“Hey Siri” is one of those things we do on the iPhone that we don’t appreciate until something goes wrong, in this case Siri stops functioning. Initiating her response and interacting with her while texting or asking for guidance while driving is virtually impossible, and throws your the entire rhythm off when she doesn’t reply.
This guide is for real users, based on real-world fixes. Whether Siri isn’t hearing you, won’t activate, or only works sometimes—here’s how to get it working again.
What Is “Hey Siri”? Why It Matters
“Hey Siri” is Apple’s voice activation feature that lets you interact with your iPhone, iPad, or HomePod without touching your device. It’s used for:
- Sending messages
- Making calls
- Playing music
- Setting reminders
- Getting directions
- Controlling smart home devices
So when it fails, especially on-the-go, it’s not just inconvenient—it can be dangerous (think driving).
Common “Hey Siri” Issues
Here’s what users often report:
- No response when saying “Hey Siri”
- Siri only works when the phone is unlocked
- It works with AirPods but not directly on the device
- “Hey Siri” used to work, now it’s gone
- Intermittent or lagged responses
Why “Hey Siri” Isn’t Working
1. Siri Isn’t Enabled on Your Device
It sounds obvious, but sometimes after iOS updates, Siri toggles OFF.
✅ Fix:
- Go to Settings > Siri & Search
- Make sure these are ON:
- Listen for “Hey Siri”
- Press Side/Home Button for Siri
- Allow Siri When Locked
2. Your Device Isn’t Connected to the Internet
Siri needs a connection to process most commands.
✅ Fix:
- Test your internet (Wi-Fi or cellular)
- If offline, try commands like “Turn on flashlight” which work without a connection
3. Mic or Speaker Problems
If Siri can’t hear you, it can’t respond.
✅ Fix:
- Test mic in Voice Memos or Camera video
- Clear any dirt or case obstructions
- Disconnect Bluetooth devices to avoid rerouting audio
4. Low Power or Battery Saver Mode
Low Power Mode disables some Siri functions.
✅ Fix:
- Go to Settings > Battery
- Turn off Low Power Mode
- Charge your phone if battery is under 20%
5. “Hey Siri” Isn’t Trained to Your Voice
Sometimes Siri forgets your voice, especially after iOS updates or SIM changes.
✅ Fix:
- Go to Settings > Siri & Search > Turn off “Listen for ‘Hey Siri’”
- Restart your iPhone
- Toggle “Hey Siri” back on and retrain your voice
6. Background Noise or Talking Too Softly
Siri needs a clear wake word. If there’s music, TV, or other people talking—it might not respond.
✅ Fix:
- Speak closer to the mic
- Say “Hey Siri” clearly, in a quiet environment
Device-Specific Fixes
iPhone / iPad
- Restart your device
- Update to the latest iOS
- Check microphone access (Settings > Privacy > Microphone)
AirPods / CarPlay
- Make sure AirPods are clean and fully charged
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth > tap your device > Enable “Hey Siri”
- In CarPlay, check that Siri is enabled in car settings too
Apple Watch
- Make sure Wake on Wrist Raise and Listen for Siri are enabled
- Restart your watch
- Update watchOS
Extra Tips for a Smooth Siri Experience
- Use “Type to Siri” when voice isn’t convenient (Settings > Accessibility > Siri)
- Try Side Button Siri if voice triggers fail
- Check for iOS bugs—Apple occasionally fixes Siri glitches in minor updates
- Reset all settings (Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset All Settings) as a last resort
Quick Fix Checklist
| Issue | Fix |
|---|---|
| Siri doesn’t respond | Check settings, retrain voice |
| Only works when unlocked | Enable Siri on lock screen |
| Works with AirPods, not iPhone | Check mic and remove Bluetooth devices |
| Intermittent activation | Restart device, update iOS |
| “Hey Siri” not showing at all | Toggle off/on in Settings and retrain |
Need More Help?
If none of the above works:
- Contact Apple Support: support.apple.com
- Visit your nearest Apple Store for a mic/hardware check
- Use Apple’s Diagnostics through chat support (they’ll guide you step-by-step)
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Siri Silence You
“Hey Siri” is one of the most useful voice assistants around—when it works. Most issues boil down to:
- Simple settings
- Connection errors
- Mic or hardware problems
With this guide, you can fix it fast and start using Siri like it’s meant to work: hands-free, helpful, and human-friendly.
FAQs
1. Why did “Hey Siri” stop working after the update?
iOS updates sometimes reset Siri settings. Go back into Settings > Siri & Search and re-enable all toggles.
2. Can Siri work without the internet?
Only for basic tasks like opening apps, setting timers, or turning on flashlight. Most commands need a connection.
3. Do AirPods support “Hey Siri”?
AirPods (2nd generation and later) support “Hey Siri” functionality. As long as they are connected and enabled in bluetooth settings, it will work.
4. Is my microphone broken if Siri can’t hear me?
Not always. Test it with voice memos or FaceTime. If those work, it’s likely a software issue.
5. Will resetting my iPhone fix Siri?
To put it simply, if nothing works, the Reset All Settings option (which keeps data intact) works for most annoying bugs. Simply navigate to Settings > General > Reset.
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