Using voice commands to interact with Siri lets you perform tasks and get answers to queries hands-free, making it perfect for multitasking. However, speaking to Siri can feel awkward in public places. Thankfully, you can use Type to Siri to get around the awkward conversations with your phone, while still getting the answers you need.
What Is Type to Siri?
Type to Siri allows you to interact with Siri by typing your commands and queries instead of speaking them out loud. While specifically helpful for individuals with speech impairments, the feature provides value for everyone.
Not only does it help eliminate the awkwardness of talking to Siri in public, but it also enables you to effectively interact with Siri in noisy environments, where it can be challenging for Siri to hear and understand you.
Type to Siri was first introduced in iOS 11 as an accessibility feature. However, Apple realized that more people could benefit from it, and it released an improved version of Type to Siri with iOS 18.1. The latest update gives Type to Siri a new UI, introduces a new activation method, and makes it more context-aware with Apple Intelligence integration. You can even enable the ChatGPT extension to seek help with advanced queries.
Which iPhones Support Type to Siri?
Type to Siri is available on all iPhones running iOS 11 or later. However, you need an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence to use its updated version. Here’s a list of the iPhone models with the updated version:
How to Enable and Use Type to Siri on Your iPhone
Enabling and using Type to Siri on an iPhone is straightforward. However, the process differs for older and newer iPhone models due to the relocated toggle and trigger.
Enabling and Using Type to Siri on iPhones With Apple Intelligence
On Apple Intelligence-supported iPhones:
Once enabled, all you need to do is double-tap the horizontal App Switcher bar along the bottom edge of the screen to activate Type to Siri. Then, begin typing your query or command and hit the send key to submit the request. Siri will then respond to it accordingly.
If tapping the App Switcher bar feels awkward, you cancustomize your iPhone’s Action buttonto invoke Type to Siri instead. Just openSettingsand selectAction Button. Then, scroll toControlsand hitChoose a Control. Finally, look upType to Siriand tap it.
Now, press and hold the Action button to activate Type to Siri.
Enabling and Using Type to Siri on Older iPhones
To enable Type to Siri on iPhones that don’t support Apple Intelligence, follow these steps:
After you’ve enabled Type to Siri, press the Side button on your iPhone to invoke it. When this brings up the keyboard, type whatever command or query you have for Siri, and it will respond.
Unlike on iOS 18.1, Siri can sometimes fail to determine when you make a query using text and will respond using voice instead. If you think you’ll be using Type to Siri most of the time, you’re able to tell it to respond silently. On the Siri settings page, go to theSpoken Responsessection and select thePrefer Silent Responsesoption.
Type to Siri is a handy feature when you want to interact with Siri discreetly. So, be sure to enable it on your iPhone, especially if you use Apple Intelligence or Siri frequently. Doing so won’t disable the voice functionality, so you’re able to pick your preferred method to seek assistance from Siri based on the situation.
Aside from your iPhone, you can alsouse Type to Siri on your Mac. Type to Siri is available on Macs running macOS High Sierra or above, though you need anApple Intelligence-compatible Macrunning macOS Sequoia to use its latest version.
