Skip to main content

How to customize Voice Feedback for Siri

Siri is very useful at doing a handful of tasks. However, in certain scenarios it’s best to have Siri not give voice feedback, especially since using voice assistants in public is still considered weird.

Luckily, Apple adds an option for this in most of its platforms. Follow along to learn how to disable or customize voice feedback for Siri.

How to customize Voice Feedback for Siri

On iPhone & iPad:

  1. Head into Settings > Siri & Search.
  2. Scroll down and tap Voice Feedback.
  3. On iOS, you’ll have three options: Always On, Control with Ring Switch, and Hands-Free Only. By default, Siri is set to Always On, which isn’t always convenient and is sometimes embarrassing or awkward, especially when accidentally activated.

On Mac:

  1. Open System Preferences > Siri.
  2. Turn voice feedback on or off. Unfortunately, on macOS, it’s a kill-all switch, so you have to decide whether you want it to always be on, or off.

On Apple Watch:

  1. Fire up Settings > General > Siri.
  2. Scroll down. You’ll have three options: Always On, Control With Silent Mode, and Headphones Only. Note: Voice feedback is only available on Apple Watch Series 3 or later.

On platforms such as tvOS, and HomePod, this option isn’t available. This is because on tvOS, Siri doesn’t talk, and HomePod doesn’t have a screen so Siri is only accessible via voice.

Customizing voice feedback on an Apple Watch or an iPhone is helpful, though, as it could lower the chance of accidental triggers playing loud sounds.

For more help getting the most out of your Apple devices, check out our how to guide as well as the following articles:


Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Manage push notifications

notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications
notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications