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How to change Siri's voice

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Siri is Apple's virtual voice assistant that has become an integral part of the Apple ecosystem, helping users with everything from sending texts to setting...

Siri is Apple's virtual voice assistant that has become an integral part of the Apple ecosystem, helping users with everything from sending texts to setting reminders. If you own an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or even a Mac, you've probably interacted with Siri at some point. But did you know you can change Siri's voice to better suit your preferences? In this easy-to-read tutorial, we'll show you how to change Siri's voice on various Apple devices.

Why you might want to change Siri's voice

There are several reasons why you might want to change Siri's voice on your Apple device. Whether it's personal preference, accessibility needs, or just the desire for a different experience, Apple offers a variety of voice options to choose from.

Personal preference

We all have our likes and dislikes. Maybe you prefer a female voice over a male voice, or perhaps you'd like Siri to speak with an Australian or South African accent. Changing Siri's voice can make your interactions more enjoyable and personalized.

Accessibility needs

For those with specific accessibility needs, changing Siri's voice can be more than just a preference. Some people might find certain accents or tones easier to understand, making the voice assistant more useful in their daily life.

A different experience

Smartphones like the iPhone are highly customizable, and Siri is no exception. Changing Siri's voice can offer a fresh, new experience, making your device feel revitalized.

Types of voices available

Apple provides a range of different voices for Siri, catering to various accents and genders. Whether you're using iOS 16, iOS 17, or even the older iOS 14.5, you'll find a selection of voices to choose from.

Accents

From American and Australian to Irish and Indian, Siri's voice can be set to a variety of accents. This feature is especially useful for people who find certain accents easier to understand than others.

Genders

You're not limited to just a female voice for Siri. Apple offers male voice options as well, giving you the freedom to choose the voice that you find most relatable or comfortable.

Step-by-step guide to changing Siri's voice

Changing Siri's voice is a straightforward process, whether you're doing it on an iPhone, iPad, or a Mac running macOS. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate through the settings app on different devices.

On iPhone and iPad

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Scroll down and tap Siri & Search.
  3. Now tap Siri Voice.
  4. You'll see different voice options, including accents and genders. Simply tap the one you prefer.

If you're using an iPad Pro or have the latest iOS 17, you'll find even more new features and voice options to choose from.

On Mac

  1. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
  2. Select System Preferences.
  3. Click Siri.
  4. Similar to iOS, you'll find various voice options. Choose the one that suits you best.

If you're using a MacBook, the process is the same as any other Mac running macOS.

On Apple Watch

  1. Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch.
  2. Tap Siri.
  3. Tap Siri Voice.
  4. Choose from the available options.

Alternatively, you can change Siri's voice on your Apple Watch via the paired iPhone. Just go to the Watch app on your iPhone, tap Siri, and then Siri Voice to make your selection.

Troubleshooting common issues

Sometimes you might run into issues when trying to change Siri's voice. Here are some common problems and their solutions.

Voice not changing immediately

If you notice that the new voice hasn't taken effect immediately, make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi. Sometimes, the voice data needs to be downloaded.

Limited options available

If you're not seeing all the voice options, make sure your device's operating system is updated. For example, iOS 14.5 introduced new voice options that you won't find in older versions.

Siri not responding after voice change

If Siri stops responding after you change the voice, try restarting your device. Also, check if the microphone settings are correctly configured.

Additional customization options

Beyond changing Siri's voice, there are other ways to personalize your experience with this voice assistant.

Changing the activation phrase

While "Hey Siri" is the default activation phrase, you can set up Siri shortcuts for a more personalized experience. Unfortunately, as of now, the main activation phrase itself can't be changed.

Setting up Siri shortcuts

Siri Shortcuts allow you to create custom phrases for specific tasks. For example, you could set up a shortcut that turns off all the lights in your house when you say, "Hey Siri, goodnight."

Other devices and platforms

While Siri is exclusive to Apple devices, it's worth noting that other platforms have their voice assistants too. Android smartphones typically come with Google Assistant, and Samsung has its own called Bixby. If you're familiar with Amazon's ecosystem, you've probably heard of Alexa. Each of these voice assistants has its own set of voice options and settings menu, just like Siri.

Siri and other Apple products

Siri isn't limited to just iPhones, iPads, and Macs. You can also interact with Siri on your AirPods, Apple TV, and even through iCloud if you have your settings synced. Just like with other Apple devices, Siri's language and voice can be customized to your liking.

Changing Siri's voice is a simple process that can make your interaction with Apple devices more enjoyable and personalized. Whether you're doing it for accessibility, personal preference, or just to try out new features, the process is straightforward across all devices, from iPhones and iPads running iOS or iPadOS to Macs and Apple Watches. So go ahead, give Siri a new voice today!

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FAQs

Can I change Siri's voice using voice commands?

While Siri is incredibly versatile, allowing you to perform a myriad of tasks simply by asking, you can't change Siri's voice using a voice command alone. To switch up Siri's voice, you'll need to dive into the settings app on your Apple device and navigate to the Siri settings. If you're looking to give Siri a new voice, you'll have to do it the old-fashioned way—by tapping through your device's options.

Will changing Siri's voice affect how well it understands me?

You might wonder if choosing a new voice for Siri would somehow affect its performance or its ability to comprehend your requests. Rest assured, changing Siri's voice won't have any impact on how well it understands you. Siri's ability to process and respond to your commands is based on complex algorithms and machine learning, not the specific voice you've chosen. So go ahead and pick a voice that resonates with you, whether it's a British accent or a male voice, without worrying about Siri's performance taking a hit.

Is it possible to have different Siri voices on different devices?

Absolutely, you can set different Siri voices for each of your Apple devices. Maybe you'd like Siri to speak with an Australian accent on your iPhone but prefer an American accent when you're working on your Mac. Each device has its own separate settings for Siri, allowing you to customize the voice assistant according to your preferences for that specific device. This means you can enjoy a diverse Siri experience across your Apple ecosystem, from your iPad and iPhone to your Apple Watch and Mac.

Cliff Weitzman

Cliff Weitzman

Cliff Weitzman is a dyslexia advocate and the CEO and founder of Speechify, the #1 text-to-speech app in the world, totaling over 100,000 5-star reviews and ranking first place in the App Store for the News & Magazines category. In 2017, Weitzman was named to the Forbes 30 under 30 list for his work making the internet more accessible to people with learning disabilities. Cliff Weitzman has been featured in EdSurge, Inc., PC Mag, Entrepreneur, Mashable, among other leading outlets.