Siri is closely integrated with Apple Maps on most Apple devices; this makes it easy to use for its sat-nav journey planning capabilities and as a virtual tour guide to find local places of interest when traveling.
Using Siri means you can ask for directions, find the nearest landmarks, and request the quickest route home without manually typing and searching for the location.
Siri also works with third-party map apps. Find out how to use Siri with Google Maps.
To use Apple Maps with Siri first, activate the voice assistant on your device:
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.
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.
How to use Siri and Apple Maps for navigation and directions
Simply say where you want to go. This could be a place name, a contact in your address book, or even the whereabouts of someone who is sharing their location with you.
Hey Siri, how do I get home?
Hey Siri, take me home.
Hey Siri, give me directions to work.
Hey Siri, give me directions to Dad.
Hey Siri, how do I get to Buckingham Palace?
Siri will display a map of the directions you requested, estimate the time the journey will take, and alternative routes if available.
You can also request information about the status of nearby traffic or at a specific location around the world:
Hey Siri, what is the traffic like near me?
Hey Siri, what is the traffic like in New York?
If you’d prefer a route to be calculated using a specific mode of transport, include it in your request:
Hey Siri, show me how to walk home.
Hey Siri, give me driving directions to the airport.
Hey Siri, give me transit directions to the beach.
Transit details may not be available in some locations. Additional apps can be downloaded from the app store, which may provide this feature in your area.
If a location search produces multiple results, Siri will display a list of options to choose from. You’ll need to tap on the location you’re searching for to get directions.
Adding stops to a journey
iOS 16 introduced the ability to add additional stops to a journey.
When you are already on the road, you can ask Siri to add a new stop for you.
Sharing your ETA
If you’d like to share your estimated time of arrival with someone, just say their name:
Hey Siri, share my ETA with Sarah.
As you’re sharing your ETA for the first time, Siri will ask if you’re happy that doing so will also share the name and email address connected to your Apple ID. Say “yes” if you want to go ahead.
Siri will confirm that you are now sharing your ETA.
It’s important to note that the person you shared your ETA with is constantly being informed of your location and arrival time.
If they use an Apple device – such as an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Watch, they will be able to monitor your location in Maps. If they don’t have an Apple device, they will receive text messages giving them updates on your progress.
If you want to stop sharing your ETA, say:
Hey Siri, stop sharing my ETA.
How to change your Preferred Transport Type
If you don’t specify a mode of transport when you make your query, Siri will use the preferred transport type you have chosen in Apple Maps settings. If you would like to change the transport type:
iPhone and iPad
- Open Settings.
- Scroll down and tap on Maps.
- Select the transport type you want to use as a default.
Mac
- Open Maps.
- Open Settings and select Route Planner.
- Select an option in the Preferred Transport Type dropdown list.
Finding places of interest
Whether you’re searching for a haircut, gym, restaurant, or supermarket, Siri will be able to find the closest one to you.
Hey Siri, where can I get a coffee?
Hey Siri, where can I get a Mexican?
Siri will display a list of answers to your question. To get directions to a location you’re interested in, tap on the result’s name.
This feature can be helpful if you’re in a new area:
Hey Siri, where is the nearest park?
Hey Siri, where is the nearest train station?
Depending on where in the world you are located, Siri uses Yelp, Trip Advisor, and various other sources to list relevant restaurants in your area and will organize results according to what’s closest.
Results can be variable if you ask for something that uses ratings and reviews to produce results.
Viewing a Flyover in Maps
Maps provides ‘flyover tours’ of several locations around the world. To view a flyover, ask Siri to take you to the place you would like to visit.
Hey Siri, show me Sydney, Australia, in Apple Maps.
Tap on the screen once to open the Maps app’s location, then tap the Flyover button to watch the guided tour.
