'Hey Siri' not working? Here's how to fix it

Check your internet connection

If you aren't connected to the Internet using wifi 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 that your device is connected to the Internet and try again.

Make sure that Siri is turned on

If "Hey Siri" isn't working, check to see if it is fully activated.

On an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch

• Go to Settings > Siri & Search.
• Make sure that "Hey Siri" is on.

AirPods

If you have 1st generation AirPods, you need to double-tap one of the pods to use Siri.

On 2nd generation AirPods, make sure that you turn on "Hey Siri" on the iOS device that your AirPods are connected to.

On a Mac

• Open System Preferences, click Siri.
• Make sure that Enable Ask Siri is selected.

For further details, read through our guide on activating Siri.

"Hey Siri" also won't respond when:

• Your device is lying face down.
• When the cover is closed on your iPhone or iPad case.
• When Low Power Mode is enabled.
• If you have an iPhone 6 or earlier, most iPads or an iPod touch aren't connected to power.

Check that restrictions aren't on for Siri

If you can't turn on Siri on your iOS device or Mac, make sure you haven't disabled Siri in Restrictions.

On an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch

• Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps.
• Make sure that Siri & Dictation isn't turned off.

On a Mac

• Go to System Preferences > Parental Controls > Other.
• Make sure that Turn off Siri & Dictation isn't selected.

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, iPad, or iPod Touch

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 EarPods or AirPods, then ask Siri a question and see if Siri responds.

On a Mac

• Go to System Preferences > Sound > Input.
• Select a mic and check the input levels.

Airpods

For AirPods, use your connected iOS device. On your iOS device,

• Go to Settings > Bluetooth.
• Tap the 'i' icon next to your AirPods.
• Tap Microphone and make sure that Automatically Switch AirPods is selected.

If Siri doesn't speak responses

Siri might not respond verbally if your device is muted or Voice Feedback is switched off. While you're on the Siri screen, first try to increase the volume level on your device. If that doesn't help, then check your Voice Feedback settings:

On an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch

• Go to Settings > Siri & Search > Voice Feedback.
• Make sure it is set to Always On.

On a Mac

• Go to System Preferences > Siri.
• Make sure that Voice Feedback is turned on.