Configuration of Contacts App to Work Better with Siri













It was only recently that I realised how Siri was really tied into Apple's Contacts app for so many functions.





For example:





- if you ask Siri to phone your partner or a friend;

- If you ask Siri to direct you to a place you often visit, like the Supermarket, your doctor or dentist;

- you ask Siri about someone using their nickname.





If your Contacts app is haphazard or not very complete it can be a real hindrance in making Siri work well for you.





Here are some ways you can help Siri help you by using the Contacts app.





1 Go through each contact and ensure you have as much information as possible about each person.





- Add a photo from Facebook if you don't have a photo in your Photos app;

- Use phonetic spellings for names (bonus: I use this for even names like 'Paul' which Siri sometimes hears as 'Call');

- Add as much information as you have about a person's home address (if you don't have their postcode or zip code see my post about Siri and Post / Zipcodes);

- Same for their work and any other work or home address they have;

- Email addresses and phone numbers as well. Making clear whether and email address is 'home', 'work', or a custom designation is really useful.

- Adding notes in the 'Notes' field or using any other form of descriptor helps Siri when you ask it about people you know or locations you visit.





Note: Don't forget your own Contact card (your own details). Letting Siri know about you, who your parents, family members are and details about work and home helps Siri work better for you.





2 When you've updated and added any other information about your existing Contacts, add new people who you may have information about and who you may need to be in touch with. Be as comprehensive as you can, as mentioned above.





3 If you feel overwhelmed by the number of Contacts you have, take one or two letters a day. I find persistence gets the job done without feeling overwhelmed.





4 Using all this information is easy. Here are some useful requests:





- Hey Siri, Call Peter at home

- Hey Siri, Call Peter at work

- Hey Siri, give me public transport (transit) directions to my doctor;

- Hey Siri, show me walking directions to my gym;

- Hey Siri, phone Siobhan (phonetic: shovorn) at work

- Hey Siri, Email Dad at work





Hope this is helpful.





I'm going to add other posts along these lines. Getting your apps 'Siri Compliant', is a great way to make the magic happen!





Brian

23rd March 2019