Siri is a virtual assistant integrated into most Apple devices that, when called upon, can answer questions or perform specific on-device tasks, like setting an alarm or sending a text.
While some Siri voice requests are processed locally on your device, others may be sent to and processed on Apple’s servers, the company says. Transcripts of your Siri requests may also be stored by Apple if you’ve opted in to help improve the technology.
But you can change Siri’s settings to improve your privacy and reduce the collection of data—or else turn the assistant off altogether.
If you want to opt out of improving Siri technology on your iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Analytics & Improvements and toggle off “Improve Siri & Dictation.”
Within Settings > Siri > Siri & Dictation History, you can also ask Apple to “Delete Siri & Dictation History,” which deletes transcripts of your Siri requests that are stored on your iPhone and are “used to personalize your experience,” the company says.
You can also turn off Siri altogether. Go to Settings > Siri > Talk to Siri. Under “Talk to Siri,” select “Off” and toggle off “Press Side Button for Siri.” When the pop-up window appears, tap “Turn Off Siri.” You’ll also need to go to Settings > General > Keyboards and toggle off “Enable Dictation.”
Apple explains how to change other privacy-related Siri settings—like the assistant’s ability to access your location data or interactions with third-party apps—on its website.
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