Why isn't Siri listening to me?

Hi,

I seem to have trouble trying to get Siri to listen to my voice. This problem has appeared after I updated to iOS 12. This is also reflected during the "Hey Siri" setup screen. The microphone is working fine and I have verified that by voice recognition using the Google Assistant app seems to work flawlessly. I have this phone as a secondary device.


Side note: The Touch ID sensor has been damaged and is not functional.

iPhone 5s, iOS 12, Gold, Touch ID Damaged

Posted on Oct 4, 2018 5:20 AM

Reply
3 replies

Oct 6, 2018 12:48 AM in response to iy.el

Hello iy.el,


Thanks for that info and choosing the Apple Support Communities. If I understand correctly, you are having issues with Siri on your iPhone. To help with your situation, please follow the relevant steps from this Apple resource on Siri issues:

If Siri doesn't work as expected on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac, learn what to do.

Check your network connections

If you aren't connected to the Internet, Siri might say something like "Sorry, I'm having trouble connecting to the network," or "Try again in a little while." Make sure that your devices are connected to the Internet and try again.

User uploaded file

Make sure that Siri is on

  • On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, go to Settings > Siri & Search and make sure that Listen for "Hey Siri", and Press Home for Siri or Press Side Button for Siri* are turned on.
  • On macOS Sierra or later, go to Apple () menu > System Preferences, click Siri, then make sure that Enable Ask Siri is selected.

If you don't see an option for Siri, check that Siri is available in your country or region. Learn which Siri features are supported in which countries and regions on iOS and Mac.

*You can use the side button to talk to Siri on iPhone X or later.

User uploaded file

Check that restrictions aren't on for Siri

If you can't turn on Siri on your iOS device or Mac, make sure that you haven't disabled Siri in Restrictions.

  • On iOS 12 or later, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps and make sure that Siri & Dictation isn't turned off. On iOS 11 or earlier, go to Settings > General > Restrictions.
  • On macOS Sierra or later, go to Apple () menu > System Preferences > Parental Controls > Other and make sure that Turn off Siri & Dictation isn't selected.

User uploaded file

Check your microphones

If Siri doesn't hear you correctly or doesn’t respond when you ask a question, make sure your microphones are working:

  • On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, remove screen protectors, films, or cases that cover the microphones, then ask Siri a question. If Siri doesn't respond, connect a headset with a microphone, like EarPods or AirPods, then ask Siri a question and see if Siri responds.
  • On your Mac, go to Apple () menu > System Preferences > Sound > Input and select a mic and check the input levels.

If Siri still doesn't work, contact Apple Support.

User uploaded file



If Siri or "Hey Siri" isn't working


Cheers!

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.

Why isn't Siri listening to me?

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