Take home automation to the next level using custom voice shortcuts for Siri. To arm/disarm a system or run a Scene, say “Hey Siri, I’m home from work,” or any phrase of your choice to perform automation commands using an iOS 12 device.
Live video streams can also be brought up through Siri voice shortcuts by invoking Siri and speaking a chosen phrase like, “Siri, show me my kitchen.” A live video stream window then appears on your mobile device. This shortcut works for any video camera or video doorbell and allows for quick, hands-free access to your video devices.
Compatibility
Alarm.com voice shortcuts for Siri are available with:
- iOS 12 devices (i.e., iPhones, iPads, Carplay, and HomePod speakers)
- The iOS device must have an unlock mechanism to perform secure actions (i.e., scenes and disarm). For more information, see Additional considerations.
- All countries where Siri is supported
Additional considerations
To perform secure actions, the iOS device must have an unlock mechanism (e.g., passcode, Touch ID, etc.) set up and the device must be unlocked when performing secured actions using Siri shortcuts.
Secure actions include:
- Disarming the system
- Unlocking Z-Wave locks
- Running scenes
- Since scenes can include an arming command and there is no way for Siri to determine this, scenes require the phone to be unlocked.
Available Siri shortcut options
- Create the custom voice shortcuts for any of the following actions:
- Run a Scene.
- Scenes can include locks, lights, thermostats, etc. For more information about scenes, see Create/edit a Scene.
- Turn lights on/off and dim individual lights and light groups.
- Arm/Disarm the security system.
- Lock/Unlock Z-Wave locks.
- View live video.
- Run a Scene.
- Set up and manage the voice shortcuts using the Alarm.com app:
- Choose as many unique phrases as desired to trigger a given action.
- Choose if Siri is available from the lock screen.
- Choose the exact phrase Siri says back to you to confirm an action was successfully completed.
- Create different voice shortcuts for each property linked to a user’s login. This avoids the possibility of unintentionally turning off the lights at your vacation home instead of your main property.
To create custom Siri voice shortcuts:
- Log into the Alarm.com app.
- Tap
. - Tap App Settings.
- Tap Siri Shortcuts.
- Tap to select the shortcut to create a custom phrase for.
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- Add the custom phrase.
. 
to select the shortcut to create a custom phrase for. 
Example commands
Create creative custom phrases of the user's choosing
A custom response can be created for Siri to say back to the user to confirm an action has been completed.
Control individual lights or light groups
With a single phrase, individual lights or light groups can be adjusted. Siri can also help create the perfect ambiance by dimming a light or changing the light color for dimmable and multicolor bulbs.
Control the home from anywhere on the go
- Is it dark when the user comes home from the store and their arms are full of groceries? Just say, “Hey Siri, turn on the lights”.
- Driving home and want to run the Home Scene? Just say, “Hey Siri, I’m home from work.”
Quick access to live video
- The user is in the middle of preparing dinner when someone rings the doorbell. Just say “Hey Siri, show me my front door” to quickly access the doorbell camera’s live video feed.
- The user is in bed upstairs when they hear a loud crash downstairs. Just say “Hey Siri, show me my living room” to quickly access the living room live video feed.
Combine Alarm.com voice shortcuts with commands from other apps
The Shortcuts app enables you to create personal shortcuts with multiple steps from your favorite apps. Start from hundreds of examples in the Gallery or drag and drop to create your own.
To integrate with the Shortcuts app:
- Log into the app.
- Tap .
- Tap App Settings.
- Tap Siri Shortcuts.
- Tap the Share Activity with Siri toggle to the ON position.
- When prompted, tap Share.
Siri shortcut troubleshooting
If Siri shortcuts are not functioning properly, perform the following troubleshooting:
- Restart the device.
- Turn Siri off and then turn back on after a small wait.
- Change Siri to a different language, then switch back after a short amount of time.
- Re-record the shortcut phrase or edit the shortcut.
- Delete the shortcut and recreate it.
For more troubleshooting for Siri, refer to Siri troubleshooting.
