Official documentation
Turn on and activate Siri on Mac
Apple Support, Mac User Guide, 2026
Read the originalRead on October 16, 2026
- What it is
- Apple's Mac User Guide page on turning Siri on and off, activating it, and the internet connection it needs. The page covers macOS 27 and describes Siri AI as a beta feature in that release.
- How much weight it carries
- Official Apple documentation, updated for macOS 27. Describes the current Siri setup, not the behavior of earlier macOS versions, and its beta notes may change before release.
Facts taken from this source
- Apple's footnote says Siri AI is available in beta in macOS 27.
“Siri AI is available in beta in macOS 27 and visionOS 27” (Footnote on Siri AI)
- Apple says that on a Mac with Siri AI, you can switch back to the previous version of Siri, called Siri Classic, in Siri settings.
“If you have Siri AI, but want to use the previous version of Siri, click Turn On Siri, then select Use Siri Classic.” (Turn off Siri)
- Apple says you can activate Siri on a Mac by saying Hey Siri or Siri, but only if that option is available for your device and turned on in Siri settings.
“Say “Hey Siri” or “Siri” (if this option is available and turned on in Siri settings).” (Activate Siri)
- Apple says Siri has to be turned on in System Settings before you can use it to get information on a Mac.
“Siri needs to be turned on before you can use it to get information.” (Turn on Siri)
- Apple says a Mac must be connected to the internet to use Siri.
“You must be connected to the internet to use Siri.” (Activate Siri)
- Apple's steps to turn off Siri on a Mac open the Siri pane of System Settings and end with the Turn Off Siri button; the steps do not mention Dictation.
“Click Siri in the sidebar. (You may need to scroll down.) Open Siri settings for me Click Turn Off Siri.” (Turn off Siri)
Pages that rest on this source
- Dictation vs Voice Control vs Siri on a MacGuide
- Can Siri take dictation on a Mac?Question
- Is the new Siri powered by Google Gemini?Question
- Do you need Siri turned on to use dictation on a Mac?Question
- What are the most useful Siri commands on a Mac?Question
- SiriGlossary
- What is the best voice commands assistant app?Question
- What is VoiceOver on a Mac?Question
- Which is the smartest AI voice assistant?Question
- How do you turn off dictation on a Mac?Question