How to set up ‘Hey Siri’ in iOS 9

BY Osas Obaizamomwan

Published 15 Sep 2015

We have all had it happen to us. Saying a simple phrase or command when talking to Siri and laughing at the ridiculous request that she heard. Whether you have an accent, are using complicated words, or aren’t speaking loud enough, Siri misunderstanding what you said is very common. iOS 9 wants to improve that aspect of Siri, and now provides a handy-dandy setup process for Siri. Through this process Siri will gain a better understanding of your voice and how you speak.

How to set up ‘Hey Siri’ in iOS 9 for better speech recognition

With the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus coming in a few weeks, there is a newfound importance on ensuring Siri is hearing exactly what you mean. The new S phones make it possible for the ‘Hey Siri’ command to be enabled even when the phone is unplugged. As it stands now, the iPhone must be plugged in, in order for the hands free, ‘Hey Siri’ command to work.

Since these new iPhones will be constantly “listening” for that command, Apple doesn’t want more false triggers than necessary. This new setup process will give Siri a more informed understanding of your voice, in an effort to decrease the amount of times she thinks you’re saying ‘Hey Siri’ when you’re really saying “hot cereal.”

The Setup

Step 1.

Let’s get started by going to Settings -> General -> Siri and sliding the toggle on for Siri if not already enabled, followed by sliding the toggle to on for Allow “Hey Siri”.

Allow Hey Siri

 

Step 2.

The moment you slide the, “Hey Siri” toggle on, you will be taken directly to the setup page. Tap Set Up Now to begin the short process.

Siri - Setup

Step 3: Rinse and Repeat

The next part is a short five-step process of speaking the prompts that are give. The first three prompts ask you to say, and repeat the phrase, “Hey Siri”. A check mark will appear confirming that you have adequately completed that step.

Say hey siri

Step 4.

The next prompt will ask you to say “Hey Siri, how’s the weather today?” Do this to move on to the last step.

Weather - Siri Setup

Step 5.

The final prompt asks you to say, “Hey Siri, it’s me.” Do this and the setup is nearly complete.

Hey Siri - Prompt

Finally, tap Done and your Siri setup has been completed.

Siri setup - Done iOS 9 is slated to be released to the public on September 16, while the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus will be making their way to retail stores on September 25. The handsets are scheduled to go up for pre-order on September 12. On the other hand, iOS 9.1 will be making its debut on the iPad Pro sometime in November.

Let us know how your setup process went in the comment section.