HOW TO Transform an iPhone into a smart home assistant

Check compatibility

To create an always–on home assistant we are going to use Hey Siri, but not every Apple device works with it. To check if your old device is compatible, head to bitly.com/MFHeySiri (this link is case–sensitive).

Keep it powered up

To ensure it’s there to help when you need it, your old iPhone needs to almost always be on, so a charging dock or stand is a good idea. Put it in a handy location where it can hear you, such as near the center of a room.

Enable Hey Siri

Now for the voice control. In the Settings app, go to Siri & Search and enable Listen for “Hey Siri.” Provided you’re in earshot, your iPhone will start listening for commands whenever you say, “Hey Siri” nearby.

What can you say?

Hey Siri works with a wide range of commands. You can say things like “Hey Siri, play my workout playlist,” or “Hey Siri, what’s the temperature outside?” You can use it to get directions, look up eateries, get news, and more.

HomeKit integration

If you have HomeKit devices, you can control your home with your new smart assistant. Once your HomeKit devices are set up in the Home app, try saying “Set the temperature to 20°” or “Is my garage door open?”