Getting started
You have installed Iris. Here is how to get going, on your Mac and on your phone.
Signing in #
Iris has no passwords. Type your email, and we send a 6-digit code to it. Type the code and you are in. The first code also creates your account.
Use the same email on every device. That links your phone and your Mac, and your memories and chats follow you.
On your Mac #
First launch #
The first time you open Iris, a short setup runs. It checks the microphone, learns how you say her name, has you ask her one question, and shows you how to stop her. The steps are in Install on Mac. The first time you talk to her, she tells you she is an AI, not a person.
Permissions, and why #
| Permission | Why |
|---|---|
| Microphone | To hear you when you say her name |
| Accessibility | To control apps for you: press keys, click, type |
| Screen Recording | To read your screen so she can help with what you are doing |
| Automation | To work with a specific app, like Spotify or Terminal |
| Contacts, Calendars, Reminders | Only when you use those features |
macOS asks for each one the first time Iris needs it. If she says she can't do something because of a permission, turn it on in System Settings > Privacy & Security, then ask again. What Iris sees explains what she does with each.
Where she lives #
- The character sits on top of your windows and moves around when she is idle. Click her to get her attention.
- The Iris icon in the menu bar at the top of your screen. Click it for the menu.
- Chat: Command + Shift + C opens a chat window from anywhere. You can type to her there.
- Control Panel: Command + Shift + P. Health, settings, updates, sign out.
- Mute the microphone: Command + Shift + M, or from the menu bar icon.
- Hide or show the character: Command + Shift + I.
How to talk to her #
- Say her name. "Iris, what time is it?" or "What time is it, Iris?" both work.
- Follow-ups need no name for about 30 seconds after she answers.
- Say "stop" to stop her mid-sentence.
- Speak at a normal distance. She cannot hear you from across a room.
More in Voice and the wake word.
The first five things to try #
- "Iris, what time is it?" The simplest check that she hears you and can answer.
- "Iris, play some lo-fi music." Then "Iris, pause", "Iris, next song", and "Iris, stop". The first song takes a few seconds to start.
- "Iris, set a timer for 2 minutes." Wait for it to ring. Then try "Iris, how long is left?" on another one.
- "Iris, remember that my favourite colour is green." Then ask "Iris, what do you know about me?"
- "Iris, open Safari" (or any app you have). Then "Iris, will it rain in Pune tomorrow?" She looks it up and tells you.
On your phone #
- Ask a question in the chat: "What's the weather tomorrow?"
- Make a document: "Make a monthly budget sheet for my home." She sends you an Excel file.
- Send a photo and ask about it.
- Record a voice note with the mic button. She writes out what you said and replies.
- If you have a Mac: open Errands and ask Iris to do something on your Mac.
Daily allowance #
Each account has a daily allowance for listening, thinking and speaking. When Iris runs out, she tells you, for example "I'm out of voice for today". The allowance resets every day at 5:30 am India time. Testers with confirmed bugs get higher limits (see Points and payouts).
When something goes wrong #
That is what you are here for. Note the time, take a screenshot or a screen recording if you can, and report it. Check Known issues first, so you do not spend time on something we already know about.