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

  1. 30 sec

    Open the Settings application

    Locate and tap the Settings icon on your Home Screen. Scroll down until you see the Siri & Search menu option.

  2. 30 sec

    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'.
  3. 30 sec

    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.
  4. 15 sec

    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.

  5. 30 sec

    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.