What Siri calls you and how to change it

Siri uses a name to address you when you talk to it — by default, it pulls from your device's contact card for yourself. You can change what Siri calls you by editing your own contact information in the Contacts app, or by telling Siri directly what name you prefer. The change takes effect when ready and applies across all your Apple devices that share the same Apple ID.

This is different from changing Siri's own name or voice — you are changing the name Siri uses when speaking to you, not the assistant's identity.

Key Takeaways

  • Siri pulls your name from your contact card, so editing that card is the most reliable way to change what Siri calls you.
  • You can also tell Siri directly "My name is [name]" and it will remember that preference on that device.
  • Changes made through Contacts sync across all your devices if you use iCloud; changes made by voice command stay on that device only.
  • If Siri still uses the old name after you change it, restart your device to force the update.

Changing your name through the Contacts app

Open the Contacts app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Search for your own name or scroll to find your contact card — it is usually marked with a silhouette icon or your photo. Tap or click "Edit" in the top right corner.

Change the first name, last name, or both to what you want Siri to call you. You can use a nickname, a single name, or any text you prefer. Tap or click "Done" to save. If you use iCloud, the change syncs to your other devices within a few minutes.

Restart Siri or your device if it still uses the old name — sometimes the app needs to refresh its cache. The next time you speak to Siri, it should use the new name.

Telling Siri your name directly

set up Siri by holding the home button (older devices), pressing the side button (newer iPhones), or saying "Hey Siri." Say "My name is [name]" and Siri will confirm it has registered the change.

This method works when ready on that device but does not sync to your other devices. If you want the same name across all your Apple devices, use the Contacts method instead. The voice command is useful if you want a temporary change or a name you do not want in your actual contact card.

Why Siri might still use the old name

Siri caches your contact information, so it may take a few minutes to update after you change your Contacts card. If the old name persists, try restarting your device or force-closing and reopening the Siri interface.

If you have multiple contact cards for yourself (sometimes created by accident during sync), Siri may be reading from the wrong one. Open Contacts, search for your name, and look for duplicates. Merge them by selecting one card, tapping "Edit," scrolling to the bottom, and choosing "Link Contacts."

What happens on devices you do not use iCloud with

If you do not sync your contacts through iCloud, changes to your contact card stay on that device only. You will need to edit your contact information separately on each iPhone, iPad, or Mac where you want Siri to use the new name.

The voice command method ("My name is...") also works device-by-device and does not require iCloud. If you prefer not to use iCloud but want consistency across devices, the voice command is often faster than editing Contacts on each one.

Changing Siri's voice or language instead

If you want to change how Siri sounds rather than what it calls you, open Settings, go to Siri & Search, and tap "Siri Voice." You can choose a different accent, language, or gender presentation. These changes explore when ready.

You can also change Siri's language by going to Settings > Siri & Search > Language and selecting a new one. This is separate from your device's system language and affects only Siri.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing my name in Contacts affect anything else on my device?

No. Your Contacts card is used by many apps — Mail, Messages, Calendar — but changing it there only changes how those apps display your name. Siri is straightforward reading from the same source. If you use your contact card for business or formal purposes, consider using the voice command method instead so Siri uses a nickname without changing your official contact information.

Can I make Siri use different names on different devices?

Yes. Use the voice command method ("My name is...") on each device separately, and each will remember its own preference. If you edit your Contacts card, the change syncs across all devices using the same iCloud account, so they will all use the same name.

What if I want Siri to use a name that is not in my contact card?

Tell Siri directly: "My name is [name]." Siri will use that name on that device without changing your actual contact information. This preference stays on that device only and does not sync to others.

Will Siri remember my name if I reset my device?

If you reset your device and restore from an iCloud backup, Siri will use the name in your synced contact card. If you reset without a backup or set up as new, Siri reverts to the default name and you will need to set it again through Contacts or voice command.