Siri unable to add time to timer and not understanding questions on iPhone

Part of getting, what seems like simple instruction to work, is our phrasing of the instructions.

For example, I tell Siri to set a 5 minute timer. Then I tell her to extend the timer X amount of minutes or seconds. Works every time.

I can generally get Siri to do what ever I want by rephrasing my instructions. But repeating the same instructions over and over and expecting a different result is said to be the definition of insanity. 😀😀

Jeff Donald wrote:

Yes, I’m using AI Siri and she understands extend, but not add. I’m not using ChatGPT option, so in theory, Siri is using a LLM (Large Language Model) on Apple servers.

Interesting. It's not working for me as I would expect it to work. I don't use Siri for timers all that much, so not a huge deal. But I can see the Authors frustration if they do.

EDIT: I tried this with my iPhone locked and got the what do you want me to change it to. BUT.......with the phone unlocked, Siri was perfectly happy to add 5 minutes to the timer. I didn't need to say extend. Add was all Siri needed. I do have Allow Siri when Locked turned on. But the only way I was successful in extending the timer was to start the request with my phone unlocked first.

Yes, I’m using AI Siri and she understands extend, but not add. I’m not using ChatGPT option, so in theory, Siri is using a LLM (Large Language Model) on Apple servers.

I use Siri a lot for timers, because I cook most dinners. Maybe it’s a learning phase. But like the OP I originally tried add a specific time. Never worked. Then I went to setting a second timer and just ignored the first timer. Not convenient, but it served its purpose. A month or two ago I tried extend, and it instantly worked.

Jeff Donald wrote:

Part of getting, what seems like simple instruction to work, is our phrasing of the instructions.

For example, I tell Siri to set a 5 minute timer. Then I tell her to extend the timer X amount of minutes or seconds. Works every time.

I can generally get Siri to do what ever I want by rephrasing my instructions. But repeating the same instructions over and over and expecting a different result is said to be the definition of insanity. 😀😀

https://discussions.apple.com/content/attachment/3c390484-ddf8-488b-8926-923203f614aa

Hey Jeff. Did you try it using iOS 18.4 with Apple Intelligence on your iPhone? I have to admit I was surprised to get pretty much the same results as the Author here. I asked Siri to set a timer for 5 minutes, then followed up with Siri, extend the timer 5 minutes and Siri asked me what I wanted to set it to. I did this on my iPhone, iPad and MacBook Pro all running the latest software, ALL with Apple Intelligence turned on. Add 5 minutes didn't work either, FWIW.

kitan97 wrote:

Why would she not understand “add” but “extend”? They technically have the same meaning!

Actually, on my iPhone 16 Pro Max with iOS 18.4, "add" works. But I have to start the timer with the phone open/unlocked if I use Siri. With the phone locked, Siri will start a timer, but won't add or extend it unless the phone is open/unlocked.

That's not unusual, even with Alexa. I have Alexa in the kitchen, bedroom, office, and guest bedroom. I can be standing in front of her in the Kitchen and sometimes she'll respond from another room too. None of these digital assistants are perfect, that's for sure. Amazon is about to release an fully AI Alexa, which supposedly makes her fully conversational. I should be getting it when it's released and will be interested to try that out.

Can you try to set up a timer on your iPhone with the screen locked, then try to add time? I'd be interested to know if the trick is the phone needs to be unlocked first.

kitan97 wrote:

Why would she not understand “add” but “extend”? They technically have the same meaning!

No one here in this user-to-user forum can answer "why" questions about Apple. We are not privy to their reasons or plans.

You can let Apple know your thoughts here:

Product Feedback - Apple

So, I’ve heard. I’m strictly Apple, and experience the issue with my original HomePods answering and not my iPhone or Watch. My iPhone is several inches from my mouth, but Siri (HomePods) 30 feet away answer.

lobsterghost1 wrote:

That's not unusual, even with Alexa. I have Alexa in the kitchen, bedroom, office, and guest bedroom.

I have that problem, especially if I give two commands within a short time. The nearest answers the first but the next nearest the second. Theoretically, Alexa is supposed to keep listening for a few seconds for a follow-up up but I guess I have the timing wrong. The only time it got it right was when I told Alexa to do something and then asked Siri for something. They both answered.

IdrisSeabright wrote:

lobsterghost1 wrote:

That's not unusual, even with Alexa. I have Alexa in the kitchen, bedroom, office, and guest bedroom.

I have that problem, especially if I give two commands within a short time. The nearest answers the first but the next nearest the second. Theoretically, Alexa is supposed to keep listening for a few seconds for a follow-up up but I guess I have the timing wrong. The only time it got it right was when I told Alexa to do something and then asked Siri for something. They both answered.

Maybe that's what I'm doing too? I quite like Alexa, though. She knows me by my voice and acknowledges me by my name and then thanks me and tells me my kindness is so appreciated when I instinctively say thank you!

kitan97 wrote:

I kinda feel like Siri used to be so much better before iOS 18

Someone says that every time iOS is updated. Apple makes changes. Some people like them some people don't. All you can do is provide feedback.

Even in my 16 pro Siri doesn’t working after the 18.4 update🤧🤧

I use Alexa in the kitchen. Alexa could teach a thing or two to Siri, tbh.

lobsterghost1 wrote:

I use Alexa in the kitchen. Alexa could teach a thing or two to Siri, tbh.

Alexa's feature of being able to set multiple timers with names is one I've recommended to Apple.