With the arrival of iOS 18, Apple has introduced a new accessibility feature called “Voice Shortcuts.” This feature is designed to improve accessibility, but it also offers a creative way to personalize our interactions with Siri. Now it is possible to assign a custom activation command for Siri, allowing us to use an alternative name instead of the traditional “Hey Siri.” Let’s see how to do it.
What are Voice Commands?
Voice shortcuts in iOS 18 allow us to assign custom phrases that Siri can understand to launch shortcuts and complete tasks. For example, we can set it up so that when we say “Screenshot,” it takes a snapshot of the content on our screen. This feature is designed for users who need alternative ways to activate certain system functions due to various accessibility needs.
“Nestor, turn up the volume of the music”
To set up a Voice Shortcut and change the Siri activation name, all we have to do is configure the action so that, after saying the custom phrase, Siri is activated. You can do it as follows:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Enter the Accessibility section.
- Tap on Voice Control.
- Tap on Set Up Voice Control.
- Choose Continue.
- Select Siri at the bottom. Be careful, do not confuse it with Type to Siri.
- Write the command you want to use as the new name for Siri.
- Say out loud the chosen phrase or word three times, so that the system can train itself.
- Then simply tap Continue and complete the process.
How to use the new Siri name
Once we have set up our new name for Siri, we can use it to activate the voice assistant on the iPhone. However, we will notice that there is a small delay between saying the activation command and being able to give an order. Unlike the “Hey Siri” command, where we can say a complete phrase without waiting, with the Voice Shortcut we will need a brief pause to allow Siri to activate before making our request.
However, keep in mind that it is no longer necessary to say Hey Siri, just the personalized name. A name, it must be said, that will not be synchronized with the rest of our devices and, therefore, we will have to manually configure if we want to use it. Finally, it is worth mentioning that, even if we configure a personalized name for Siri using this system, we can still call our favorite assistant through the usual “Hey Siri.”
Voice shortcuts, of course, are not limited to changing Siri’s name. We can use this feature to perform a wide variety of actions, from opening specific applications to controlling system functions such as adjusting volume, taking screenshots, or activating the Control Center. A really interesting system for our voice interactions with the device.
Beyond the potential that the feature has to simplify the use of the iPhone for those who need it, the most creative part of the system is also interesting. Changing Siri’s name or doing practically anything with just saying a specific phrase is really interesting.
