Apple device users ask Siri questions to initiate commands for various uses. This option enables a Smart Device to perform tasks quickly even without having to unlock it. You only have to say “Hey Siri” to activate Siri. You should also have allowed the Siri toggle in the device’s settings. Here are 15 most useful ways to make use of this virtual assistant in both iPads and iPhones.
Make calls
You can ask Siri to call either a contact on the phone or any number by saying it out loud. To make a call, you only have to say “Call (person’s name or number)”. Also, hands-free calls can be initiated by using the command “Using speakerphone”.
Read and type text messages
Siri also helps with typing or reading received messages on your behalf. You only need to tell her what you want the text to say and Siri will put it in text form. Other communication apps like Twitter, Skype, iMessage and email have Siri integration for the same purposes.
Play music and control playback
You can ask Siri to play specific songs and albums from your favorite artists. Also, you can pause, resume or skip a song track on the playlist. To do this you say, “Play ‘Delicate’ by Taylor Swift”.
Find who is the owner of a lost iPad or iPhone
If you found a lost iPad or iPhone, you can ask Siri who the device owner is. Say, “Who owns this iPad (or iPhone).” This will trigger Siri to check device owner information and say it out loud to you so you can identify the owner.
Set your alarm or timer
You simply say, “Hey Siri, set an alarm for 7:30am” and it will ring an alarm at the set time. You can also change alarms, set durations for an alarm or even turn off alarms using voice commands.
Add punctuations to text messages or emails
“Typing” via Siri is easier than using the virtual keyboard on your device. It is good to note that you not only have the option to enter text using Siri, but also can enter punctuation marks. You say the punctuation mark as you “write,” e.g. “comma”, “question mark”, and so on.
Add reminders to lists
Sometimes you need to be reminded of certain things, like texting someone back or replying to an email. For stuff like this, you say “Remind me to call back after an hour.”
Find out what to ask Siri
This is most helpful to new device users who aren’t familiar with Siri. Although you can ask Siri online stuff, she can also tell you what she can do for you. You simply ask, “What questions can I ask you?” and you’ll get a list of questions you can ask her.
Find out what time it is, anywhere in the world
Siri can tell you the time of any place you need to know. However, this option has a limitation in that you cannot get the time of multiple places at once. If you try, you will only get the time of the place you mentioned first.
Tell you what song is playing
Siri interacts with other apps like Shazam to easily identify the song playing whether on the device or on another external source. You do not need to open the dedicated app to command it manually.
Launch applications
If you are an iPhone user, you don’t need to swipe through your screen to get to an app so that you can launch it. Instead, you only need to give Siri a command to open your preferred application. You say, “Open (application name)”.
Perform calculations
Siri can perform simple mathematical calculations easily. You do not have to open a calculator. However, complex calculations cannot be done this way.
Make quick conversions
Quick unit conversions are possible by asking Siri. You do not have to look them up. You simply ask, “What is one hour in seconds”.
Change settings
Apple has added an extra option on iOS that allows users to change settings easily. This task is usually tedious, but with Siri, you can turn on or off Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth.
Take notes
Sometimes thoughts will flow fast and can become forgotten if not noted down. Siri enables you to take notes. These are then synchronized to your iCloud so they’re accessible on all your devices.
Update for 2023:
You can now basically ask Siri anything. The AI has improved a lot since we wrote this article. You could ask Siri to get you an Uber, what the capital of Mexico is, or to find you pottery classes in Los Angeles. The sky is the limit!