only need a reminder when you’re in a certain place? Siri can set location-based reminders for you.

Tell her, “Siri, remind me to buy milk when I get to the store,” and the next time you’re near your grocery store, that reminder will pop up. Siri’s like the sticky note you can’t lose!

Get Directions Back to Your Parked Car

Ever wandered around a parking lot, trying to remember where you parked?

Siri can guide you back. Just say, “Siri, get me directions to my car,” and she’ll use your iPhone’s location data to help you find your way. No more wandering aimlessly in a sea of cars!

The Basics of How to Use Siri

If you’re new to the iPhone or just haven’t gotten around to using Siri, don’t worry—it’s easy! Here’s how you can start using Siri like a pro:

1. Activating Siri:

• To wake Siri up, hold down the side button on your iPhone (or the Home button on older models) until you see Siri’s icon on the screen. Or, if you’ve set it up, just say “Siri” (or “Hey, Siri” if you prefer the old-school way).

2. Setting Up Siri:

• If Siri isn’t responding, you might need to enable her. Go to your Settings, tap “Siri & Search,” and make sure “Listen for ‘Siri'” or “Press Side Button for Siri” is turned on. From there, you can also customize how Siri responds and interacts with you.

3. Giving Commands:

• Once Siri is awake and ready, you can ask her to do all sorts of things. Want to send a text? Just say, “Siri, send a message to [contact name].” Need directions? “Siri, give me directions to [destination].” The possibilities are nearly endless!

4. Troubleshooting:

• If Siri isn’t hearing you properly, try speaking clearly and close to your phone’s microphone. If that doesn’t work, a quick restart of your phone might do the trick—or ask Siri to do it for you!

Embrace the Future

Remember, Siri is here to help, not judge. So go ahead and ask it to find pictures of cats in hats or to settle a debate about who starred in that movie from 1952.

Embrace the future, because let’s face it – it’s a lot easier than trying to remember where you put your glasses.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to ask Siri where I left my dentures. Happy Siri-ing, everyone!