Siri says “You need to unlock your iPhone first”

There was this same issue With iOS 13.3 reported back in January. Even though the setting is to allow Siri while locked, Siri disregards it. I even went further and allowed USB devices while locked thinking that it may be the problem with the Bluetooth device. So the issue is still there, and that is a MAJOR inconvenience. I discovered this while riding my motorcycle. And for me the only way to communicate if needed is through voice activated commands. And no, the recommendations to reset the phone do not solve it. So it would be nice to know what exactly Apple is planning to do to solve it. I mean apart from ignoring the problem as usual.

iPhone 7 Plus, iOS 13

Posted on Jul 30, 2020 3:42 PM

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Posted on May 19, 2021 4:42 AM

SOLVED - Controlling Siri from Cardo Packtalk (or other) motorcycle headset: I have a Cardo Packtalk that I use as a headset when I ride. I’ve only had it about 6 months and could never get it to work with Siri. You’re supposed to say “Hey Siri” to wake up Siri on your phone to accept commands. I’d do this and the phone would acknowledge that I’d spoken to Siri, but then there would be a long pause (up to a minute) and then my phone would say “something has gone wrong” and would go back to streaming music or whatever I was doing before.


I confirmed that the “allow Siri while locked” setting was turned on in Siri settings. Last weekend, I started checking EVERYTHING in frustration and looked in my Bluetooth devices. The Packtalk Bold was listed there so I touched the “i” to check for further settings. Under the name of the device, it said “Device Type”, with no value there. I touched on that and was presented with several options: Car Stereo, Headphone, Hearing Aid, Speaker, and Other. None were checked. I selected “Headphone” and now it works perfectly!


The problem was that because the phone didn’t see the Cardo as a headset, the “Hey Siri” command was being passed to the phone from the Cardo unit, but the phone was then waiting on the command on the phone microphone instead of the Cardo. That’s why there was the long pause after initiating the command, while it waited. Now that it sees the Cardo as a headphone, it accepts the Siri commands through it.


This seems to be a new iOS setting (back to version 13 or 14). Good luck!

117 replies

Jan 3, 2021 8:21 AM in response to unclebeaker

For me now this is even a bigger issue. It is time to buy a new phone. Until recently it would have been a no brainer: latest iPhone for the next few years. Now I would really want to hear from iPhone 12 users, if they have this problem. Logically they should as the iOS is the same. In such case I will have to look at Android devices, which I honestly never even used.

Feb 8, 2021 6:16 PM in response to AntonKorol

This problem with Siri asking you to unlock your phone first it's not only frustrating but can be dangerous. I fell, my phone flew out of my hand and I wanted to call for help. Asked Siri to call someone and the response was I had to unlock the phone first which I could not reach. The steps given to override that do not help! Apple needs to have a fix for this now.

Mar 22, 2021 2:55 PM in response to 100soquel

Suppose you lose your phone and the finder decides to call China, on your dime. That happens pretty regularly, or it did before there were restrictions on what you could do with the phone locked. If you need help that badly, call 911. Or set up additional emergency call numbers.


But if you don’t care about security don’t put a passcode on your phone.

May 21, 2021 5:56 PM in response to dmoulton

This didnt solve the problem either.

First Siri asks me to unlock the phone even if I said Hey Siri read me the last tex directly to the locked phone.

And with my Sena, the device type is headset but still doesn’t work.

What’s annoying is that it used to work until few months ago when installed the previous update. And I haven’t even installed the most recent update because I heard it makes iPhones more ******.

I have exhausted every setting and possibility.

Any other possible solutions are greatly appreciated.


I wish Apple support would come up with a viable suggestion for once.

thanks

Jul 1, 2021 6:11 AM in response to absoluteze

Apparently my comments about possible lawsuits was edited out.


I was simply pointing out what a ridiculous litigious society we have become and how people will sue at the drop of a hat.


I would just think that Apple would try to take that into consideration when addressing issues.


I in no way encourage anyone to sue Apple or anyone else for that matter because of their own stupidity but sadly it does happen.


I’m still hoping Apple does get this sorted out soon though.

Jul 5, 2021 7:06 AM in response to AntonKorol

I’ve had this same problem since getting my new IPhone 11 Pro Max … my car will read the message if I’m quick enough to press Listen on my 2020 Acura RDX touch pad. If not I’m out of luck unless I unlock my iPhone which is no legal while driving. So I have to pull over. I can send the person a new message with a voice command but I can’t say reply because I can’t say read my latest text … I’ve tried many things that I’ve found trying to troubleshoot this issue … can you please help 🥲

Jul 5, 2021 7:54 AM in response to Morgabit

My problem is not with Siri asking to unlock the iPhone before reading messages, it’s with her asking me to unlock the iPhone before I can make a call using the AirPods Pro. When I say “hey Siri” call xxxxx, she says I have to unlock the iPhone first. That means I have to take it out of my purse, and unlock it before I can use the AirPods to make a call.

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Siri says “You need to unlock your iPhone first”

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