How to Use Siri with Third-Party Apps

This guide shows you how to control third-party apps on your iPhone or iPad using Siri. You’ll learn how to enable Siri integration, use voice commands to open apps, create shortcuts, and troubleshoot common issues. No special hardware or software is needed—just an iOS or iPadOS device with Siri enabled.

What You’ll Need

• An iPhone or iPad running iOS 10 or later (for basic SiriKit support) or iOS 12 or later (for Siri Shortcuts).
• Siri enabled: Go to Settings > Siri & Search and ensure “Listen for ‘Hey Siri’� or “Press Side Button for Siri� is on.
• Third-party apps that support Siri. Look for apps that mention “Siri Shortcuts,� “SiriKit,� or “Works with Siri� in their description or settings.

Step-by-Step

1. Check if an app supports Siri. Open the app and look for a “Siri� section in its settings. For example, in a messaging app, you might find “Siri & Search� in the app’s settings. If the app has Siri support, it will show available voice commands or allow you to create shortcuts.
2. Enable Siri permissions for the app. Go to Settings > Siri & Search and scroll down to find the app. Toggle on “Use with Siri� if it’s available. This allows Siri to access the app’s data and perform actions.
3. Use basic Siri commands. After enabling, you can say things like “Hey Siri, send a message to [contact] with [app name]� or “Hey Siri, order a coffee from [app name].� The exact phrasing depends on the app’s SiriKit vocabulary. Try common verbs like “send,� “order,� “book,� “start,� or “search.�
4. Create a custom Siri Shortcut. Open the app and navigate to the action you want to automate (e.g., “Start a workout�). Look for a “Add to Siri� button (often a Siri icon). Tap it, then record a custom phrase like “Start my run.� Siri will now trigger that action when you say the phrase.
5. Use the Shortcuts app for advanced automation. If the app supports Shortcuts, you can combine actions from multiple apps. Open the Shortcuts app (pre-installed on iOS 13+), tap the “+� to create a new shortcut, add actions from the app, and assign a Siri phrase.
6. Test your command. Say “Hey Siri� followed by your phrase. If it doesn’t work, check the app’s Siri settings and ensure the command matches the app’s supported actions.

Common Mistakes

• Not enabling Siri permissions. Many apps require you to explicitly allow Siri access in Settings > Siri & Search. Without this, Siri will say “I can’t do that with this app.�
• Using the wrong phrasing. Siri is picky about the exact words. For example, saying “Send a WhatsApp message� might not work if the app expects “Send a message with WhatsApp.� Check the app’s Siri documentation or try variations.
• Assuming all apps support Siri. Only apps that have implemented SiriKit or Siri Shortcuts will work. A generic app with no Siri integration won’t respond.
• Forgetting to update the app. Siri support is often added in newer versions. If an app doesn’t have Siri options, check for updates in the App Store.

Tips

• Use specific app names. If you have multiple apps that can do the same thing (e.g., two messaging apps), include the app name in your command to avoid confusion.
• Create shortcuts for multi-step tasks. For example, a “Good morning� shortcut could trigger a coffee order, start a workout, and send a message—all with one phrase.
• Edit or delete shortcuts. In the Shortcuts app, you can long-press a shortcut to edit its actions or delete it. This helps when you want to change the phrase or behavior.
• Check the app’s “Siri� section. Many apps list example commands in their settings. Look for a “Siri� or “Voice� section.
• Use Siri Suggestions. Siri learns your routines and may suggest shortcuts on the lock screen or in the Shortcuts app. Tap a suggestion to add it.

Troubleshooting

• Siri says “I can’t do that with this app.� This usually means the app doesn’t support the action you’re trying. Check the app’s Siri settings to see what commands are available. If none are listed, the app may not have Siri integration.
• The shortcut doesn’t work. Ensure the app is installed and updated. Also, check that the shortcut’s actions are still valid—if the app changed its interface, the shortcut may break. Recreate the shortcut or edit its actions.
• Siri doesn’t recognize the app name. Try saying the app’s full name as it appears on the App Store. For example, say “Slack� instead of “Slack app.� If that fails, check your pronunciation or use the app’s official name.
• “Hey Siri� isn’t responding. Make sure Siri is enabled in Settings > Siri & Search. Also, check that your iPhone’s microphone is working and that you’re not in a noisy environment.
• The app’s Siri settings are grayed out. This can happen if the app is not updated for the current iOS version. Update the app or iOS, then try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all third-party apps work with Siri?

No. Apps must explicitly integrate with SiriKit or Siri Shortcuts. Check the app’s settings or the App Store description for Siri support.

Can I use Siri to control any action in an app?

Only actions that the app has exposed to Siri. For example, a music app might allow “play� but not “create playlist.� The app developer decides what Siri can do.

How do I find out what Siri commands an app supports?

Open the app and look for a “Siri� section in its settings. Many apps list example commands. You can also say “Hey Siri, what can I do with [app name]?� but Siri may not always have that info.

Can I use Siri to control apps on my Apple Watch?

Yes, if the app has a watchOS companion and supports Siri. You can raise your wrist and say “Hey Siri� on the watch to trigger shortcuts.

What is the difference between SiriKit and Siri Shortcuts?

SiriKit is a framework that allows apps to handle specific intents (like sending messages). Siri Shortcuts is a broader feature that lets users record custom phrases for any action the app exposes. Shortcuts are more flexible.

Can I use Siri to control apps that don’t have Siri support?

Not directly. However, you can use the Shortcuts app to create a shortcut that simulates taps or uses accessibility features, but that’s complex and not recommended for most users.

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