Use Siri or use Voice Control
If you are using Siri, you won't be able to use Voice Control. To use Voice Control instead of Siri, go to Settings > General > Siri and turn Siri off.
Using the microphone
- Speak into the built-in microphone on your iPhone or iPod touch (5th generation or later).
- You can also use the microphone on your wired or Bluetooth headset. With iPod touch (3rd and 4th generation) you need to use a headset.
- For best results, hold your device or headset as if you were speaking on a call.
When to speak
- After you press and hold the Home button, you'll hear a tone. Then say a command.
- When using a Bluetooth headset, press and hold the "call" button until the Voice Control screen appears.
For FaceTime (on all devices) and voice dialing (on iPhone only)
- Some short names might be might be hard to distinguish by themselves. For best results with short names, try saying both the first and last name.
- If you're having difficulties getting the device to recognize a name, edit the contact, tap Add Field, and add a nickname.
- Avoid possessive names. Instead of saying "call Frank's mobile" try "call Frank on his mobile."
For music playback
- You can play all songs in an album, playlist, or by an artist. The device won't recognize commands to play a particular song.
- If you can't get the device to recognize the album or artist name, try telling it to play a playlist.
- If an artist has "The" in the name, say it.
If you want to turn off Voice Control
To turn off Voice Control, you need to set a passcode first—if you haven't already. Then go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode > Voice Dial and turn off Voice Dial. Music Voice Control is always on.
If Voice Control doesn't understand you
- If you're using a protective case or film, try removing it.
- Clear the microphone or microphones of any dust or debris.
- Restart your device.