Hey Siri keeps telling me I have to unlock my phone to use it, but my settings are set to “allow on locked screen”. How do I fix this?

So it appears Apple has fixed this, I can now dictate and send texts as well as add reminders hands free using Siri. It started working after updating to 13.3.1

Hi, you’re not alone. I too noticed this issue about asking siri to add an item to my reminder list as well as simply trying to send a text hands free, in both examples while driving. Before updating to 13.3 I was able to have Siri complete these tasks flawlessly while the phone was locked, ie no manual intervention required. (Illegal while driving in most cases) Now with 13.3 regardless of the phone settings Siri always insists I need to unlock my phone. I actually spoke with the iPhone engineers at Apple and they were abled to replicate this issue at their end and conceded there is a problem with 13.3 which they need to and will address to fix the bug. They will advise me when the problem is solved since there is nothing I can do at my end meanwhile. Incidentally exact same problem on my new iPad Air running 13.3 Stay tuned...

...and it works without needing to first unlock my phone, it stays locked through completion

This is quite interesting. In my particular case I’m actually using the “home” button to activate siri. I tried with “hey siri” as well with exact same outcome. To further solidify my suspicions I ran the exact same scenario on my 13.3 ipad, again with identical results: siri insists I must first unlock my device. As I mentioned in my previous post I had spoken directly with Apple engineers and they realized upon doing their tests that indeed, this was now occurring when prior to 13.3 it wasn’t, and this regardless of whether “Allow Siri when locked” was set to On. They advised me they were going to fix it and let me know when this happens. I left all my settings as they were and was waiting for their reply. Then out of the blue, without any setting changes on my end, Siri now lets me add reminders while the device is locked, both with my iphone and ipad! Software version still shows 13.3. I still cannot send dictated texts while locked like before 13.3 (important while driving) but hopeful this will “heal” itself as well. Who knows, maybe Apple has built in some A.I. Into their ios that adapts to user behaviour or frustration level! :)

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MVB29,

Thanks for that additional information.

In this case, it might be a good idea to get in contact with Apple Support for some additional troubleshooting. You can contact them here: Contact Apple Support

Hi all,

I'm having this same issue except that I'm still running 11.3. This started just before Christmas. Maybe it isn't the operating system version, since my phone changed its behavior without upgrading? I will note that as a goof I changed Siri's voice from the default. That was when the issue started. It is very limiting to not use Siri commands without unlocking the phone!

What setting are you using for Do Not Disturb While Driving.

Does anyone know how soon this fix will occur. Not only is it annoying, it’s dangerous when required to take eyes off the road.

Unfortunately I don’t have even the “partial” fix. Can an Apple engineer answer this question?

If not, is it possible to override with previous version?? This is a huge hassle.

Hiya MVB29,

It’s great to have you here in the Apple Support Communities! I understand that Siri instructs you to unlock your iPhone even though your settings should allow this feature with the iPhone locked. I’m happy to help out.

What would you like to use Siri for? 

If you’re having issues using Siri for HomeKit accessories, this could be expected behavior.

"When you lock your device, some accessories can’t be controlled using Siri. For example, you need to unlock your device before you can use Siri to unlock your door."

There’s more info about that here: Control your home with Siri

It’s also a good idea to ensure that your iPhone is using the latest iOS version of iOS 13.3 to rule out software issues: Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Cheers!