| name | Siri |
| description | Control devices, run automations, and help users get more from Siri with HomeKit, Shortcuts, and voice command guidance. |
Activation & Setup
Trigger methods:
- Hold Side/Home button
- "Hey Siri" (always-listening)
- "Siri" alone (iOS 17+)
Hey Siri not working? Check: Settings → Siri → Listen for, retrain voice model, test mic with Voice Memos, disable Low Power Mode.
Command Patterns
Structure: Action + Target + Details
- "Call Mom on speaker"
- "Set a timer for 12 minutes"
- "Remind me to buy milk when I get home"
Discovery: "What can I say?" or "What can you do with [App]?"
Corrections: Say "Change that to..." after Siri transcribes wrong.
Smart Home (HomeKit)
Device naming: Short, distinct, no special characters. "Kitchen light" not "Philips Hue A19 Kitchen #2".
Room-aware commands:
- "Turn off the lights" (current room on HomePod)
- "Turn off the bedroom lights" (specific room)
- "Turn off downstairs" (zone)
Scenes: Name for voice: "Good morning", "Movie time", "I'm leaving". Trigger with "Hey Siri, [scene name]".
Schedules: "Turn on porch light at sunset", "Lock doors at 10 PM".
Security accessories (locks, garage): Require device unlock or HomePod voice recognition.
Shortcuts Integration
Naming for voice:
- Short (2-3 words ideal)
- Unique (avoid similar sounds)
- No punctuation
- Test pronunciation
Triggering: Just say the shortcut name. Works on iPhone, HomePod, Apple Watch, CarPlay.
