“Hey Siri” Not Working on Your iPhone? Here’s How to Fix It

If “Hey Siri” has stopped responding on your iPhone, there could be several reasons behind the issue. Fortunately, most of them are easy to resolve with a few quick troubleshooting steps. Here’s how you can get Siri working again.

Disconnect Bluetooth Audio Devices

Many iPhones are set to automatically connect to Bluetooth accessories, such as headphones, speakers, or even car audio systems. If one of these devices has a built-in microphone, Siri may be trying to listen through it instead of your phone’s microphone. This can result in Siri not hearing your commands properly or responding in a way you can’t hear.

To ensure Siri is listening to your iPhone’s microphone, try disconnecting any active Bluetooth audio devices:

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Tap Bluetooth.

3. Find the connected device and tap the i button next to it.

4. Choose Disconnect for a temporary disconnection or Forget This Device to remove it entirely. If you choose to forget the device, you will need to pair it again later if needed.

Ensure Siri Is Enabled

Siri must be activated on your iPhone for voice commands to work. If it’s disabled, you will need to turn it back on:

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Navigate to Siri & Search.

3. Tap Listen for “Hey Siri”.

4. If the feature is turned off, enable it and follow the on-screen setup instructions to train Siri to recognize your voice.

Restart Your iPhone

Like any smartphone, an iPhone can sometimes experience temporary software glitches. Restarting your device can often resolve minor bugs, including Siri not responding.

To restart your iPhone:

1. Press and hold the side button and either the volume up or volume down button at the same time.

2. When the power off slider appears, drag it to turn off the phone.

3. Wait a few moments, then press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.

4. Wait for the phone to restart and check if Siri is working again.

For older iPhones with a home button (such as the iPhone SE), the restart process is slightly different:

1. Press and hold the side or top button until the power off slider appears.

2. Drag the slider to turn off the phone.

3. After the device shuts down, press and hold the side or top button again until the Apple logo appears.

Check Your Microphone

If Siri still isn’t working, the issue might be related to your iPhone’s microphone. Dust, lint, or debris can block the mic, preventing Siri from detecting your voice clearly.

To clean your microphone safely:

• Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the mic grille.

• A soft toothbrush can help dislodge debris.

• Painter’s tape is another option, as it can lift dirt without leaving residue.

Avoid using compressed air, as it can push dirt further inside the phone or cause internal damage.

Seek Professional Assistance

If none of these solutions work, there may be a hardware issue with your iPhone’s microphone. In this case, visiting an Apple Store or an authorized repair center is your best option. Technicians can diagnose the problem and determine whether a repair is needed.

By following these steps, you should be able to restore Siri’s functionality and continue using voice commands without any issues.