How to Fully Disable Siri on Your Mac Using Apple Intelligence

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If you’ve just gotten your new Mac and you’re running into issues with Siri, you’re not alone. Many users encounter a pop-up message that says, "You do not have permission to use Siri" whenever they try to activate it using the "Hey Siri" command. This can happen even without parental controls, leaving you frustrated when it pops up unexpectedly, especially during videos or background noise.

Here’s a simple guide to help you disable Siri entirely on your Mac.

Step-by-Step Guide to Disable Siri on Your Mac

Open System Settings: Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen. From the drop-down menu, select “System Settings.”
Navigate to the Siri & Spotlight Section: In the System Settings window, look for the “Siri & Spotlight” option on the left sidebar and click it.
Disable Siri: You will see an option that says “Enable Ask Siri.” Toggle this option off. This should stop Siri from popping up altogether.
Check Dictation Settings: Sometimes, dictation features can also cause Siri to trigger unexpectedly. Go back to the main System Settings menu, select “Keyboard,” and then find the “Dictation” option. Make sure dictation is turned off as well.
Restart Your Mac: After changing these settings, it’s a good idea to restart your Mac to ensure everything is applied properly.
Test It Out: Once your Mac is back on, see if the issue has been resolved. You should no longer see the pop-up or be bothered by Siri.

Additional Tips

Update macOS: Make sure your Mac is running the latest version of macOS. Sometimes, software updates can resolve such glitches.
Reset NVRAM or PRAM: If Siri continues to be problematic, consider resetting the NVRAM or PRAM. This can help with various settings on your Mac, including voice commands.

Disabling Siri can bring significant relief if it was causing interruptions while using your Mac. By following these steps, you should have a smoother experience without unwanted pop-ups. If you’re still having trouble, consider reaching out to Apple Support for assistance.

Happy computing!