Well, isn’t technology simply wonderful? In today’s world, we’re all looking for ways to make our lives a little easier, a bit more streamlined. And lo and behold, our trusty smartphones are usually at the heart of it all, especially for us Apple aficionados. But did you know you can actually customize your Siri commands using something called Siri Shortcuts? I sure didn’t until recently!
It might sound like something straight out of a sci-fi novel, but it’s completely true. Apple has been steadily transforming Siri from a passive voice assistant into a powerful, fully-integrated system tool. So, let’s dive in and see how you can create your own Siri commands. It’s easier than you might think, I promise!
First, it’s crucial to understand what Siri Shortcuts are. At its core, Siri Shortcuts is a feature introduced with iOS 12 that enables you to make bespoke commands for Siri to carry out specific actions. You can consider it as a ‘voice macro’ if you will, a personalized set of instructions you can trigger by merely speaking a phrase. Now, isn’t that neat?
Alright, now that we’ve got the basics down, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of setting up your own Siri command.
The first step is to open up the ‘Shortcuts’ app on your iPhone or iPad. If you don’t see it immediately, don’t fret! Swipe down on the home screen and type “Shortcuts” into the search bar. The application should pop right up.
Once you’ve opened the app, hit the ‘+’ symbol at the top right corner to create a new shortcut. This will lead you to a ‘New Shortcut’ screen. There, you’ll find a wide array of actions that Siri can execute, from sending texts and setting alarms, to playing music, and even launching apps!
Now, it’s time for the fun part. Tap the ‘Add Action’ button and choose an action from the list. You can scroll through or use the search bar at the top to find a specific one. Once you’ve picked your action, it’ll be added to your new shortcut.
Now that we have our action, we need to decide what phrase will trigger it. Tap the ‘Next’ button in the top right corner. A new screen will pop up, prompting you to give your shortcut a name. This name will double as the command you’ll give Siri to execute the action. For example, if you name the shortcut “Morning Routine,” you can say, “Hey Siri, Morning Routine,” and Siri will carry out the commands you’ve set.
That’s all there is to it! Just hit ‘Done’ and you’ve successfully made your very own Siri command. Easy as pie, right? You can repeat the process to create as many commands as you want, effectively turning Siri into your personalized assistant.
By harnessing the power of Siri Shortcuts, you can transform your iOS device from a mere tool to an interactive, proactive assistant that adapts to your unique needs. And to think, all it takes is a few taps and swipes on your screen! This is the beauty of technology, it never ceases to amaze. I encourage you to explore the world of Siri Shortcuts and discover how it can simplify your daily tasks and routines. After all, who wouldn’t want their very own customizable Siri?

Hi! I’m Eric and I work on the knowledge base at GadgetMates.com. You can see some of my writings about technology, cellphone repair, and computer repair here.
When I’m not writing about tech I’m playing with my dog or hanging out with my girlfriend.
Shoot me a message at ericchan@gadgetmates.com if you want to see a topic discussed or have a correction on something I’ve written.