Hey Siri activates on iPhone instead of MacBook

When you say “Hey Siri” near multiple Apple devices (like your Mac and iPhone), they don’t simply respond based on proximity. Instead, the devices communicate via Bluetooth to decide which one should respond. The device that responds is usually the one that heard you most clearly or was recently raised/used. There is no manual priority setting to force Siri to always respond on one device, but the system isn’t purely “closest device wins.”

How Siri Chooses Which Device Responds

• Bluetooth coordination: All nearby devices quickly exchange signals to determine which one should activate Siri.
• Factors considered:
  • Audio clarity – the device that heard your voice best.
  • Recent activity – the device you just picked up, raised, or interacted with.
  • Default behavior with HomePod – if a HomePod is nearby, it usually takes priority over iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
• No user override: Apple doesn’t provide a setting to force Siri to always respond on a specific device.

Example Scenarios

• Mac + iPhone nearby: If you just lifted your iPhone, it will likely respond even if your Mac is closer.
• iPhone in pocket + Apple Watch on wrist: The Apple Watch often responds since it’s actively being worn.
• HomePod in the room: The HomePod usually takes over, even if your iPhone or Mac is closer.

However, you can limit this behavior by disabling Siri when locked on a device.

If Siri is disabled on the iPhone’s lock screen and the iPhone is locked, then even if it was the most recently used device, it will not respond to “Hey Siri.” Apple’s coordination logic only considers devices that are eligible to respond. Since the iPhone is locked and restricted, it’s effectively taken out of the arbitration pool.

See the screenshot below for an iPhone—it’s self-explanatory.

There are methods to control how Siri responds to ‘Hey Siri’ on Mac and iPhone devices. Similarly, locked devices can also be configured to control Siri’s response.

See the pic below

Mac

iPhone