The world's most popular wireless headphones got even better when Apple introduced "Hey Siri" AirPods earlier this year. But before you get too excited, know that "Hey Siri" only works with AirPods 2nd generation and above (including AirPods Pro), and if you're reading this, it probably doesn't work at all.
For most AirPods owners, this isn't a problem. Say "Hey Siri" whenever your AirPods are in your ears and ask Apple's personal assistant to place your bets. Before Siri executes your command, you should hear a distinctive deep beep as Siri executes your command.
But other users weren't so lucky. No matter what they try, Siri won't listen. Even with a brand new set of AirPods Pro or AirPods 2, it takes some serious troubleshooting to get "Hey Siri" to work.
That's why we're here to help. Follow the tips below to fix “Hey Siri” on your AirPods. And let us know how it goes in the comments below!
Adviсe
A personal assistant should save time, not take more of it. Try these quick tips if "Hey Siri" isn't working on your AirPods (2nd generation), or read the full post below:
- Turn on "Hey Siri" for the device you're connecting your AirPods to.
- Update your device to the latest available software, excluding beta versions.
- Return your AirPods to their case and hold down the setting button to reset them.
- Reset all settings on your device, turn on Hey Siri, and pair your AirPods again.
- Contact Apple Support for one thing: personalized technical assistance.
What devices does Hey Siri work on?
In the latest generations of phones and tablets, the assistant is launched by default. The assistant is compatible with all devices that have an external noise blocking chip - iPhone 4s and older, as well as iPad mini, touch 5g, 3rd generation and higher. The AppleWatch is also equipped with a voice module, with which you can control the accessory: set an alarm, call callers, dictate text.
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Previously, to launch the program you had to hold down the “Home” button, but after updating the operating system and releasing iOS 9, the mobile assistant is launched with the voice command “Hey Siri”.
Do you have the right AirPods for “Hey Siri”?
Although this is not immediately clear from Apple's AirPods. The Hey Siri page is only available for AirPods Pro and AirPods 2nd generation. So the first thing to do is make sure you have the right ones.
AirPods 1 or AirPods 2?
Although the differences between the AirPods Pro (shorter stem, different body) and older AirPods are easy to distinguish. It is not easy to distinguish generation 1 from generation 2.
Unfortunately, the AirPods (2nd generation), better known as AirPods 2, look identical to the originals. So much so that some unlucky users were even mistakenly given original AirPods when paying for AirPods 2.
Follow these steps to find the model number of your specific AirPods, then compare it to the table below to see which ones you have.
How do I find the model number of my AirPods?
- Connect your AirPods to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
- On your connected device, go to Settings > General > About.
- Scroll down and tap AirPods to see your model number.
| Left AirPod | Right AirPod | |
| AirPods (1st generation) | A1722 | A1523 |
| AirPods (2nd generation) | A2031 | A2032 |
How do I activate Siri on my AirPods if they don't support "Hey Siri?"
If you have original AirPods, you can still activate Siri with a double tap.
Make sure you enable this option by selecting your AirPods in the Bluetooth settings on your connected device. Then double-tap your AirPod on the left or right to talk to Siri.
How to interact with Siri voice assistant on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch?
You can activate Siri on an iPhone of any generation (iPhone 7, XR, 12 Pro, etc.), iPad and iPod in several ways:
- Say “Hey Siri,” and then immediately say your request (for example, “Hey Siri. What date is it today?”).
- On iPhone 11, X and later versions, to activate Siri, you can click on the side button and then immediately say the question.
- If you have an iPad Pro that doesn't have a Home button, you'll need to press the top button and then immediately say your question to activate Siri. If your device has a Home button, you can click on it and then immediately make a request.
Make sure you meet Siri's requirements.
Even without "Hey Siri," you need to have everything you need to make Apple's personal assistant work with your AirPods. Check out each of the categories below to make sure you're giving Siri everything it needs to work properly.
Access to the Internet
Siri requires internet access. This is different from Apple's old voice control system, but the result is that Siri can do many more things. Make sure the device you're connecting your AirPods to has an active internet connection when you use "Hey Siri."
Language and region
Additionally, Siri is not available in all languages or regions. See if Siri is available on the Apple website. If your language or region isn't listed, you can change the settings on your connected device or wait until Apple expands Siri's capabilities.
Updated software
Finally, you'll need to run the latest software to use "Hey Siri" with your AirPods. For any device you connect your AirPods to, check for new software updates and make sure you're running at least iOS 12.2, watchOS 5.2, tvOS 12.2, or macOS 10.14.4.
