How to use "Hi, Siri" when several devices are nearby

In iOS 10 and newer, the "Hi, Siri" function from Apple uses Bluetooth information to activate a virtual assistant to only one device if several are located next to the user. Below, we'll show you how to use the function, when several devices with its support are near you. 

The system is smart enough to understand which of the devices should respond. 

For example, if you lift your wrist and say "Hi, Siri", the system will understand that you are referring to the clock. If you are using iPhone, iPad or Mac at this time, then the device you are using will respond. If you have a HomePod column and you do not interact with any of the other devices, in most cases it will respond. 

Compatibility "Hi, Siri" 

In September 2014, Apple added the ability to activate the virtual assistant with the phrase "Hi, Siri" without having to press buttons or touch the device at all. 

The function "Hi, Siri" is supported on: 

• iPhone 6S and newer 
• iPad Pro / iPad 6 Generation 
• IPod touch 6 generation 
• iMac Pro 2017 and newer 
• MacBook Pro 2018 and newer 

It should be noted that the function does not require an internet connection. As soon as the device recognizes the voice command, Siri will listen to you further. 

How does Siri choose a device? 

What will happen when you say "Hi Siri" while there are several devices nearby? 

All devices supporting the function use Bluetooth to communicate with each other and to understand which device should respond. 

This will be one of the options: 

• The device that heard you best. 
• The device you just picked up. 
• The device you just used. 

If you lift your wrist with Apple Watch and say the command, Siri will understand that you want to use the watch, and will give the command to other devices so that they do not react to the phrase. 

If the iPhone and iPad Pro lie next to it, and there is also an Apple TV with HomePod in the room, then most likely the column will answer you. A smart column will hear you best, because it is equipped with six microphones. 

If there are nearby iPhone and iPad, and there are no other devices nearby, then the one that was used last will answer. 

How to use "Hi, Siri" if you have multiple Apple devices 

If you have multiple Apple devices, read on to find out how to use the function on each of them separately. 

iPhone and iPad 

Pick up your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch from the table and say "Hi Siri". 

You can also pinch the side button on the iPhone X or the Home button on other models and devices to activate the virtual assistant. 

If the iPhone lies with the display down, it will not respond to the command. 

The "Hi, Siri" feature works on the iPhone 6s, iPad Pro, iPad and iPod touch 6 generations and newer. Other models respond to the command only when connected to a power source. 

Mac 

If your Mac supports the function, you can activate Siri without pressing the helper icon or pressing a special key combination. The function will also work when the computer is locked or in sleep mode, if there are no other devices nearby. 

Just say "Hi Siri" before unlocking the device. The virtual assistant will have to answer you. If you have a Mac laptop, its lid should be open. 

Siri on Mac works with macOS Sierra 10.12 and newer, and the function "Hi, Siri" is limited only by new models. iMac Pro and MacBook Pro 2018 contain a T2 chip, through which the function works. 

You can also activate the virtual assistant manually by clicking on the Siri icon in the menu, dock, program folder or on the touchpad. 

HomePod 

Apple notes that HomePod responds to the command in most cases, if there are several devices near you. If you have not touched any of the other devices, then you will be answered by a smart column. 

If the column does not respond to the command, then you most likely turned off the recognition of the command earlier. 

To turn on the function, touch the top of the column and say "Turn on Hi, Siri". You will hear confirmation that the function is active again. 

Apple Watch 

In order for Siri to respond on the clock, just raise your wrist with the clock or touch their display. When the screen is activated, say the command. 

The function "Hi, Siri" works on all Apple Watch models. 

On the Apple Watch Series 3 and later, Siri answers you out loud, and on older models the answers are displayed. With the Apple Watch Series 3, you can also activate the function through the headphones connected to the clock. 

In order for Siri to work on the clock, they must be connected to the Internet. 

Apple TV 

Apple TV does not yet support the "Hi, Siri" feature. 

To use Siri on Apple TV 4 generations or Apple TV 4K, hold down the corresponding button on the remote, say the request, and then release the button. 

Siri on Apple TV requires tvOS 9 and newer. 

On "Hello, Siri" is not the device responding? 

If you follow the tips above, but the wrong device answers, do the following: 

• Turn on Bluetooth : Make sure Bluetooth is turned on for all devices. If Bluetooth is off, multiple devices can respond at once. 
• Upgrade the system : Obviously, you need the latest version of the system, since with older versions there can be errors. 
• Enable the "Hi, Siri " feature : Check that the "Hi, Siri" feature is enabled on all devices. 
• Connect to the Internet : The "Hi, Siri" command is recognized by the device itself, but some devices require a network connection. For example, Apple Watch requires connecting to the network on the clock itself or on a connected smartphone. 
• Do not put iPhone display down :  Starting with iOS 9, iPhone supports the function by which the smartphone mutes the sound of notifications and blocks the operation of "Hi Siri" when the smartphone lies on the display down. 
• Check the HomePod settings : There is no screen on the smart column, which would immediately understand whether the function is active or not. Just in case, enable the function, as described above, or do it through the Home application on the iPhone. 
• Open the laptop cover :  If your Mac laptop supports the function, but does not respond to the command, open its cover. 
• Do not block the Mac : The Mac does not respond to the command when it is locked. The recognition of a voice command by a locked device can be enabled in the  System Settings → Siri .