Say what! These genius voice commands will change your life on your iPhone or Android

Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant are powerful, but the sad reality is that most people don’t maximize their true potential.

The average user is unaware that his pocket AI assistant can instantly scan thousands of photos and find old images with a few simple commands.

And these bots also create incredible PAs, mark dates on your calendar, and set reminders for crucial meetings.

So let’s dive into the most important voice commands for your smart assistant that can simplify your daily life:

For your phone’s virtual assistant to work better, make sure it really understands your voice, tone, and inflections before we get started. These common mistakes make it more complicated.

Turn on the flashlight

In dimly lit situations, like trying to decipher a menu or navigate a hallway, the last thing you want is to struggle with your phone to find the flashlight feature. Opt for a simpler solution: control your device with your voice.

Just say, “Turn on the flashlight.”

It works for both Siri and Google Assistant. Say the wake-up name first to make sure they’re listening. You can also ask your assistant to turn off the flashlight.

Here’s a magical tidbit for all the Potterheads out there! You can channel your inner wizard by saying “Lumos” to make things light up, just like Harry and his friends would with their wands.

And when you’re done, a simple ‘Nox’ sends the light away. How’s that for an enchanting trick?

Show me pictures of…

Say to your phone, “OK, Google, show me pictures of (your pet’s name).” Even if a pet isn’t part of your household, this voice command has the power to quickly navigate your photo gallery.

On an Android, this trick will work if you’ve already backed up and organized your photos through Google Photos. Naming the people and pets you photograph often makes it much easier to find them this way.

For Apple fans, Siri can dive into your Photos app and dig up images based on a variety of parameters: the names of people, activities, objects, dates, or even locations.

Now take your photo search to the next level.

Let your imagination run wild and combine parameters: ‘Show me photos from Christmas 2019’ or ‘Show me photos of Ella from February on the beach’.

Makes me think of…

This voice command is as simple as it is invaluable: “Hey Google, set a reminder…” or “Siri, remind me…”.

After asking your device, tell it about the task you want to be reminded of.

For example, if you call Kim tomorrow at 2 PM, say, “Hey Google, remind me to call Kim tomorrow at 2 PM.”

The reminder will then be set so you can go about your day without fear of forgetting this important task.

Or maybe you need to remember to pick up a gallon of milk from the grocery store at 3 p.m. Say, “Siri, remind me to pick up milk at 3 p.m.”

Use your digital assistant as your helper.

How long until…

It’s a familiar scenario: the kids bombard you with questions, constantly wondering, “How long until Christmas?”

Fortunately, Siri or Google can quickly come to your rescue.

All you have to do is ask: ‘How long is it until (fill in the desired date)?’ It is simplicity personified.

This approach is versatile and can meet a plethora of needs.

For example, you are planning a family getaway in a few months and the excitement has led to the countdown.

Your digital assistant will happily take care of the remaining days, taking the guesswork out of the process and allowing you to focus on planning that perfect vacation.

Search your apps

Many people don’t know that your voice assistant works with your applications.

If you’re using an iPhone, activate Siri by saying “Hey Siri, launch (app name)” to access the app you want.

You can use this feature for more complex tasks, such as requesting a ride through Uber by saying, “Hey Siri, give me a ride with Uber,” or making a payment on Venmo with “Hey Siri, pay Sam $5 with Venmo.”

On an Android device, the Google Assistant responds to voice commands in the same way.

You can open apps by saying, “Hey Google, open Dunkin Donuts.” For more advanced interactions, such as placing an order, say “Hey Google, order coffee from Dunkin Donuts.”

The Google Assistant can also help you track orders or play your favorite music with commands like “Hey Google, where’s my Walmart order?” or “Hey Google, play Frank Sinatra on Spotify.”

Android devices support voice assistants for numerous apps such as Snapchat, Discord, Etsy, MyFitnessPal, Mint, Nike Adapt, eBay, Kroger, Best Buy, Postmates, and Wayfair.

Add to my calendar

Take advantage of your voice assistant, Siri or Google Assistant, to manage your calendar without manually opening your calendar app. They need information about the participants, date and time.

Here’s an example: Instead of manually setting up an appointment, say, “Hey Siri, schedule a lunch date with Bob tomorrow at 1PM.” You can even flesh out your appointments by instructing, “Hey Google, add an event called ‘Birthday Dinner’ this Sunday at 4pm and remind me to order an Uber home at 9pm.”

Remember, if you manage multiple calendars, you specify the target calendar during your command; otherwise, your event will default to your primary calendar.

Siri is designed to connect seamlessly with Apple’s Calendar app. However, if you’re a Google Calendar user on an Apple device, you’ll need to add your Google Calendar using Apple’s default app.

Silence my phone

Silence your phone before entering a church, starting a meeting, or sitting down for an interview.

An easy way to do this is with your voice. Say “Siri, silence my phone” or “Google Assistant, silence my phone.” Poof, gone are all possible distractions.

That wasn’t for you

It’s common to inadvertently summon your voice assistant with a word that closely resembles “Siri” or “Hey Google.”

The device, mistakenly thinking it has been invoked, may start recording your speech, potentially leading to privacy issues.

The good news is that both Siri and Google Assistant will audibly indicate when they are activated.

To prevent the Google Assistant from capturing the rest of your conversation, just say “That wasn’t for you.” This command also clears the recent recording from your history.

If Siri is accidentally activated, you can use the exact phrase: “That wasn’t for you.”

It’s important to note that while this will deactivate Siri, Apple hasn’t officially confirmed whether this command also deletes the last recording from its memory.

Sound like a tech pro even if you’re not! Award-winning popular host Kim Komando is your secret weapon. Listen on 425+ radio stations or download the podcast. And join more than 400,000 people who get her free daily 5 minute email newsletter.