What does this look like in practice?
Place the gadget with the screen facing up and simply say “Hey Siri”, and then issue the command:
- go online;
- adjust brightness;
- call a friend;
- send SMS to mom;
- look at the feed on Facebook;
- find out the weather forecast;
- orientate yourself in space.
The application's capabilities are varied: the assistant can manage both the server part of the phone and work on the Internet.
Turn on "Hello". Siri" on the device your AirPods are connected to.
When using AirPods, the way Siri works depends on the settings of the device you're connected to. If Hey Siri is disabled on your iPhone, you won't be able to use it with AirPods Pro or 2 when connected to that device.
Follow the instructions below to enable Siri and the "Hey Siri" icon for your Apple devices.
How do I enable "Hey Siri" on my iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch?
- Go to Settings > Siri & Search.
- Turn on "Listen to 'Hey Siri'."
- When prompted, follow the instructions to set up Hey Siri.
- Also turn on the Allow Siri when locked option.
How do I enable "Hey Siri" on my Mac?
- From the menu bar, select >System Settings...>Siri.
- Check the "Enable Ask Siri" checkbox.
How to use Siri on AirPods or in a car?
To use the voice assistant on AirPods 2 or AirPods Pro, you just need to put on the headphones, say “Hey Siri” and immediately ask your question. If you are a user of the first generation AirPods wireless headphones, then to activate Siri you will need to double-tap the outside of one of them and, after the corresponding sound signal, say your request.
For vehicles that support CarPlay technology or Siri Eyes Free mode, to activate the voice assistant you will need to press the voice command button located on the steering wheel and hold it while speaking a question.
Disable Siri Screen Time Restrictions
If you use Content and Privacy Restrictions to limit adult content on your device, those restrictions may also prevent Siri from working properly. Previously, the restrictions were in general settings, but have now been moved to Screen Time settings in iOS 12.
Follow the steps below to make sure Siri isn't being blocked. for your AirPods according to the restrictions on your devices.
How do I turn off Siri restrictions on my iPhone, iPad or iPod touch?
- Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- When prompted, enter your Screen Time password.
- Either turn off content and privacy restrictions completely, or: Go to Allowed Apps and turn on Siri and Dictation.
- Then go to Content Restrictions and allow Siri's web search content.
How do I disable Siri restrictions on my Mac?
- In macOS Catalina and later:
From the menu bar, select > System Preferences > Screen Time, Content & Privacy. - Either turn off content and privacy restrictions completely, or: In the Apps tab, turn on Siri and Dictation.
- On the Content tab, enable web search content in Siri.
- From the menu bar, select > System Preferences > Parental Controls.
Why “Hey Siri!” enabled but not working
If you figure out how to set up “Hey Siri”, but it still doesn’t work correctly, then most likely the problem is protection against false positives. This option is controlled by the Facedown Detection add-on. Light and proximity sensors will not be able to read information; if the device is lying face down or in a tight pocket, the function will not work. In this case, you need to check your restrictions settings and disable Facedown Detection.
There may be other reasons, but they are very rare:
- network problems;
- ban on using Hello, Siri in a region or country;
- mechanical failure of the microphone;
- Energy saving mode is turned on.
You will find even more visual information on how to use “Hey Siri” and how to change the Siri greeting in this video.
Check the microphone on your AirPods
“Hey Siri” depends on which microphones in AirPods Pro or AirPods 2 are working correctly. If debris is blocking those microphones, or if Siri doesn't know how to use your AirPods microphones, she'll never hear you asking for her attention.
How do I clean the microphones on my AirPods?
Inspect your AirPods for signs of dirt, dust, and grime. Any of these substances can accumulate and cause problems. The microphones are located at the very bottom of each AirPod behind a metal grill that tends to collect dirt.
To clean AirPods, use a dry cotton swab or a soft-bristled brush. Do not use liquids when cleaning because your AirPods are not waterproof.
How do I choose microphones on my AirPods?
Even if your AirPods are spotlessly clean, Siri may not be listening to their microphones. You'll need to make sure Siri automatically switches to your AirPods microphones when you use them for "Hey Siri" to work. This is usually the default value.
- On your connected iOS or iPadOS device, go to Settings > Bluetooth.
- Press the i button next to your AirPods.
- Select your microphone and enable AirPods to automatically switch.
Update the software on the connected device
Outside of work, date can cause all sorts of problems with your electronic devices. This can make them lethargic or unresponsive. Or this could be the reason why "Hey Siri" isn't working with your AirPods 2.
