How to Use Siri Knowledge

Siri Knowledge uses a combination of web searches, installed apps, and Wolfram Alpha to find the answers to a considerable variety of questions.

When asked a question, Siri reads out and displays the answer in a notification rather than returning a list of search results in Google. Usually, you’ll be able to tap on the notification for further details.

The results can occasionally be a little hit-and-miss, but for the most part are surprisingly accurate, especially in mathematics and general knowledge.

Siri Knowledge is built into Siri, so there is no need to download an app for it to work.

To begin using Siri Knowledge, activate Siri on your device using one of these methods.

iPhone/iPad

  • Press and hold the Side/Home button until Siri appears.
  • By saying “Hey Siri”.

Read more about how to set up and use Siri on your iPhone.

Apple Watch

  • By saying “Hey Siri”.
  • By pressing and holding the Digital Crown.
  • By using Raise to Speak.

Read more about how to set up and use Siri on your Apple Watch.

HomePod

  • By saying “Hey Siri”.
  • Press the top of HomePod.

Read more about how to set up and use Siri on your HomePod.

Mac

  • Say “Hey Siri”.
  • Press the Siri button.
  • Use a keyboard shortcut.
  • Use Type to Siri.

Read more about how to set up and use Siri on your Mac.

Use Siri to access a wealth of general knowledge

Here are some examples of the broad range of questions you can ask:

Hey Siri, who is the Prime Minister of Australia?

The PM of Australia
The PM of Australia

As well as providing voice feedback, Siri will display the answer to your question in a notification. Tapping on it will reveal further information.

Hey Siri, when was the Brooklyn Bridge built?

Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge

Hey Siri, what’s the population of Canada?

Population of Canada
Population of Canada

Hey Siri, how far is it to the moon?

How far is it to the moon?
How far is it to the moon?

Hey Siri, what’s the most poisonous plant in the world?

The most poisonous plant in the world
The most poisonous plant in the world

If the search doesn’t return definitive results, Siri will offer a list of web links and topics it considers to be relevant to your query.

Use Siri to answer math questions

Siri can also answer math questions and perform complex calculations.

Hey Siri, what is the square root of 244?

The sqaure root of 244
The sqaure root of 244

Hey Siri, divide $65 by 3.

Ask Siri to perform calculations
Ask Siri to perform calculations

Use Siri to perform currency conversions

Siri Knowledge can convert currencies using live market data.

Hey Siri, what is $50 in Euros?

$50 in Euros
$50 in Euros

Hey Siri, how many US dollars in a pound?

Dollars in a Pound
Dollars in a Pound

Want to discover more about using Siri, Apple’s popular virtual assistant? We’ve written a helpful collection of tutorials full of techniques for using apps, dictation, using Siri Shortcuts, and a comprehensive beginner’s guide to activating and using Siri.