Siri has stopped responding with voice to home automation commands

Until a couple of weeks ago, when I asked Siri to turn something on or off (via the Apple Home app), the conversation went something like this:


me: Hey Siri, turn on the living room lights.

Siri: Okay, the lights are on.


I liked that. A couple of weeks ago something changed and now it goes like this:


me: Hey Siri, turn on the living room lights.

Siri: beep boop (just two tones)


This is harder to hear if I'm not standing right next to my phone or home pod.


I've looked through Settings and can't find anything that would cause this or fix it. Does anyone have any suggestions as to why this has changed?


HomePod mini, 16

Posted on Mar 10, 2023 8:51 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 10, 2023 8:56 PM

It's possible that the issue you are experiencing with Siri not responding with voice to home automation commands could be due to a few different reasons, such as a software update or a problem with your device's settings. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:


1. Check your device's settings: Make sure that your device's volume is turned up and that the "Silent Mode" or "Do Not Disturb" mode is not turned on. You can also check the "Siri & Search" settings to ensure that Siri is enabled and that the language and voice settings are correct.


2. Restart your device: Try restarting your iPhone, iPad, or HomePod to see if that resolves the issue. Sometimes a simple restart can help fix minor software glitches.


3. Update your device's software: Make sure that your device is running the latest version of iOS or HomePod software. You can check for software updates by going to Settings > General > Software Update.


4. Reset Siri: You can try resetting Siri by going to Settings > Siri & Search > Siri Voice and turning it off, then turning it back on again. This may help resolve any issues with Siri's settings.

5. Check for interference: Sometimes, interference from other devices can cause Siri to stop responding with voice to home automation commands. Try turning off other nearby devices, such as Bluetooth speakers or headphones, to see if that resolves the issue.


6. Check for network issues: If you're having trouble with Siri on a HomePod or other smart speaker, check to make sure that your device is connected to the internet and that your Wi-Fi network is working properly. You can try restarting your router or resetting your network settings to see if that helps.


7. Check your HomeKit settings: If you're using the Apple Home app to control your smart home devices, make sure that your HomeKit settings are correct. You can check your HomeKit settings by going to Settings > Home and making sure that your home is set up correctly and that your devices are assigned to the correct rooms.



8. Contact Apple Support: If none of the above steps work, you can contact Apple Support for further assistance. They may be able to diagnose the issue and provide a solution.


It's important to note that sometimes Siri's behavior can change due to updates or other factors outside of your control. However, by trying the above steps, you may be able to resolve the issue and get Siri responding with voice to home automation commands again.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you may be able to identify and resolve the issue with Siri not responding with voice to home automation commands. If you're still having trouble, don't hesitate to reach out to Apple Support for further assistance.

4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 10, 2023 8:56 PM in response to WenatcheePaul

It's possible that the issue you are experiencing with Siri not responding with voice to home automation commands could be due to a few different reasons, such as a software update or a problem with your device's settings. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:


1. Check your device's settings: Make sure that your device's volume is turned up and that the "Silent Mode" or "Do Not Disturb" mode is not turned on. You can also check the "Siri & Search" settings to ensure that Siri is enabled and that the language and voice settings are correct.


2. Restart your device: Try restarting your iPhone, iPad, or HomePod to see if that resolves the issue. Sometimes a simple restart can help fix minor software glitches.


3. Update your device's software: Make sure that your device is running the latest version of iOS or HomePod software. You can check for software updates by going to Settings > General > Software Update.


4. Reset Siri: You can try resetting Siri by going to Settings > Siri & Search > Siri Voice and turning it off, then turning it back on again. This may help resolve any issues with Siri's settings.

5. Check for interference: Sometimes, interference from other devices can cause Siri to stop responding with voice to home automation commands. Try turning off other nearby devices, such as Bluetooth speakers or headphones, to see if that resolves the issue.


6. Check for network issues: If you're having trouble with Siri on a HomePod or other smart speaker, check to make sure that your device is connected to the internet and that your Wi-Fi network is working properly. You can try restarting your router or resetting your network settings to see if that helps.


7. Check your HomeKit settings: If you're using the Apple Home app to control your smart home devices, make sure that your HomeKit settings are correct. You can check your HomeKit settings by going to Settings > Home and making sure that your home is set up correctly and that your devices are assigned to the correct rooms.



8. Contact Apple Support: If none of the above steps work, you can contact Apple Support for further assistance. They may be able to diagnose the issue and provide a solution.


It's important to note that sometimes Siri's behavior can change due to updates or other factors outside of your control. However, by trying the above steps, you may be able to resolve the issue and get Siri responding with voice to home automation commands again.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you may be able to identify and resolve the issue with Siri not responding with voice to home automation commands. If you're still having trouble, don't hesitate to reach out to Apple Support for further assistance.

Mar 16, 2023 8:27 PM in response to WenatcheePaul

Isn’t it great when you ask a question and some clueless respondent gives advice that does not pertain to your actual question??


I have the same problem. After the last IPad update recently, this problem surfaced. Siri works, turns on the requested item listed in the Home App but responds with ONLY a double tone. I understood your EXACT description of the problem because I actually read what you said. It is NOT a problem with any setting, or any of the other references given but rather, has something to do with the most recent update.


If you are able to receive an actual fix or workaround for the described problem from someone that can actually read and comprehend the stated issue would you please pass it along? Thank you.



Mar 10, 2023 9:37 PM in response to Ravihaninwal

Wow, thank you for all these suggestions so quickly! I've tried all of them that I could over the past few days, before I posted my question. (Your instructions in #4 for how to reset Siri didn't take me to a screen with that option, so I couldn't try that.) All the devices are updated and the network seems fine, and there aren't other devices around that I can think of that might cause interference.


I forgot to include a couple of details in my original question:


First, Siri still carries out the command (the lights turn on or off as requested), but only confirms the operation with tones instead of voice. So everything works, just no voice confirmation.


Second, Siri responds with tones on my home pod mini and on my iPhone 14 Pro, but with voice on my iPad mini. It responds with voice on my wife's iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPad. I believe they are all running the latest OS. I've tried comparing settings between devices but haven't come across the reason that the responses are different.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Siri has stopped responding with voice to home automation commands

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.