As technology advances, so does our awareness of privacy concerns. Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant, has become an integral part of many users’ daily routines, helping with tasks ranging from sending messages to setting timers, checking the weather, or even playing favorite playlists. However, like all virtual assistants, privacy is a topic of concern for Siri users.
Apple has faced several controversies regarding Siri’s privacy features in recent years, and they’ve taken steps to address these concerns. To help you make the most of Siri while maintaining your privacy, here are some key settings you should configure.
1. Disable “Improve Siri and Dictation”
If you’re concerned about Apple reviewing and storing your interactions with Siri, you should disable the “Improve Siri and Dictation” feature. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to the “Settings” menu on your iPhone.
- Navigate to the “Privacy” section.
- Look for the “Analysis and improvements” option.
- Disable “Improve Siri and Dictation.”
By turning this option off, you prevent Apple from storing and reviewing audio recordings of your interactions with Siri and Dictation on your device. While Apple no longer keeps audio recordings of your requests to Siri since autumn 2019, they may still use computer-generated transcripts for improvement. These transcripts are associated with a random ID, not your Apple ID.
If disabling this option makes you feel more secure about your privacy, it’s a simple step to take.
2. Delete Your Siri and Dictation History
If you’ve only recently become aware of the privacy settings mentioned above, it’s possible that you’ve had them enabled for years, accumulating a significant history. Apple offers you the option to delete the history that Siri has saved as you interact with the assistant. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to the “Settings” menu on your iPhone.
- Access “Siri and Search.”
- In the “Siri and Dictation History” section, you can delete interactions that are currently associated with your device on Apple servers.
This action helps clear your Siri and Dictation history from Apple servers, ensuring your privacy going forward.
By configuring these settings, you can continue using Siri confidently while protecting your personal data. It’s a simple yet effective way to maintain your privacy in the age of virtual assistants.
