After 13 long years, Apple is giving users the long-awaited freedom to rename Siri with the launch of iOS 18. This update also introduces a fresh new look for Siri and enhanced capabilities powered by Apple Intelligence. Love Iron Man and want to call your personal assistant, Siri, JARVIS? Here’s how to rename Siri to anything on your iPhone running iOS 18.
How to Change Siri’s Name in iOS 18
While iOS 18 doesn’t offer a direct setting to rename Siri, you can rename Siri using a lesser-known accessibility option called Voice Shortcut. This feature allows you to create a custom phrase that triggers Siri, giving you the freedom to choose any name you like. Follow these steps to set it up:
- Update Your iPhone: Make sure your device is running iOS 18.
- Open Settings: Launch the Settings app and tap on Accessibility.
- Find Vocal Shortcuts: Scroll down and select Vocal Shortcuts.
- Set Up a Vocal Shortcut: Tap on Set Up Vocal Shortcuts and press Continue.
- Choose Siri: Under the System section, scroll down to select Siri. Make sure not to pick Siri Request at the top.
- Enter a Custom Phrase: Type a phrase like Jarvis or Alfred that you’d like to use to activate Siri.
- Train Your iPhone: Say the custom phrase three times to train your iPhone to recognize it.
- Finalize: Tap Continue and start using your new custom phrase to wake Siri!
Keep in Mind
The ability to activate Siri with a new name sounds fun, but it comes with a catch. When using the new Siri name, you’ll need to pause briefly after saying it to allow Siri to activate. For instance, with the traditional “Hey Siri” command, you can seamlessly say, “Hey Siri, what’s the weather today?” all in one go. However, with the custom phrase, you’ll need to say the wake word, wait for Siri to activate, and then issue your command.
However, this command will not replace the default “Hey Siri” command. Instead, you can now activate the personal assistant using two names. One Siri and one accessibility name you gave. So you can still use Siri to launch it quickly, whenever you want. Beware that this customization won’t sync across your Apple ecosystem. Devices like the HomePod will still require the wake word “Siri,” so you won’t be able to use your custom name on those devices.
In addition to adding a new wake word for Siri, iOS 18 also introduces the ability to screen mirror your iPhone on a Mac, a redesigned Control Center, enhanced home screen customization options, and much more.
There are many other cool things you can do with the new iOS 18. We have a list of fun things you should try.
