How to Activate Siri Without Using a Wake Word

- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Tested on
- iOS 18.4 - iPhone 15 Pro
- You will need
- iPhone running iOS 17 or later
Step by step
Open the Settings application
Locate and tap the Settings icon on your Home Screen. Scroll down until you see the Siri & Search menu option.
Modify Siri activation settings
Tap on Siri & Search. Ensure that 'Press Side Button for Siri' is toggled to the On position. This enables the hardware trigger.
Note: If you use an iPhone with a Home button, this will be labeled 'Press Home for Siri'.Deactivate voice-based wake words
Within the same Siri & Search menu, tap 'Listen for'. Select 'Off' to ensure the device no longer scans for vocal prompts.
Note: This prevents accidental activations during phone calls or media playback.Initiate Siri using the side button
Press and hold the Side button on the right edge of your device. Release the button once the Siri interface appears at the bottom of your screen.
Speak your command
State your request clearly while the interface is active. Siri will process your instruction without requiring a wake word prefix.
Note: The interface will close automatically once the task is completed or if you swipe up.