Siri on Mac can open apps, create reminders, answer quick questions, search for files or photos, and perform small tasks while your hands stay on the keyboard or trackpad.
This guide applies to Macs running macOS Sierra or later.
Does This Affect You?
Use Siri if you want voice access to common Mac tasks, or if Siri appears to be turned off and the shortcut or menu bar icon does nothing.
Turn On Siri and Set a Shortcut
- Open System Settings.
- Select Siri & Spotlight. On older macOS versions, open the Siri pane.
- Turn on Ask Siri.
- Choose a keyboard shortcut, such as holding Command + Space, or use the dedicated key if your keyboard has one.
- Optionally enable listening for Hey Siri if your Mac supports it.
- Choose the language and Siri voice you prefer.
A Siri icon may also appear in the menu bar, giving you another way to start a request.
Use Siri on Mac
- Press the Siri shortcut, click the Siri icon, or say Hey Siri if enabled.
- Wait for the Siri window to appear.
- Ask naturally, such as “Open Pages,” “Set a reminder for 3 PM,” “What is 15 percent of 84,” “Show photos from last Christmas,” or “What is the weather this weekend.”
- Review the answer or let Siri open the related app.
- Press Escape or click away to dismiss Siri.
Siri may listen briefly for a follow-up after answering, so you can continue the request without starting over.
Siri Options and Fixes
Type to Siri
If speaking out loud is not convenient, open System Settings > Accessibility > Siri and enable Type to Siri. Siri then accepts typed requests.
Siri Suggestions
In Siri & Spotlight settings, review which apps can appear in Siri Suggestions. These suggestions affect Spotlight and system suggestions separately from voice requests.
Turn Siri Off
Return to Siri & Spotlight and disable Ask Siri. This removes the menu bar access and stops the shortcut and Hey Siri listening.
Internet Connection
Many Siri requests use Apple’s servers. A weak or offline connection can make Siri slow or prevent it from completing a request.
Sources
- Apple Support: Use Siri on Mac
- Apple Support: Change Siri settings on Mac
- Apple: Siri and privacy on Mac