Generate a Random Number with Siri

Many iPhone and iPad users know that Siri has a huge range of capabilities surrounding specific actions, but fewer know that Siri can also serve more obscure functions, like generating a random number for you. This is handled through Siri’s data connection through Wolfram Alpha, and it’s effective at truly randomizing integers similar to the virtual assistants ability to create a random password. So, the next time you need a random number for any particular purpose, pull out your iOS device and summon Siri to ask for such a thing.

Have Siri Generate a Completely Random Number

The specific verbiage for Siri to choose an integer out of thin air is best kept simple, so bring about Siri and say:

• Random number

Siri will report back what was found with a result numerical value, as well as the spelled out number, and the number plotted on a number line.

You can also try “random integer” or a more direct command like “Give me a random number”, but curiously, while it usually works to dish out a randomized digit, every once in a while Siri will say the latter option is not within their command abilities, thus we’ll keep it simple.

If you’re wanting to get fancier, you can also summon a randomly chosen prime number by telling Siri:

• Random prime number

Having Siri randomize a prime number will also include much more detail about the number chosen, including factorization, whether it’s odd or even, and whether it’s regular or irregular.

Generate Random Numbers Within a Defined Range

You can also get more specific with the random integer request by providing Siri a range to stay within for the chosen random number, for a few examples:

• Random number between 1 and 10
• Random number between 72 and 144
• Random number between 1742 and 5817481

For random ranged numbers created, Siri will forfeit the value, spelling, and there won’t be a number shown on a line.

If you’re aiming to use this for security purposes you may want to consider having Siri generate specified character counts and blocks instead by asking to create a randomized password string of alphanumerics, since that is typically more secure than a simple numerical string. Additionally, users are unable to request a specific number of digits to ask for the random number, while the random password can be limited by a character specification.

There are plenty of potential uses for this, or it can just be fun to help settle a decision or debate similar to how Siri will flip a digital coin and roll dice for you as requested.