How To Fix Apple Intelligence: Siri Not Choosing the Best Contact

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If you’ve recently noticed that Siri isn’t choosing the right person when you ask to send a text or make a call, you’re not alone. Many users are facing this issue after updating to version 26. Here’s a simple guide to help you fix the problem and get Siri working the way it used to.

First, understand that Siri’s ability to recognize who you’re talking about depends on a few factors, like your contact preferences and how you phrase your commands. When you say, “Hey Siri, send a message to [name],” Siri should prioritize the contacts you communicate with most often, like your favorites or recent calls. If it’s not doing that, here’s what you can do:

Check Your Favorite Contacts:
Make sure the people you contact frequently are marked as favorites. To do this, open the Contacts app, select the person, and tap “Add to Favorites” if it isn’t already there. This helps Siri recognize who you’re referring to more easily.
Keep Contact Names Clear:
When giving commands, try to include the full name as saved in your contacts. For example, instead of just “Mom,” say “Mom Last Name” or “Mom First Last Name.” This minimizes confusion, especially if you have multiple contacts with similar names.
Update Your Contact Names:
Double-check how your contacts are saved. If a contact has multiple entries or nicknames, consider editing their name to be more specific. This ensures Siri can distinguish between similar names, like multiple Jenns.
Use Recent and Frequent Contacts:
Siri relies on your call and message history to determine the best match. If it isn’t doing this correctly, open your recent calls and messages to see if the contacts are updated properly and consistently.
Reset Siri’s Recognition Settings:
Sometimes, a simple reset helps. Turn Siri off (go to Settings > Siri & Search), wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. You might also want to restart your device. This can sometimes refresh Siri’s ability to recognize your contacts.
Manually Choose the Contact:
When Siri asks for clarification, you can select the right contact from the list it offers — this can help Siri learn your preferences over time.
Keep Your Phone Updated:
Ensure your device has the latest software updates installed. Apple often releases bug fixes that improve Siri’s performance and contact recognition.

Remember, it might take a little time for Siri to get better at recognizing your most-used contacts after changes. Be patient and consistent in how you address your contacts, and over time, the system should improve in matching your contacts accurately.

By following these simple steps, you can regain the handsfree convenience you’re used to, making your phone calls and messaging as smooth as before.