How to Use Type to Siri on Your iPhone

While voice commands are the most common way of interacting with Siri, Apple has introduced a lesser-known but handy feature called “Type to Siri.” This function allows users to interact with Siri via text.

What is “Type to Siri”?

Type to Siri is an accessibility feature that enables you to type text commands to Siri instead of using your voice. This can be particularly handy in noisy environments or quiet settings where you’d prefer not to speak out loud.

It also opens up Siri to a broader audience, including those with speech impairments.

It has an equivalent feature on Mac computers and is designed to help anyone who is in a situation where they can’t use voice commands or who would prefer to enter their requests by keyboard more generally.

Reasons to use Type to Siri

Here are some scenarios where Type to Siri can be particularly beneficial:

In noisy environments

When you're in a loud environment, such as a busy street or a crowded café, voice commands might not be heard clearly by Siri. Typing your request ensures that Siri understands and executes your command accurately.

In quiet settings

In places where silence is required, like libraries, meetings, or on a flight or train, typing your commands to Siri lets you use your iPhone discreetly without disturbing others.

For your privacy

If you need to use Siri for a private matter, typing your request can be more secure than speaking out loud.

Accessibility

For users with speech impairments or those who prefer not to speak, Type to Siri provides an inclusive way to access Siri’s functionalities, improving the overall accessibility of the iPhone.

How to use Type to Siri on iOS 18

If you’re using iOS 18, activating Type to Siri is easy. Just double-tap the bottom of your iPhone's screen and Siri's typing interface will appear.

How to use Type to Siri on iOS 17 and below

Type to Siri isn’t enabled by default in iOS 17 and below, and instead of double-tapping the screen, the feature is activated by pressing and holding the Home or Side button on your device.

How to enable Type to Siri on your iPhone

To turn on Type to Siri on your iPhone (or iPad):

1. Open Settings.
2. Scroll down and tap Accessibility.
3. Scroll down again and tap Siri under the General heading.
4. Toggle on Type to ‌Siri‌.

How to use Type to Siri

When Type to Siri is enabled, when you press and hold the Side button (or Home button on older iPhones) to activate Siri, an on-screen keyboard is displayed, prompting you to type in your request in a text field.

Simply type in your request as if you were talking to Siri.

Type to Siri will process commands in precisely the same way as using speech. So, if you type “Do I have any meetings today?” or “Is it hot in Athens today?” Siri will respond with the same on-screen notifications.

Your iPhone will still respond to “Siri” or “Hey Siri” commands when the Type to Siri feature is turned on, but as soon as you activate Type to Siri with the Side or Home button, voice commands will no longer work.