Type to Siri With Apple Intelligence on iPhone and iPad

Type to Siri lets you send requests by typing instead of speaking, which is useful in quiet places or when you want to phrase a request carefully. On a compatible iPhone or iPad with Apple Intelligence enabled, you can use it for regular Siri tasks and supported Apple Intelligence features; availability depends on your device, software, language, and region.

What You’ll Need

An iPhone or iPad that supports Apple Intelligence. Compatibility depends on the model; check Apple’s current Apple Intelligence requirements for your device.
A recent version of iOS or iPadOS, with Apple Intelligence available and turned on in Settings.
A supported language and region. Apple Intelligence and some Siri features are not available in every language or location.
An internet connection for requests that need online information or a service. Some processing may occur on the device, but not every request works offline.

Step-by-Step

Check your software and device. Open Settings > General > Software Update and install an available update. Apple Intelligence requires compatible hardware, so an update alone cannot add it to an unsupported device. If you are unsure, look up your exact model in Apple’s current compatibility information.
Turn on Apple Intelligence. Open Settings and look for Apple Intelligence & Siri. On some software versions, the setting may be labeled Apple Intelligence or arranged differently. Tap it and follow the prompts to enable Apple Intelligence. If prompted, allow the device to download the required models; keep it connected to Wi-Fi and power while downloads finish.
Set up Siri. In Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri (or the similarly named Siri settings), choose your preferred language and configure how you activate Siri, if those options are offered. The language you use for Siri must be supported for the features you want. Allow time for any language resources to download.
Find the Type to Siri control. On supported iPhone and iPad software, Type to Siri is commonly opened by double-tapping the bottom edge of the screen. A text field or keyboard should appear. If that gesture does not work, check Siri settings for a Type to Siri option or consult the instructions for your software version; Apple can change where the control appears.
Enter a request. Tap the text field if needed, type a clear instruction, then tap the send arrow or press the keyboard’s Return key if shown. For example, try “Set a timer for 10 minutes” or “Summarize this text” when the relevant Apple Intelligence feature is available. You can ask follow-up questions in the same conversation when Siri displays that option.
Review the response and refine it. Check the result before acting on it, especially if it changes a setting, sends a message, or relies on current information. If Siri misunderstands, add details such as a contact name, time, app, or desired format, then submit a revised request.
Switch back to speaking when useful. Dismiss the typing view or use the on-screen controls to return to Siri. You can still use voice activation if it is enabled. Type to Siri is an alternative input method, not a separate assistant that replaces ordinary Siri.

Common Mistakes

Assuming every iPhone or iPad supports Apple Intelligence. Apple Intelligence has hardware requirements. If its settings are absent, confirm the model is compatible before troubleshooting further.
Looking for a permanent keyboard setting. Type to Siri is generally invoked from the Siri interface, often with a double-tap at the screen’s bottom edge. The exact gesture or setting can differ by software version.
Expecting every feature to work in every language. Apple Intelligence features and Siri language options have specific availability. Check the language set for Siri and the feature you are trying to use.
Typing a vague instruction. “Do it later” may not explain what, when, or where. Include the action and relevant details, and check the final response before confirming anything consequential.
Assuming all requests work offline. A request that needs web information, a remote service, or an online app may require connectivity even when Apple Intelligence is enabled.

Tips

Use short, natural sentences. You do not need special commands, but one request at a time makes it easier to spot a misunderstanding.
Include useful context: “Remind me tomorrow at 9 a.m. to call Sam” is clearer than “Remind me to call.”
For text-related features, select or open the content first when the task depends on it, then ask Siri to summarize, rewrite, or otherwise work with it if that feature is supported in your language and app.
Keep the device updated and connected to Wi-Fi while enabling Apple Intelligence. Initial downloads may take time, and features may not appear until setup is complete.
Use typing when privacy or noise matters, but remember that the response may still appear on screen. Check notification and Siri response settings if you share your device or display.

Troubleshooting

Apple Intelligence & Siri is missing: Confirm the device model supports Apple Intelligence, install the latest available iOS or iPadOS update, and check that the feature is offered in your region and language. Restart the device after an update if the setting still does not appear.
Type to Siri will not open: Try the supported double-tap gesture at the bottom edge again, making sure you tap twice rather than swipe. Check Siri settings for a Type to Siri control, and temporarily remove a case or screen accessory if it interferes with the gesture. Review the device’s accessibility or gesture settings if another feature uses the same area.
The keyboard appears, but Siri does not respond: Check Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity, make sure Siri is enabled, and try a simple request such as setting a timer. Close and reopen the Siri interface, then restart the device if necessary.
A feature or language is unavailable: Verify that Apple Intelligence is turned on, the Siri language is supported, and any required downloads have finished. Some capabilities are limited by language, location, app, or staged availability, so a setting change may not make every feature appear.
The answer is wrong or incomplete: Reword the request with more context, check spelling and names, and ask a focused follow-up. Siri may not have access to the content or app you mean; open the relevant app or text and try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I activate Type to Siri on iPhone?
On supported versions, double-tap the bottom edge of the screen to bring up the typing interface. If that does not work, check Siri settings and the instructions for your iOS version.

Does Type to Siri require Apple Intelligence?
Typing to Siri and Apple Intelligence are related but not identical. Type to Siri may be available without Apple Intelligence, while Apple Intelligence features require a compatible device, supported software, and supported language.

Can I use Type to Siri on iPad?
Yes, where the iPad model and software support Siri and the relevant features. The way to open the typing interface can vary, so check the iPad’s Siri settings if the bottom-edge gesture is unavailable.

Can I type follow-up questions?
Yes. When Siri keeps the conversation open, type the next question in the same interface. Add context if the follow-up could refer to more than one thing.

Why can’t I see Apple Intelligence in Settings?
The device may not meet Apple’s hardware requirements, the software may need updating, or the feature may not be available for the current language or region. Check all three before trying to reset settings.

Can Type to Siri work without internet?
Some basic tasks or on-device processing may work without a connection, but online information and services usually need internet access. Results vary by request and feature.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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