How do I enable message reading while iPhone 17 Pro Max is locked?

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How do I enable message reading while iPhone 17 Pro Max is locked?

my new iPhone 17 Pro Max, which is on the latest update 26.2 will not read messages to me while locked. My older devices always do that. I cannot find a way to fix this on this device. I tried to passcode and Face ID and Messages is not listed there to be used unlocked but I can’t add it so? Just thinking about possibilities. I really need my messages to be read to me hands-free while in lock mode just like everything else does.

I cannot have messages read to me from my new 17 Pro Max iPhone while locked. I need my messages to be read to me hands-free while the phone is locked. Everything else is working weather, news. Just Siri won’t read messages to me while locked.

[Edited by Moderator]

iPhone 17 Pro Max, iOS 26

Posted on Jan 16, 2026 10:17 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Smilin-Brian

Level 9

60,921 points

Jan 16, 2026 5:43 PM in response to Karen0219

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Answer 2

Jan 16, 2026 11:07 AM in response to Karen0219

This could be a bug or temporary glitch.

First, tell Siri: "Restart" to restart your device.

If that doesn’t help, then you’ll need to provide ⇢ Product Feedback.

That would be the best method to ensure that your concern is addressed in a future update.

Good luck! 👋🏼😉

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Answer 3

Jan 16, 2026 10:32 AM in response to Karen0219

Try the following:

Open Settings
Tap Apple Intelligence & Siri
Tap Allow Siri When Locked

All the best! 👋🏼😉

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Answer 4

Karen0219 Author

Level 1

5 points

Jan 16, 2026 11:02 AM in response to Karen0219

Through the Apple Intelligence in Siri setting, it is unlocked for messages however that doesn’t seem to be helping. It works on all my older devices and everything else just not messages. Siri will not do anything unless I unlock it. I can’t figure it out. I have this new phone on the latest update and it just will not read messages. That’s the only thing I have noticed so far she won’t read them to me aloud . No I’m not talking about with headphones. I forgot to mention that. Just like you I’m writing or doing something and I asked Siri to read my messages. She’ll say you have to unlock your iPhone first. So I don’t know. Thank you for your response. I do appreciate it.

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Answer 5

Karen0219 Author

Level 1

5 points

Jan 16, 2026 3:59 PM in response to Smilin-Brian

Thank you 😊

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How do I enable message reading while iPhone 17 Pro Max is locked?

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