5 Surprisingly Useful Ways to Use Siri (Even If You’ve Written It…

5 Surprisingly Useful Ways to Use Siri (Even If You’ve Written It Off)

Siri has had a rough reputation over the years. Compared to all the AI buzz and how Apple is late to the game, Apple’s digital helper is often seen as clunky, limited, or simply outdated. And yet—Siri is still sitting on your iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, HomePod, and even Mac, ready to work for you. Changes have been promised and false hopes were raised with Apple Intelligence. However. I use Siri daily in my workflow and it is a time saver.

The truth is, Siri can be more helpful than you think. When used strategically, it can save you time, reduce friction, and even boost productivity. Here are five ways Siri proves itself useful, despite its less-than-stellar reputation.

1. Hands-Free Reminders and Lists

“Hey Siri, remind me to call the plumber tomorrow at 9 AM.”

Siri shines when it comes to quick, hands-free reminders. Whether you’re driving, cooking, or knee-deep in another task, Siri can capture reminders instantly. Better yet, it syncs with Apple’s Reminders app across all devices. You can also say things like, “Add eggs to my grocery list,” and Siri will neatly organize it for later. You can create different lists for different stores - “Siri, add milk to my Kroger list.” If you have a Kroger list it will add it there.

Why it’s useful: It’s frictionless. No tapping, typing, or scrolling—just say it and move on.

2. Texting and Calling Without Touching Your Phone

Need to fire off a quick text? “Hey Siri, text Sarah: I’ll be there in 15 minutes.” Or better yet: “Call Mom on speaker.”

For accessibility, safety, or just multitasking, Siri’s ability to handle communication is underrated. While dictation isn’t perfect, it’s good enough for everyday quick exchanges.

Why it’s useful: It keeps your hands free and your focus where it matters—like on the road.

3. Controlling Smart Home Devices

With Apple’s HomeKit ecosystem, Siri can act as your household remote. “Hey Siri, turn off the living room lights,” or “Set the thermostat to 72 degrees.”

If you’ve invested in smart plugs, bulbs, or thermostats, Siri can make your home feel futuristic—without opening an app or fiddling with switches.

Why it’s useful: It makes smart homes actually feel smart.

4. Running Shortcuts for Automation

Here’s where Siri gets powerful: Apple’s Shortcuts app. You can create custom automations like:

• “Hey Siri, start my workday” → turns on Do Not Disturb, opens your calendar, and launches your favorite focus playlist.
• “Hey Siri, heading home” → texts your spouse an ETA

Why it’s useful: It transforms Siri from a simple assistant into a personalized command center.

5. Quick Information and Calculations

Simple queries like “What’s 17 times 42?” or “What did Apple stock close at today?” are where Siri excels. You don’t need to unlock your phone, find a calculator app, or open Safari.

Why it’s useful: It’s instant. Siri may not write you an essay, but for quick conversions, calculations, or fact-checks, it’s reliable.

The Bigger Picture

Siri may not win awards for cutting-edge AI, but its utility lies in its immediacy and integration. Because Siri is baked into Apple’s ecosystem, it’s always within earshot—whether you’re on your phone, watch, or even CarPlay system.

Yes, Siri’s reputation lags behind its competitors, but for quick, everyday tasks, it remains a surprisingly capable assistant. Used well, Siri isn’t about flashy intelligence—it’s about saving you seconds that add up to hours.