Dina Bader: Learn how to set up 'Hey Siri' to keep your hands free

Set it and Forget it! Learn how to set up Siri on iPhone and iPad

There are many tools you can add to your iPhone or iPad. You can use a case, a pair of headphones, or even a flash drive. But by far, the best help you can get on your iPhone or iPad is Siri. With a simple "Hey Siri" you get a bunch of tools and features available to you without using your hands. Start using Siri isn't hard at all, here's how you can set up Siri on iPhone and iPad.

How to set up Siri on iPhone and iPad

"Hey Siri" now tries to lock on to your voice in an effort to prevent accidental — or mischievous — activation. You can either set it up when you set up your new iPhone or iPad, or at any time in Settings.

Launch Settings from your Home screen.
Tap on Siri & Search
Tap the Listen for "Hey Siri switch to turn it on.
You'll go to the Setup page so you can train Siri to listen to your voice. Go to the train section to finish setting Siri up.

How to train "Hey Siri" to your voice

Whether part of the setup process or later, as soon as you turn on "Hey Siri", you'll need to train it to recognize your voice.

Tap Continue on the Set Up "Hey Siri" page.
Using your voice say, "Hey Siri."
Using your voice say, "Hey Siri, Send a Message."
Using your voice say, "Hey Siri, How's the Weather Today?"
Using your voice say, "Hey Siri, set a timer for three minutes."
Using your voice say, "Hey Siri, play some music."
Tap Done on the "Hey Siri" Is Ready page.

Siri now knows your voice and is ready to go!

How to use "Hey Siri!"

Learning how to set up Siri is easy, but using "Hey Siri!" is, by design, ridiculously easier. You literally just say, "Hey Siri" to initiate the start of your interaction.

Position yourself within audio range of your iPhone or iPad
Say "Hey Siri!" loud enough for your iPhone or iPad to hear you.
Tell Siri what you want it to do — "call mom on speaker", "make a dinner reservation", "what's the weather like in Bermuda?", etc.

Here's a list of awesome Siri commands you can test out right now.

How secure is "Hey Siri!" voice ID?

We've tested "Hey Siri!" with over a half-dozen voices and nothing has worked except the registered voice or a recording of the registered voice, but that can vary. But Voice ID on Hey Siri isn't meant for security. Don't mistake it for "My voice is my passport, authorize me!" It's meant to solve the problem of unintentional activation, whether it be accidental, a prank, or even malicious.

If you're worried about security, turn "Hey Siri" off and stick with manual activation. If you're interested in the convenience of voice activation while you're caring for children, cooking, working, or otherwise have your hands full, then know the limitations but enjoy the functionality.