How I Use Type to Siri to Eliminate Awkward Interactions in Public

Summary

• Type to Siri allows typing commands to interact silently, reducing awkwardness in public or noisy places.

• Updated in iOS 18.1 with a new UI and Apple Intelligence, Type to Siri is available on the latest iPhone models.

• Enable and use Type to Siri based on settings based on iPhone model and activation method preference.

Using voice commands to interact with Siri lets you perform tasks and get answers to questions hands-free, making it perfect for multitasking. However, talking to Siri can feel awkward in public places. Fortunately, you can use Type to Siri to bypass awkward conversations with your phone, while still getting the answers you need.

What is the type of Siri?

Type to Siri lets you interact with Siri by typing your commands and questions instead of speaking out loud. Although specifically useful for individuals with speech disabilities, the feature provides value for everyone.

Not only does it help eliminate the awkwardness of talking to Siri in public, but it also allows you to effectively interact with Siri in noisy environments, where Siri may be challenged to hear and understand.

Type to Siri was first introduced in iOS 11 as an accessibility feature. However, Apple realized that more people could benefit from it, and 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 also enable the ChatGPT extension to get help with advanced questions.

Which iPhones Support Type 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 is a list of iPhone models with the updated version:

• iPhone 15 Pro

• iPhone 15 Pro Max

• iPhone 16

• iPhone 16 Plus

• iPhone 16 Pro

• iPhone 16 Pro Max

How to activate and use type to Siri on your iPhone

Activating and using Type to Siri on an iPhone is simple. However, the process differs for older and newer iPhone models because of the transferred toggle and trigger.

Enable and Use Type to Siri on iPhones with Apple Intelligence

On iPhones supported by Apple Intelligence:

1. open Settings.

2. Tap Apple Intelligence & Siri > Speak & Type to Siri.

3. Toggle the button next to it Write to Siri to on

Once enabled, all you have to do is double-tap the horizontal App Switcher bar along the bottom edge of the screen to enable Type to Siri. Then, start writing your request or command and press the send key to send the request. Siri will then respond accordingly.

If touching the App Switcher bar feels awkward, you can customize your iPhone’s Action button to invoke Type to Siri instead. Just opened Settings and select Action button. So, scroll to Controls and blame Choose a check. Finally, search Write to Siri and touch it.

Now, press and hold the Action button to enable Type to Siri.

Enable and Use Type to Siri on older iPhones

To enable Type to Siri on iPhones that don’t support Apple Intelligence, follow these steps:

1. open Settings.

2. Head to Accessibility > Siri.

3. Toggle on Write to Siri option.

After enabling Type to Siri, press the Side button on your iPhone to invoke it. When this opens the keyboard, type any command or question you have for Siri, and it will respond.

Unlike iOS 18.1, Siri can sometimes fail to determine when you ask a question with text and will respond with voice instead. If you think you’ll be using Type to Siri most of the time, you can tell it to answer silently. On the Siri settings page, go to the Spoken Answers section and select the Prefer Silent Responses option.

Type to Siri is a useful feature when you want to interact with Siri discreetly. So, make sure to activate it on your iPhone, especially if you use Apple Intelligence or Siri frequently. Doing so does not disable voice functionality, so you can choose your preferred method to seek assistance from Siri based on the situation.

Away from your iPhone, you can also use Type to Siri on your Mac. Type to Siri is available on Macs running macOS High Sierra or higher, though you may need it Mac compatible with Apple Intelligence running macOS Sequoia to use its latest version.