Hey Reader! 👋

😖 The issue

Our iPhones are incredible devices, capable of completing a lot of different tasks.

Unfortunately, some apps can be fiddly and cumbersome when trying to complete simple everyday tasks.

Siri, Apple’s built-in voice assistant, can help you do simple tasks and get information quickly. Best of all, you can use it without picking up your phone to launch an app.

👇 Give it a try

First up, make sure Siri is enabled on your iPhone.

1. Open the Settings app and tap on the Siri & Search category.
2. Tap the Listen for option and choose either “Siri” or “Hey Siri” from the options. This will allow you to activate Siri with your voice.
3. Then, turn on the Press Side Button for Siri option. It lets you activate Siri by pressing your device’s Side Button.

Here are 7 simple ways to use Siri to do simple tasks.

1. ⏰ Setting Reminders and Alarms

Instead of opening the Reminders app or Clock app and filling out the fields and toggles, ask Siri to set reminders and alarms for you.

For example, say: “Hey Siri, remind me to call Bruce today at 7 pm” or “Hey Siri, set an alarm for 6:30 am”.

2. 💬 Sending Messages and Emails

Instead of opening the Messages or Mail app and getting distracted by unread messages, ask Siri to send them to people in your Contacts for you.

For example, say: “Hey Siri, tell Natasha I’ll be home with tacos soon” or “Hey Siri, send an email to Steven”.

3. 📞 Making Phone Calls

Instead of opening the Phone app and manually finding a contact’s phone number, ask Siri to call the person for you.

For example, say: “Hey Siri, call Tony” or “Hey Siri, FaceTime Clint”.

4. ⏲️ Setting Timers

Instead of opening the Clock app to start a timer, ask Siri to set one for you. You can even have multiple timers running at the same time and check the status of each by asking for it by name.

For example, say: “Hey Siri, start a 6-minute burger timer” or “Hey Siri, how much time is left on my corn timer?”.

5. 📍 Navigating with Maps

Instead of fiddling with the Maps app to get driving directions, ask Siri to get directions for you.

For example, say: “Hey Siri, give me directions home”.

6. 🗓️ Managing Calendar Events

Instead of spending time entering details into the Calendar app, ask Siri to do it.

For example, say: “Hey Siri, schedule lunch with M.J. on Saturday at 1 pm” or “Hey Siri, what’s on my calendar for today?”.

7. 🎵 Playing Music

Instead of scrolling through your Music library to play an album or playlist, ask Siri to do it.

For example, say: “Hey Siri, shuffle my ‘Walking the Dog’ playlist” or “Hey Siri, skip this song”.

✨ One more thing

Did you know you can also type to Siri on your iPhone and iPad instead of speaking?

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Siri is expected to get a big update in September with iOS 18.

So, now is the perfect time to start using it every day for simple tasks. Then you’ll be primed and ready to do more advanced commands.

Hit reply and let me know how you’re using Siri. I’m always looking for ways to use my iPhone less if I can accomplish the same task by voice.

After all, Siri is built into all of Apple’s devices.