"Hey Siri" not working? Here's how to fix it on your iPhone

While you can get along without it, Siri is often integral to the Apple experience. It’s a quick shortcut for actions in HomeKit, Apple Music, and more. If “Hey Siri” isn’t working, there are a few things you can try to get it back in gear.

Editor’s note: All of these instructions were formulated using an Apple iPhone 15 running iOS 18.2. Some of these steps and menus may be slightly different, depending on your device and software version. 

Disconnect your Bluetooth headphones or speakers

People often have their iPhones set to automatically connect to one or more Bluetooth audio devices when one of them switches on. If a device has a microphone — like headphones, certain speakers, or even your car — Siri may start listening to it for input. In fact, Siri may be working perfectly, but it can’t hear you because you are away from the microphone in use. Either that, or it is responding to your headphones, and you can’t hear them.

To rule out this issue, make sure any mic-equipped Bluetooth devices are powered off or disconnected if you’re not using them.

To disconnect Bluetooth devices from your iPhone:

1. Launch the Settings app.
2. Select Bluetooth.
3. Tap the i button next to a device you want to disconnect.
4. Choose Disconnect for a temporary release, or Forget This Device if you want to prevent it from reconnecting. You’ll have to re-pair if you choose to forget the accessory.

Make sure Siri is running on your phone

If, for any reason, Siri is disabled on your iPhone, you will need to go ahead and enable it. Let’s walk you through the steps.

How to enable Siri:

1. Launch the Settings app.
2. Go into Siri.
3. Tap on Talk to Siri.
4. Make sure “Siri” or “Hey Siri” or “Hey Siri” is selected.
5. If Off is selected, select one of the other two options. In this case, Siri will walk you through the setup process. Follow instructions.

Restart your iPhone

Smartphones sometimes glitch out, including iPhones. If you’ve tried all of the tactics above, and “Hey Siri” is still not working, there’s a chance that rebooting (restarting) your iPhone will force a necessary software process to kick into gear.

How to restart an iPhone:

1. Simultaneously press and hold the side button, and either the volume up or volume down button.
2. When the power menu shows up, use the Slide to power off slider.
3. The phone will turn off. When it does, press and hold the side button until the Apple logo shows up. Wait for the iPhone to turn back on.

The process is virtually identical on older iPhones that have a home button, such as the iPhone SE. The only difference is that you have to hold a single button — the side or top button — to make the power-off slider appear.

Check if your microphone is working

Your iPhone’s microphone may be so full of debris that it can’t hear well. Try cleaning off the surface of the mic grille with a microfiber cloth, a toothbrush, or painter’s tape (which doesn’t leave residue). You’ll have to be careful with any of these methods, since Apple’s grilles are relatively delicate, and you don’t want to accidentally introduce new debris. Avoid using compressed air, as that can damage parts, especially if you push liquid inside.

If none of the above steps work, it’s probably time to take your iPhone into an Apple Store or an authorized third-party repair shop. Microphones sometimes break, and even if your mic is intact, technicians may be able to diagnose the problem and fix the real cause.

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