How to Ask Siri a Question
How to activate Siri so you can ask a question or give a voice command. With some examples of things you can ask to get you started.
Siri can perform a wide range of tasks, from sending messages and getting directions to setting alarms and turning off the lights. And with each new software update, Siri gets smarter and more capable.
In this guide, we’ll show you some simple Siri commands to give you a taste of what you can do with your virtual assistant.
How to use “Siri” or “Hey Siri”
To begin, activate Siri on your device by saying “Siri” or “Hey Siri” or pressing and holding an iPhone’s Home or Side button.
You should hear a short beeping sound, and the Siri icon will appear on your device. If nothing happens, check Siri is turned on.
You can then ask a question, make a request, or give a command. Speak naturally without pausing after saying “Siri” or “Hey Siri.” For example:
Siri, how warm is it going to be today?
What to ask Siri
Now it’s time to have some fun and try out a few of the most popular Siri commands!
Ask Siri to check the time
Ask Siri to tell you the time in your location or anywhere else in the world.
Siri, what time is it?
Siri, what time is it in Los Angeles?
Ask Siri to set an alarm
You can set and edit as many alarms as you like without touching your device. Read our guide about advanced features such as changing and deleting alarms.
Siri, set an alarm for 7 am.
Siri, wake me up at 7 am.
Ask Siri to set a timer
Never burn a meal or miss a meeting again! Quickly set a timer to prompt you into action. Find out what else timers can do.
Siri, set a timer for 15 minutes.
Ask Siri to check your calendar
You can add, change, and remove appointments, meetings, and events on the move. Find out more about using Siri with the Calendar.
Siri, schedule a meeting with Jane for Friday at 9 o’clock.
Siri, do I have any meetings on Wednesday?
Ask Siri to get directions
Directions and route details are calculated and displayed using the Apple Maps app. Read more about using Siri with Maps.
Siri, give me directions from New York to Dallas.
Siri, what's the quickest route home?
Ask Siri to check the weather
Check the weather forecast in your location or anywhere else worldwide. Read more about using Siri to forecast the weather.
Siri, how warm is it going to be today?
Siri, what’s the weather like in Japan?
Siri, will I need an umbrella tomorrow morning?
Ask Siri to set reminders
Quickly add items to your reminder lists without the need to pick up your phone.
Siri, remind me to buy milk.
Siri, remind me to call Dad at 10 am.
Siri, remind me to buy bread when I arrive at the supermarket.
Ask Siri to send text messages
Dictate and send text messages and emails to anyone on your contact list or by using a phone number or email address. You can set up relationships to enable the use of informal terms such as Dad, Sister, and Boss.
Siri, send a text message to Dad.
Siri, message Jason I’m running ten minutes late.
Ask Siri to open apps
It's possible to open default iOS and third-party apps simply by saying their name.
Siri, open the Health app.
Siri, open the App Store.
Ask Siri to translate into different languages
You can use Siri to translate words, phrases, and even text from images into several other languages, including relatively complex sentences. Translations can be saved for later and even used offline. Read more about Siri Translate.
Siri, how do I say hello in German?
Ask Siri to play and control Apple Music
You can request a specific track to be played directly from your library or streamed from Apple Music. There are many ways to interact with Apple Music, so we've compiled a list of some of the most useful Apple Music commands.
Siri, play me a song from Taylor Swift’s latest album.
Ask Siri general knowledge questions
Siri has access to a wide range of knowledge provided by Wolfram Alpha.
Siri, who is the President of France?
Siri, what is 123 divided by 6?
Ask Siri to turn on the flashlight
Use Siri to turn your iPhone’s flashlight on (and turn off).
Siri, turn on the flashlight.
Ask Siri to check the news
Siri can grab the latest headlines from Apple News.
Siri, what’s in the news today?
Ask Siri for fitness and health data
Siri can help you retrieve various health metrics with simple voice commands.
Siri, what’s my heart rate?
Siri, how many steps have I walked today?
Siri offers many more ways to help you answer questions and complete tasks. For detailed instructions and helpful tips, explore our How-to guides.
Once you’re comfortable talking to Siri, make sure you also take a look at our Siri dictation guide and Siri commands for Apple Music for further helpful tips and tricks.
