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How to give Siri access to third-party apps in iOS 10

Before you can ask Siri to send cash or messages through third-party apps, you'll need to take an extra step.

Jason Cipriani
Jason Cipriani
Jason Cipriani Contributing Writer, ZDNet
Jason Cipriani is based out of beautiful Colorado and has been covering mobile technology news and reviewing the latest gadgets for the last six years. His work can also be found on sister site CNET in the How To section, as well as across several more online publications.
Jason Cipriani
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Watch this: Siri's new tricks in iOS 10

When you install a new or updated app that promises to work with Apple's Siri voice assistant, the natural thing to do is fire up Siri and try it out.

Only, you'll quickly find either Siri has no clue what you're talking about, or it prompts you to give access to the app's information.

To save time, here's how to give Siri permission to use apps beforehand:

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Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET
  • Launch the Settings app on your iOS device.
  • Tap on Siri.
  • Tap on App Support.

There you'll find a list of apps installed on your iOS device that will work with Siri. Enable the app or apps you want to use by sliding the switch to the On position, and then exit Settings.

The next time you use Siri, it should know exactly what you're asking for and interact with the given app.

For example, I can say, "Call an Uber" to Siri and then it walks me through the process of getting a car without ever launching the Uber app itself.

You can read more in Taylor Martin's guide to Siri's new superpowers in iOS 10.

Here are the coolest new features of iOS 10 (pictures)

See all photos