Siri Shortcuts Guide
Voice commands and hands-free counting
Count with your voice using Siri Shortcuts. Tally Counter integrates seamlessly with iOS Shortcuts to enable hands-free counting and smart automation. Perfect for when your hands are busy or for quick voice-activated counting anytime.
Included Shortcuts
Tally Counter comes with two built-in shortcuts ready to use.
Add Count
Increase the count by 1. Simply say "Hey Siri, add count" and your counter increments instantly. Perfect for workout reps, tasks completed, or any upward counting.
Decrease Count
Decrease the count by 1. Say "Hey Siri, decrease count" to lower your counter. Useful for inventory management or any situation where you need to count down.
Setting Up Voice Commands
Configure Siri to listen to your custom phrases.
Add Custom Voice Phrase
Open Shortcuts app and find the Tally Counter shortcut. Tap the three dots, then "Add to Siri." Record a voice phrase like "Morning run," "Breathing," or any phrase you want to use.
Record Your Voice
Tap the record button and speak your phrase clearly. Siri learns your voice and recognizes the phrase when you say it to Siri. You can re-record if needed.
Test Your Shortcut
Say "Hey Siri," then your voice phrase. Siri triggers the shortcut and your counter increments. Test a few times to ensure reliable recognition.
Example Voice Phrases
Popular voice commands for different use cases.
Fitness
"Count rep"
"Add workout"
"Push up done"
"Completed exercise"
Meditation
"Meditation done"
"Breathe"
"Mindfulness session"
"Add breath work"
Work
"Task completed"
"Add task"
"Call made"
"Customer counted"
Health
"Water intake"
"Glass drank"
"Meds taken"
"Add hydration"
Reading
"Page read"
"Reading count"
"Book chapter"
"Pages done"
Business
"Sale made"
"Visitor counted"
"Order taken"
"Inventory down"
Advanced Automation Ideas
Beyond simple voice counting.
Time-Based Automation
Create a shortcut that runs automatically at specific times. For example, auto-increment a "Daily Tasks" counter each morning at 9 AM.
Location-Based Counting
Trigger a shortcut when you arrive at a location. Count gym sessions automatically when you arrive at the gym, or visitor arrivals at your store.
Home Hub Integration
Combine Tally Counter shortcuts with HomeKit automation. Trigger a count when smart lights turn on or when devices are controlled.
Notification Actions
Create actions in notifications that trigger Tally Counter shortcuts. Respond to reminders by tapping "Done" to increment your counter.
Custom Scenes
Build multi-step shortcuts that count and then perform other actions — send a message, log data, or update a note with your progress.
Tips for Voice Success
Get reliable voice recognition.
Speak Clearly
Use a clear voice and natural tone. Siri recognizes patterns better with consistent pronunciation.
Keep Phrases Short
Use 1-3 word phrases. Short commands are easier for Siri to recognize than long sentences.
Record Multiple Times
Record your phrase 2-3 times to improve recognition. Siri learns from multiple samples of your voice.
Minimize Background Noise
Record in a quiet environment. Background noise can confuse Siri's voice recognition.
Test Frequently
Test your shortcuts regularly. If recognition fails, re-record your phrase or try different wording.
Keep iOS Updated
Update to the latest iOS version. Apple constantly improves Siri recognition with updates.
Related Guides
Learn more advanced features.
Start counting with your voice
Download Tally Counter and use Siri Shortcuts for hands-free counting anywhere.
Download Tally CounterFree on the App Store. Pro unlock available.