Michael Spencer

Q: Cannot setup Hey Siri- she doesn't hear me

I have a brand new 6s+ 128GB iPhone that works entirely as expected. I'm very happy with it, particularly the extra ram (it is SO sweet to have 128G!).

 

When I connected the new phone to my iTunes I set it up as a new phone then restored it. Afterwards, I setup the 'Hey Siri' function, which also worked as expected with no problems. The function worked well for a couple of days, working even if there's an audiobook streaming at the same time. Very handy.

 

A few days ago, though, Siri couldn't hear me. So, thinking we were married, I just shouted at her.

 

But no way.

 

I verified that I was on WiFi. Then I went to Settings, turned off the Hey function, turned it on, and realized I'd have to re-train her. Fine. I was shown the appropriate screen to 'Setup Now'. The phone asked me to say the magic words. I did, but there was no joy. The phone wasn't recognizing audio input at all.

 

I am a very heavy user of the headphones- either phone or audiobooks, and I wondered if maybe the wires were worn at the jack.

 

Then I whipped out a brand new set of Apple earphones, the ones that came with the phone- the unit is less than a month old- with the same result. The phone does not hear me at all.

 

I went to messages, where my voice was transcribed into text as expected. Same in Mail. Only the 'Hey Siri' function is not operating correctly.

 

I restarted the phone, went through the same steps, but again the Hey Siri function is not hearing my voice.

 

Anybody have advice before I schlep over to the Apple Store?

iPhone 6s Plus, iOS 9.3.1

Posted on Apr 19, 2016 8:05 AM

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Q: Cannot setup Hey Siri- she doesn't hear me

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  • Helpful answers

  • by javaliga,Apple recommended

    javaliga javaliga Apr 19, 2016 11:06 AM in response to Michael Spencer
    Level 4 (3,710 points)
    iCloud
    Apr 19, 2016 11:06 AM in response to Michael Spencer

    I assume you have tried these steps:

     

    Get help with the microphones on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

     

    especially:

     

    If audio from video recordings sounds faint, or Siri can’t hear you, make sure that the microphone near the iSight camera—on the top, back corner of your iPhone—and the receiver isn’t blocked or covered.

  • by Michael Spencer,

    Michael Spencer Michael Spencer Apr 19, 2016 12:57 PM in response to javaliga
    Level 2 (266 points)
    Apple TV
    Apr 19, 2016 12:57 PM in response to javaliga

    I should have mentioned that all of my efforts were using the microphone in the earbuds. But then your response got me thinking-

     

    I tried setting up Siri with the built-in microphone and everything went as expected. And afterwards, Siri is recognizing my voice through the earbud microphone. Weird but it worked, and I thank you.

  • by MangoSoda,

    MangoSoda MangoSoda May 18, 2016 1:23 PM in response to Michael Spencer
    Level 1 (5 points)
    iPad
    May 18, 2016 1:23 PM in response to Michael Spencer

    Hey Siri stopped working as it would not answer to verbal command. I had switched off my iPad Pro 9.7 before going to sleep at night. Upon waking up, I started the iPad and all apps worked as usual. A couple of hours later i tried to invoke Siri and got no feedback. Tried changing my voice tone but no luck. Went to settings and attempted to reconfigure Hey Siri. it could not hear my voice. Ultimately, I rebooted the iPad and was able to reconfigure Hey Siri. Problem solved.

     

    This never happened before. Mr.Spencer posted his message before the latest upgrade, so I'm guessing this bug has been there for a while. Im hoping Apple reads these posts.

     

    IPad Pro 9.7 32GB wifi

    iOS 9.3.2