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I used to be able to ask Siri to read messages without unlocking the phone. However, something has changed and I am no longer able to. I have checked that I have Notifications>. Messages > Show Previews> AlwaysMessage Preview On and TouchId and Passcode> Allow Access When Locked> Siri> On.
iPhone 6s, iOS 14
Hi there Sumo_Pete,
Thanks for your post to Apple Support Communities. We understand you aren't able to have Siri read your text messages unless you unlock your iPhone. From the settings you've posted, they seem correct.
Are you trying to use 'Hey Siri' to read your text messages?
Or are you trying to use 'Announce Messages' with Siri and a pair of headphones?
Make sure your iPhone is fully updated to iOS 14.6:
Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
We look forward to hearing back from you.
Take care.
Hi there Sumo_Pete,
Thanks for your post to Apple Support Communities. We understand you aren't able to have Siri read your text messages unless you unlock your iPhone. From the settings you've posted, they seem correct.
Are you trying to use 'Hey Siri' to read your text messages?
Or are you trying to use 'Announce Messages' with Siri and a pair of headphones?
Make sure your iPhone is fully updated to iOS 14.6:
Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
We look forward to hearing back from you.
Take care.
My phone is updated to 14.6
I am trying to use Hey Siri, “read unread messages” and I get the response that I need to unlock my phone.
I do have Sony headphones, but they are not connected. I use this feature mainly when driving so I do not need to touch my phone.
I tried what you suggested but it has made no difference
Thank you for getting back to us Sumo_Pete. We want to confirm that you are not using headphones like AirPods or Beats while requesting Siri to read your messages, is that correct?
If not, the next step would be to go to Settings > Siri & Search, then turn off all the Siri settings. Restart your iPhone and set up "Hey Siri" again.
Test "Hey Siri" to read unread messages while your iPhone is locked.
We'll be here when you've gone through those steps.
Have a good day.
We appreciate you testing that and confirming the issue is still present Sumo_Pete. The next best step would be to contact the Apple Support team through the main link here:
The Apple advisors will be able to further troubleshoot the issue with you and help resolve what's going on.
Best regards.
Siri asks to unlock phone before reading messages
