Ask Siri out loud
Siri is the helper built into your iPhone. Instead of tapping, you just ask out loud.
Turn on Siri
- Open Settings.
- Tap Siri. On some iPhones, it's called Apple Intelligence & Siri.
- If Siri is off, tap Turn On Siri, then follow the steps on the screen.
Newer iPhones may also offer a newer version of Siri. The basics below work either way.
Start talking to Siri
- With a button: press and hold the side button. On an iPhone with a Home button, press and hold the Home button. Speak when Siri appears.
- With your voice: say "Siri" or "Hey Siri," then your request. This works if it's turned on in Siri settings.
Siri needs an internet connection, from Wi-Fi or your phone plan.
Things to try
- "Call my daughter." (This works once Siri knows who your daughter is. See below.)
- "Turn on the flashlight."
- "Turn up the volume."
- "Set a timer for 10 minutes."
- "Remind me to take my pills at 8 a.m."
- "What's the weather today?"
- "Open Camera."
Good to know
- Speak naturally. If Siri gets it wrong, just try again.
- Tell Siri who your family are, so "call my son" works. Say something like, "Pat Jones is my son." Pat needs to be saved in your contacts.
- Don't want Siri? Go to Settings, tap Siri, then tap Turn Off Siri.
Where these steps come from
Checked in November 2026 against the official pages below, using the newest iPhone software. Your screen may look a little different, especially on an older iPhone. The official page always has the latest steps.