If "Hey Siri" not working is more than a temporary glitch, the fix usually starts with a few quick checks you can do in under a minute. Before anything else, confirm the feature is actually turned on and that your iPhone has an active internet connection, as both are the most common culprits for a silent Siri.
Hey Siri not working? Start with these quick checks
Begin by opening the Settings app and navigating to the Siri menu. On iOS 18 or later, this is labeled "Apple Intelligence & Siri"; on older versions, look for "Siri & Search." Make sure "Listen For" is set to "Hey Siri" or "Siri." If it's already enabled, toggle it off and on again to refresh the setting. Next, verify your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data, Siri needs a network connection to reach Apple's servers for most requests. Turn Off Voice Control Accessibility (Settings > Accessibility > Voice Control) as it can interrupt Siri. Finally, restart your iPhone to clear out any temporary software glitches that might be blocking the voice assistant.
Retrain Siri to recognize your voice
Sometimes Siri simply forgets the sound of your voice, especially after a system update or a device restore. Re-training is easy and only takes a few seconds. Head to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri (or Siri & Search) and toggle off "Listen For." Wait a moment, then toggle it back on. You'll see a "Set Up 'Hey Siri'" screen, tap Continue and follow the on-screen prompts, speaking the required phrases clearly. This new voice training session helps Siri learn your speech patterns again, which often resolves the issue entirely.
Turn off Low Power Mode
Low Power Mode is a handy battery saver, but it can interfere with background features like "Hey Siri." When enabled, your iPhone may reduce background activity, including the voice detection that listens for your command. To check, go to Settings > Battery and look at the toggle next to Low Power Mode. If it's on, turn it off. This is a simple fix that has solved the problem for many users who found Siri unresponsive only while their phone was in this power-saving state.
Make sure Siri is set to speak
If Siri responds to your "Hey Siri" command but you only see the visual interface without any sound, the issue isn't with detection, it's with the audio output. Go to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri > Siri Responses and select "Prefer Spoken Responses." This ensures Siri speaks aloud instead of showing a silent on-screen reply. This setting is often changed unintentionally, so it's worth checking before you try more drastic measures.
Install the latest iOS update
Software bugs are a common reason for Siri to stop working, and Apple frequently patches these in new iOS updates. To check for a fix, go to Settings > General > Software Update. If a new version of iOS is available, download and install it. This can resolve underlying issues that affect Siri's ability to process voice commands, and it's a step that many users overlook when troubleshooting. Keeping your OS current is also a good habit for overall device health.
Check your VPN and network settings
If you have a VPN installed, try turning it off temporarily to see if that fixes the problem. If Siri starts working, you'll need to adjust your VPN settings or use a different network. As a last resort, you can reset all network settings by going to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This will clear saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth connections, so only do this if you're comfortable re-entering them.
Still not working? Contact Apple Support
If you've tried every fix above and "Hey Siri" still won't respond, the problem may be hardware-related or require deeper software diagnostics. Contact Apple Support directly through their official app or website. They can run remote diagnostics and determine if your iPhone's microphone or logic board needs servicing. This is the safest option when all other troubleshooting steps have failed.
How to fix Siri not working [Video Tutorial]
For a visual walkthrough of these same steps, watch the video below. It demonstrates the quick checks, voice retraining, and settings adjustments in real time, making it easier to follow along on your own device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does "Hey Siri" stop working after an iOS update?
iOS updates can sometimes reset system settings or introduce temporary bugs that affect voice recognition. Re-training Siri by toggling "Listen For" off and on usually resolves this, as does installing the next update that includes a fix.
Can a screen protector block "Hey Siri"?
Yes, a thick or poorly fitted screen protector can sometimes muffle the microphone, especially if it covers the top edge of your iPhone. Try removing it temporarily to see if Siri starts responding.
Does "Hey Siri" work when the phone is face down?
No, by default, your iPhone will not listen for "Hey Siri" when it's placed face down. This is a battery-saving feature. Pick up your phone or turn it over to use the voice command.
Will resetting all settings erase my data?
No, resetting all settings (including network settings) does not delete your personal files or data. However, it will reset preferences like Wi-Fi passwords and wallpaper, so you'll need to set those up again.
For the wider topic, see voice assistant and microphone fixes.
