How to Use Siri: Apple Intelligence Tips for macOS

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Having a new MacBook Air M2 for college is exciting, but switching from Windows can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. If you’re like me and new to macOS, you may find Siri helpful because it can guide you through tasks by showing step-by-step instructions. However, I’ve run into some issues that make using Siri a bit frustrating, and I want to share a simple solution that can make your experience better.

The main problem I faced was that once I followed Siri’s instructions and started working on my tasks, the Siri window would disappear or close automatically. This is especially annoying because I often need to follow multiple steps, and losing the guide midway slows me down.

Here’s what I realized: Siri’s guidance pop-up disappears when you switch to another window or click away, which makes it hard to follow instructions without losing your place. This can be even more frustrating if English isn’t your first language, as it takes me several tries for Siri to understand my commands, and having to repeatedly reopen the guide slows me down.

So, how can you keep the Siri instructions visible while you work?

The trick is to pin the Siri window, so it stays open until you’re finished with the steps. While macOS doesn’t have a built-in ‘pin’ feature for Siri prompts, there’s a workaround: you can open the instructions in a separate window or use a simple app to keep the window always on top.

Here’s how you can do it:

Use ‘Picture-in-Picture’ Mode or a Floating Window App: Some apps like ‘Helium’ (a free floating browser window app) let you keep content visible on top of other windows. You can open a webpage containing the Siri steps or user guide in this floating window and keep it on the screen as you work.
Create a Sticky Note or Text Document: Copy the Siri steps into a sticky note app or a text document. Spread it on your desktop and resize it to stay visible. This way, you won’t lose track of your steps, and it stays accessible even if you click elsewhere.
Use Split View: On macOS, you can split your screen between multiple apps. Open the instructions in a small window or browser and keep it on one side of your screen while you work on your main task.

By doing this, you’ll be able to follow Siri’s guidance without interruptions, making the process smoother and less frustrating.

I hope this helps you get more comfortable with your Mac and Siri. It’s a learning curve, but with tools like these, you can make your new device work better for you. Stay tuned—other Siri-related issues I’ve encountered are on my list to share soon!