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How to use Siri with your Apple Watch

Siri has proven to be extremely useful for iPhone users. I’m not as certain Apple Watch users are taking full advantage of it. But they should. Apple’s personal assistant can send your messages, place calls, get directions, and more using Apple’s smartwatch.

To get started, on your paired iPhone, tap Settings > General > Siri and make sure that Siri is activated. On your Apple Watch, tap Settings > General > Siri and make sure that Hey Siri is on. You also need to connect your Apple Watch or paired iPhone to the Internet using Wi-Fi or cellular data. 

(Yep, you’ll need an iPhone and Apple Watch combo to use Siri on your smartwatch. That’s one of the common complaints about the Apple Watch. We’ll see if Apple addresses the issue when their second generation smartwatch arrives. I predict we’ll see it announced in September or October.)

There are two ways to use Siri with your Apple Watch. The first is to hold down the Digital Crown. When the listening indicator appears, say what you need, then release the Digital Crown.

Alternatively, you can raise your wrist or tap the screen of your Apple Watch. When it wakes, say “Hey Siri” and what you need. The problem with that is if you have an iPhone 6 or 6s Plus that also takes advantage of the “Hey, Siri” command, both your smartphone and smartwatch will think you’re taking to it. That’s why I prefer the Digital Crown method for use with the Apple Watch.


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Dennis Sellers
the authorDennis Sellers
Dennis Sellers is the editor/publisher of Apple World Today. He’s been an “Apple journalist” since 1995 (starting with the first big Apple news site, MacCentral). He loves to read, run, play sports, and watch movies.