Siri does not read new text messages from the lock screen.

I had the same problem with new iPhone X / iOS 11.x: Siri would not read text messages while driving with Bluetooth as it did prior. Siri would respond "You will need to unlock your iPhone first." Problem solved after changing Settings > Notifications > Messages > "Allow Notifications" AND at the bottom "Options" to "Show Previews" = "Always". Tested in and out of my car. Works as it did prior.

I have the same problem! I have to unlock my phone and then ask Siri to read the message!! Is this happening with everyone? I thought you would be able to ask it to read a message when the phone is locked!

Same here. I think it's a security precaution. I just wish there was a way to deactivate it. I usually have my screen locked to save battery life and it's a pain to have to take my phone out of my pocket and then unlock and then ask Siri to read my messages.

Same Here. I agree with leofromvancouver. I think it is a security setting. Against what, having your wife listen to your text while your phone is locked?? 😮 Just kidding.

So, i have tried a number of things to correct this. I found that by enabling preview for text messages will allow SIRI to read the text messages during a locked screen using both bluetooth handsfree and non-bluetooth.

James

Especially when the commercial shows the guy jogging and says to read the message. He is not unlocking the phone. His on his arm while jogging.

Also happening with Siri talking German 😉

James that was brilliant. After I enabled lock screen notififcation Siri read out the messages. Thanks again.

Leo.

This seems easlily corrected by Apple, but it's ANNOYING! It's not a security thing. If it were, why would turning on preview message correct it? Because now, with the preview on, anyone can read your text messages. It's a glitch that NEEDS to be corrected.

James, thanks for the suggestion... but where is that setting? ("enable preview for text messages"). I've poked around in Settings and cannot find it.

@TFI, no problem. Follow these prompts:

Settings=>Notifications=>Messages=>2/3 way down page "Show Preview" Set to "ON." Note this will also display your text messages on the screen in a preview as the are received. This includes picture messaging.

James

@Scott, I am not sure their logic. I sense your frustration. I am guessing that they are trying to maintain the integrity of the lock screen. You are right. They should enable restrictions only if passcode is enabled and allow one to access the message from the lock screen without haviong to have preview enabled. Keep in mind this is BETA. As such you are part of apples R&D by using it. Regardless, it is an issue right now that has not been corrected and the forementioned suggestions is a work around until they do.

I agree with Scott Greenberg, what is the point of having the preview message on, at that point you can read it yourself.

I have been going crazy trying to figure out how to read directly from the lock screen. This definitely needs to be fixed/updated otherwise its not much of a tool.

I am having problem enabling

If you have the passcode enabled, your phone assumes it's to prevent people gaining unauthorised access to your phone. Bypassing that security and allowing anyone to get access to your messages via Siri doesn't make sense. On the other hand, by selecting to display messages on the lock screen, you yourself are making a conscious decision to bypass the security, so it makes sense that Siri can then read back the message to you.

The point of having Siri read you something that is already on the lock screen is that you don't have to take the phone out of your pocket (if, like me, you've got a headset with a microphone) or, if you're driving, you don't have to take your eyes off the road!

Its not even the passcode lock, it doesnt work for the general slide lock screen, i wouldnt class this as a security feature as the slide lock screen still allows anyone to gain access to your phone. My impression of the lock screen is it is designed to stop you dialling calls by mistake when the phone is in your pocket etc.

It kind of defeats the object of having Siri read your message out if you still have to get your phone from your pocket and unlock the screen. Especially as the lock screen is really a must feature to prevent accidental calling. Apple should have designed Siri to still read messages if the phone is on the general slide lock.

If im out running with headphones on my phone lock will be on to stop me dialling by mistake while runing with the phone in my pocket, if i get a txt Siri wont read it, id have to go in my pocket to slide the lock off i might as well just read the message myself while i have the phone out.

I understand the security of it if you choose to have a passcode enabled lock but not for the standard slide lock.