HOW TO USE SIRI ON IPHONE TO BE TIME EFFICIENT AND PRODUCTIVE

HOW TO ACTIVATE AND MAKE SIRI WORK FOR YOU ON YOUR IPHONE.

Let’s be honest - if you’ve ever shouted “HEY SIRI!” only to be met with silence or total confusion, you’re not alone.

Did it seem a good thing to use and then it didn't do what you asked so you abandoned the idea?

I first watched my friend in California use it whilst driving and laughed when I heard her say "full stop" and "new paragraph". I tried it and it went totally wrong - I then realised I needed to practice and make Siri work for me and not just think it was a waste of time as it "didn't work".

When used properly, Siri can be like your little personal assistant in your pocket - ready to help you save time, remember things, and even reduce the mental load.

Whether you're decluttering, planning your day, or just trying to stay on top of everything, learning how to use Siri on iPhone properly can genuinely make your life easier.

Here are my favourite ways to get Siri working with you, not against you...

🗣️ 1. Train Siri to Understand You Properly

Before anything else, make sure Siri actually knows how you speak.

Go to: Settings → Siri → Listen for "Hey Siri" and Press Side Button for Siri

Then tap "Set Up ‘Hey Siri’" again if it’s not quite working right.

👉 Speak in your normal voice, not a weird robot one.

👉 If you’ve got an accent (like most of us do!), take your time during setup.

Siri will learn how you speak, which helps her understand future commands much better. Keep practising, each time it will get better.

With a new iPhone, when you go via Settings into Siri, you can set it up from there by following the instructions.

⏰ 2. Use Siri for Hands-Free Reminders, Lists and Timers

You know when your hands are full, your brain’s racing, and you suddenly remember something?

Just say:

• “Hey Siri, remind me to take the bins out at 7pm”

• “Hey Siri, set a timer for 15 minutes” (Perfect for a drawer declutter!)

• “Hey Siri, add milk and bin bags to my shopping list”

  
  

Siri automatically adds these to your Reminders or Notes app, depending on how you’ve set it up. It’s brilliant when you’re in the car, cooking, or mid-clean.

📱 3. Dictate Notes or Messages Without Touching Your Phone

This is a game changer when you’re on the move or don’t want to get distracted.

Try saying:

• “Hey Siri, take a note”

• “Hey Siri, send a message to Steve: I’ll be there in 20 minutes”

• “Hey Siri, write an email to myself about the garage project”

  
  

It’s like having a PA who never needs a tea break.

✨ Tip: Check the Notes app later - dictated notes are stored there automatically if you don’t assign them to a specific reminder.

🧠 4. Ask Siri to Open Apps, Play Music or Find Info Instantly

Siri saves you endless faffing about by opening the right thing without you touching the screen.

Say:

• “Hey Siri, open Pinterest”

• “Hey Siri, play my declutter playlist on Spotify”

• “Hey Siri, what’s the weather like tomorrow in Hampshire?”

• “Hey Siri, what’s 20% off £67.49?” (Because maths on shopping days is no fun)

  
  

Use it like a voice controlled remote - and suddenly you’re saving seconds that really add up.

📆 5. Use Siri to Manage Your Day Like a Pro

You can schedule meetings, check your calendar, and even call a friend hands-free.

Try:

• “Hey Siri, what’s on my calendar today?”

• “Hey Siri, schedule a Zoom call with Sarah on Thursday at 2pm”

• “Hey Siri, call Ben” (Even when you’re elbow-deep in paperwork)

  
  

Siri keeps you focused and lets you multitask without bouncing between apps or forgetting what you were doing.

You don’t need to be super techy to get Siri working for you. Start with one or two of these voice commands, and build from there. Think of her as your calm, pocket-sized assistant, ready to help you organise your life, your tasks, and even your thoughts.

If you found this helpful, I’d love to know - do you use Siri already, or is this your sign to give it another go?

Thanks for reading, I'm Jo, a Professional Organiser for 20 years and your new partner in creating an organised home. 

Based in Petersfield, Hampshire but covering Surrey, West Sussex and London (upon individual request basis).

I help busy professionals, families and home movers, organise and declutter their homes, paperwork and photographs.

Please share this blog with anyone you think may also enjoy it 💞

Love, Jo x