The simple solution is to check for new software updates and download whatever is available. You'll need to do this for each device you connect your AirPods to: iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac.
AirPods Pro require
Apple devices running iOS 13.2 or later, iPadOS 13.2 or later, watchOS 6.1 or later, tvOS 13.2 or later, or macOS Catalina 10.15.1 or later.
AirPods 2 requires
Apple devices running iOS 12.2 or later, watchOS 5.2 or later, tvOS 12.2 or later, or macOS Mojave 10.14.4 or later.
How do I update the software on my iPhone, iPad or iPod touch?
- Make sure your iOS or iPadOS device is connected to the Internet.
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Wait while your device checks for new updates.
- Download and install any available updates.
How do I update the software on my Mac?
- Make sure your Mac is connected to the Internet.
- From the menu bar, select > System Preferences...> Software Update.
- Wait while your Mac checks for new updates.
- Download and install all available updates.
How do I update the firmware on my AirPods?
Firmware is a type of software that is more permanently programmed into electronic devices like your AirPods. The firmware in your AirPods doesn't get updated very often, but if your firmware is out of date, it could cause problems with "Hey Siri."
Unfortunately, there is no way to manually update the firmware on your AirPods. This happens automatically when they connect to an Internet-connected iPhone or iPad.
What about beta software?
Many users participate in Apple's Beta Program to test iOS, iPadOS, and macOS early. In doing so, they may discover bugs that Apple needs to fix before releasing the software to the public.
It's an exciting way to discover new software early, but using beta software makes your device more prone to problems. This is often the result of unfinished software on your device, and you may need to wait for the next update to fix it.
If Hey Siri isn't working on your AirPods Pro or 2 and the connected device is running beta software, you should consider downgrading to a stable version of iOS or macOS.
Restart your device and reset your AirPods
One of the basic troubleshooting steps is to restart the problematic device. Just turn it off and on again. But that's not true. AirPods make it so easy because there's no on/off switch! Instead, you should reboot your headphones and pair them with your devices again.
Do I need to restart the connected device?
Before resetting your AirPods, as we explained below, you still need to restart your connected device. This could be an iPhone, iPad, Mac or any other Apple device. Turn it off. , wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on.
How to reset AirPods?
- On the connected device, go to Bluetooth Settings and forget about AirPods.
- Return your AirPods to the charging case.
- Close the case and wait 30 seconds.
- Open the cover, then press and hold the setting button on the back of the case.
- The LED indicator should flash from white to yellow. will turn white again.
- Your AirPods have been reset, you need to connect them to your device again.
Reset settings on the connected device
There may be a specific configuration on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch settings that is causing the problem: "Hey Siri" isn't working on AirPods Pro or 2. To fix this, reset your device, then turn it on and test "Hey Siri" again.
Before you begin, we recommend backing up your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to iCloud or your computer. When you reset it shouldn't remove any content, but it does change how your device behaves.
How do I reset all settings on my iPhone, iPad or iPod touch?
- Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings.
- When prompted, enter your password and confirm that you want to reset all settings.
- After resetting, you need to connect your device to Wi-Fi again.
- Make sure you turn on "Hey Siri" in Settings as we explained. higher.
- You should also make sure that your device automatically switches to the microphone in your AirPods, which we also explained above.
How to interact with Siri voice assistant on Apple Watch?
There are several ways to activate Siri on your Apple smartwatch:
- Look at your Apple Watch or tap the display: When the watch face activates, say “Hey Siri” and ask your question.
- If you have a 3rd generation Apple Watch or a later version of the watch with watchOS 5 (at a minimum), then it is not necessary to say the phrase “Hey Siri” itself. You can simply bring the watch closer to your mouth and say your request.
- You can also activate Siri on your Apple watch using the side Digital Crown. To do this, simply press and hold it for a few seconds and then say your request. If you want to say something longer, just press the wheel and hold it until you finish.
Contact Apple Support
If "Hey Siri" still isn't working on your AirPods (Pro or 2nd generation), it's time to contact Apple support directly. Their technical consultants can give you more detailed troubleshooting suggestions or schedule repairs or replacements for your AirPods.
Visit getsupport.apple.com to contact Apple Support. We suggest you go to AirPods > Setup & Use. You can talk to Apple online or by phone.
Be sure to notify Apple when troubleshooting. steps you have already tried, link them to this page if it helps. And let us know if they come up with any suggestions that aren't already on this page. We'll be sure to update it for future readers!
