Teach Siri How to Pronounce Names

* This article is from our Tip of the Day newsletter. . *

This might seem small, but for so many people, hearing your name pronounced incorrectly all the time can be a total annoyance. Maybe you’re tired of hearing Siri call you “Kevin” when your name is “Kevan.” Or, maybe you’re like me and you want Siri to call you something crazy but don’t want to change your name on the Contact Card, which is often shared amongst and between devices. Let's take a look at how you can teach Siri how to pronounce names.

Why You'll Love This Tip

  • Never listen to Siri mispronounce your name again.
  • Get Siri to call you by a specific nickname.

How to Add Name Pronunciation in Contacts

Teaching Siri how to pronounce names might be small quality of life change, but if you're someone with a difficult-to-pronounce name, this can be a lifesaver. Plus, this is also a great prank to pull on your friends and family as well, but you didn’t hear that from me! For more iPhone personalization tips and tricks, be sure to sign up for our free Tip of the Day newsletter. Now, here's how to add name pronunciation in Contacts:

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  1. On your iPhone, open Contacts.

    On your iPhone, open Contacts.
  2. Tap My Card, which is your name at the top of the Contacts list.

    On your iPhone, open Contacts, and tap My Card, which is your name at the top of the Contacts list.
  3. Tap Edit.

    Tap Edit.
  4. Scroll down and tap add field.

    Scroll down and tap Add Field.
  5. Tap Phonetic First Name.

    Tap Phonetic First Name.
  6. Type your name as phonetically as possible (or type whatever you want Siri to call you) and then tap Done.

    Type your name as phonetically as possible (or type whatever you want Siri to call you) and then tap Done.
  7. Now, activate Siri and ask what your name is. You can always go back and adjust your spelling if it’s still not quite right.

    Now, activate Siri and ask what your name is. You can always go back and adjust your spelling if it’s still not quite right.

And that’s how you change what Siri calls you without having to change all of your contact information! Additionally, if you want to prank your friends, you can have Siri call them something silly, but without changing anything that might be able to be viewed by professionals or children. Next, find out how to add specific contacts to Favorites!

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Author Details

Leanne Hays's picture

Author Details

Leanne Hays

Leanne Hays has over a dozen years of experience writing for online publications. As a Feature Writer for iPhone Life, she has authored hundreds of how-to, Apple news, and gear review articles, as well as a comprehensive Photos App guide. Leanne holds degrees in education and science and loves troubleshooting and repair. This combination makes her a perfect fit as manager of our Ask an Expert service, which helps iPhone Life Insiders with Apple hardware and software issues.
In off-work hours, Leanne is a mother of two, homesteader, audiobook fanatic, musician, and learning enthusiast.