macOS processes › Audio and speech
What is corespeechd on Mac?
corespeechd listens for “Siri” or “Hey Siri” and handles speech input for Siri. A system-level copy, corespeechd_system, also runs.
What it does
With listening for Siri turned on, corespeechd checks the microphone input for the trigger phrase and passes your request to Siri. It also handles parts of Siri's speech processing, such as matching the trigger to your voice.
Why it gets busy
- Listening for “Siri” or “Hey Siri” turned on, which keeps it listening.
- Setting up or retraining Siri's voice recognition.
- Switching microphones or audio inputs.
Why is corespeechd using so much CPU?
corespeechd listens for the Siri voice trigger. If it's using more CPU than you'd like, turn off listening for “Siri” and use the keyboard shortcut instead.
Is it safe to quit?
macOS restarts it, and Siri listening resumes afterward.
How to calm it down
- If you don't use the voice trigger, turn off listening for Siri in System Settings › Apple Intelligence & Siri (or Siri).
- Use the keyboard shortcut for Siri instead of the voice trigger.
In SystemWatch
SystemWatch explains both corespeechd copies, so the system one doesn't look like a duplicate or something unwanted.
