Siri is one of the most popular features on the iPhone, but what do you do if it isn’t responding? In this article, we will provide some troubleshooting tips to help you get Siri up and running again.
Check your internet connection
Siri relies on a stable internet connection for some of its features to function correctly. If you aren’t connected to the Internet, using Wi-Fi, or your cellular network, Siri will let you know by saying something like:
Sorry, I’m having trouble connecting to the network.
Or
Try again in a little while.
If you see these alerts, make sure your device is connected to the Internet and try again.
Make sure that “Hey Siri” is turned on
“Hey Siri” won’t respond when:
- Your device is lying face down.
- The cover is closed on your iPhone or iPad case.
- If you have an iPhone 6 or earlier and aren’t connected to power.
If none of those situations apply, check to see if Siri is activated on your device.
On an iPhone and iPad.
- Go to Settings > Siri & Search.
- Make sure that Listen for “Hey Siri” is toggled on.
Read more about how to set up and use Siri on your iPhone.
On Apple Watch
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down to Siri.
- Make sure Listen for “Hey Siri” is toggled on.
Read more about how to set up and use Siri on your Apple Watch.
On a Mac
- Open System Preferences, click Siri.
- Ensure that Enable Ask Siri and Listen for “Hey Siri” are selected.
Read more about how to set up and use Siri on your Mac.
AirPods
Check that “Hey Siri” has been activated on the device your AirPods are connected to.
Note: If you have 1st generation AirPods, you need to double-tap one of the AirPods to use Siri.
Check that restrictions aren’t on for Siri
If you can’t activate Siri at all, ensure access hasn’t been restricted on your device.
On an iPhone or iPad
- Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps.
- Make sure that Siri & Dictation is turned on.
On a Mac
- Go to System Preferences > Screen Time .
- Select Content & Privacy in the left column.
- Make sure Siri & Dictation is checked in the Allow section.
Check your microphones
If Siri doesn’t hear you correctly or doesn’t respond when you make a query, make sure the microphones on your device are working.
On an iPhone or iPad
Ensure the microphone is not obstructed and nothing is blocking the hole on the bottom of the phone. You can also test your microphone by opening the Voice Memos app and making a short recording.
Remove screen protectors, films, or cases that cover the microphones, then ask Siri a question. If Siri doesn’t respond, connect a headset with a microphone, like AirPods, then ask Siri a question and see if Siri responds.
On a Mac
- Go to System Preferences > Sound > Input.
- Make sure the correct input is selected, and check the input levels.
AirPods
For AirPods, use your connected iPhone or iPad.
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth.
- Make sure the AirPods show as connected.
If Siri doesn’t speak responses on an iPhone or iPad
Make sure the volume on your device is not muted and is set to an audible level.
iOS 13 and below
Siri might not respond verbally if Voice Feedback is switched off.
- Go to Settings > Siri & Search > Voice Feedback.
- Make sure it is set to Always On.
If Siri doesn’t speak responses on a Mac
Make sure the volume on your Mac is not muted and set to an audible level.
- Go to System Preferences > Siri.
- Make sure that Voice Feedback is turned on.
Hopefully you’ve been able to use the tips above to get Siri working, but if nothing seems to work, it’s worth getting in touch with Apple support directly or popping into an Apple store for advice.