# Using Siri and Spotlight with YNAB

> Learn how to pair YNAB with Siri.

Source: https://support.ynab.com/en_us/using-siri-and-spotlight-with-ynab-B1Me9dj5ge

Last updated: 2026-07-02T17:25:50.941Z

Learn how to add Siri shortcuts to your iOS device. Use key phrases with Siri to add transactions, check your category balance, access the category detail screen, and open your plan.

#### In This Article

[How to Add a Transaction with Siri](#transaction)

[Checking a Category Balance with Siri](#balance)

[Opening Your Plan with Siri](#plan)

[Searching in Spotlight](#spotlight)

[Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)](#faq)

#### Troubleshooting Siri

If you're having trouble getting Siri to work with YNAB, try manually enabling it:

1.  Open the Shortcuts app.
    
2.  Tap _Library_ at the bottom of the screen.
    
3.  Scroll down and tap on _YNAB_.
    
4.  Tap the **_i_** icon at the top of the screen.
    
5.  Toggle the Siri option to enable Siri.
    

* * *

## Adding a Transaction with Siri

Activate Siri and say "add new transaction in YNAB", then tap _Turn On._ Once you've turned this shortcut on with Siri, use the following phrases to add a transaction:

*   Add new transaction in YNAB
    

If you're having trouble, you can [manually enable Siri it in the Shortcuts app](#troubleshooting).

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

* * *

## Checking a Category Balance with Siri

Activate Siri and say "category balance in YNAB", then tap _Turn On_. 

Once you've turned this shortcut on with Siri, use this phrase to check your category balance:

*   How much is available for \[category\] in YNAB
    

You can also tap the results to go directly to category details and assign more money, set or edit a target, or add a transaction.

If you're having trouble, you can [manually enable Siri it in the Shortcuts app](#troubleshooting).

![When you check a category balance with Siri, you can tap the result to go directly to category details](https://cdn.bfldr.com/NIEXAZS5/at/hkvtv4fvw7sxsr95xff7xtcb/Siri-Spotlight-iOS-Help-Article.png?auto=webp&format=png)

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

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## Opening Your Plan with Siri 

Activate Siri and say "open plan in YNAB", then tap _Turn On_. Once you've turned this shortcut on with Siri, use the following phrases to open your plan:

*   Open plan in YNAB
    

If you're having trouble, you can [manually enable Siri it in the Shortcuts app](#troubleshooting).

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

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## Searching in Spotlight

You can swipe down from the middle of your home screen to search Spotlight for any of your categories. Tap the result for your category balance, and tap again to go directly to category details to assign more money, set or edit a target, or add a transaction.

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

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## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

### Why doesn't Siri or Spotlight work consistently?

Siri and Spotlight can provide information on the categories in your **currently active** plan. If you frequently switch between plans, you may see delayed or unexpected behaviors.

### Why can't I check my category balance with Siri or Spotlight?

To check your category balance with Siri and Spotlight, you must have the current version of YNAB and must have upgraded your operating system to iOS 26.

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

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