How to Use Hey Siri on a Mac

Download macOS., Click on the Apple menu., Click "System Preferences..." This will open all of the front-end options that you can edit on your Mac. , Click the "Keyboard" icon., Click the "Dictation" button., Click the "On" radio button next to...

18 Steps 2 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Download macOS.

    Siri is only available on computers running macOS.

    If your Mac is running on an earlier operating system, you need to update it to use Siri.
  2. Step 2: Click on the Apple menu.

    The Apple icon is in the upper-left corner of your screen, and will open a drop-down menu. ,, This is where you'll program your Mac to use your voice to perform the Hey Siri command. , Dictation converts spoken words into text and can be used to activate a range of commands other than Hey Siri. , Also click on the checkbox next to "Use Enhanced Dictation."

    If you have multiple audio input sources for your Mac (such as an external microphone or headphones in addition to your regular built-in microphone), click on the menu underneath the microphone option and click "Internal Microphone."

    This button is in the bar at the top of your Mac's screen, and will reveal a drop-down menu. , An interface from your Mac's System Preferences will open. , The Dictation icon is located in the sidebar on the left of the screen.

    A new control panel will appear. ,, This tells your Mac to engage dictation when you say the word "Hey."

    , This will allow you to customize your dictation commands. , In the window that appears, you'll enter your customized command. , On the current menu, you'll see a couple of menus that you can click on to create your custom command.

    Click on the text windows next to each option and modify them to list the following:
    When I say:
    Siri While using:
    Any application Perform: select "Press Keyboard Shortcut." When the text “Press keys now” shows in gray, press the keyboard shortcut that you use to open Siri.

    By default, this shortcut is set to ⌘+space. , Now, anytime you say "Hey Siri," Siri will open on your Mac without you having to lift a finger!
  3. Step 3: Click "System Preferences..." This will open all of the front-end options that you can edit on your Mac.

  4. Step 4: Click the "Keyboard" icon.

  5. Step 5: Click the "Dictation" button.

  6. Step 6: Click the "On" radio button next to "Dictation."

  7. Step 7: Select your microphone.

  8. Step 8: Click the "View" button.

  9. Step 9: Click "Accessibility."

  10. Step 10: Scroll to "Dictation" and click on it.

  11. Step 11: Check the box next to “Enable the dictation keyword phrase.” You'll see a text box open next to the checkbox with the word "Computer" written in it.

  12. Step 12: Replace "Computer" with "Hey" in the text field.

  13. Step 13: Click "Dictation Commands..." This button is located near the top of your current window

  14. Step 14: and will allow you to define the functions you'd like your Mac to perform when you use particular phrases after saying the word "Hey."

  15. Step 15: Click "Enable advanced commands."

  16. Step 16: Click the + button.

  17. Step 17: Enter the custom voice command for "Hey Siri."

  18. Step 18: Hit done.

Detailed Guide

Siri is only available on computers running macOS.

If your Mac is running on an earlier operating system, you need to update it to use Siri.

The Apple icon is in the upper-left corner of your screen, and will open a drop-down menu. ,, This is where you'll program your Mac to use your voice to perform the Hey Siri command. , Dictation converts spoken words into text and can be used to activate a range of commands other than Hey Siri. , Also click on the checkbox next to "Use Enhanced Dictation."

If you have multiple audio input sources for your Mac (such as an external microphone or headphones in addition to your regular built-in microphone), click on the menu underneath the microphone option and click "Internal Microphone."

This button is in the bar at the top of your Mac's screen, and will reveal a drop-down menu. , An interface from your Mac's System Preferences will open. , The Dictation icon is located in the sidebar on the left of the screen.

A new control panel will appear. ,, This tells your Mac to engage dictation when you say the word "Hey."

, This will allow you to customize your dictation commands. , In the window that appears, you'll enter your customized command. , On the current menu, you'll see a couple of menus that you can click on to create your custom command.

Click on the text windows next to each option and modify them to list the following:
When I say:
Siri While using:
Any application Perform: select "Press Keyboard Shortcut." When the text “Press keys now” shows in gray, press the keyboard shortcut that you use to open Siri.

By default, this shortcut is set to ⌘+space. , Now, anytime you say "Hey Siri," Siri will open on your Mac without you having to lift a finger!

About the Author

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Carolyn Kennedy

Creates helpful guides on pet care to inspire and educate readers.

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