How to Fix Hey Siri Not Working on iPhone 8

If Hey Siri suddenly stopped working on your iPhone 8 after updating to iOS 11 (or even before), you’re not alone. Many users have run into this frustrating issue. Luckily, there are several things you can check and fix yourself before contacting Apple Support.

Here’s everything you need to know to troubleshoot and get Hey Siri working again.

Common Causes for Hey Siri Not Working

Before jumping into the fixes, here are the usual suspects behind Siri problems:

Low Power Mode: If it’s turned on, Hey Siri won’t work.
No Internet Connection: Siri needs a Wi-Fi or cellular connection.
Software Glitches: Random iOS bugs can cause apps like Siri to malfunction.
Incorrect Settings: A disabled setting could block Siri or Hey Siri from responding.
Faulty Microphone: If the mic is dirty, blocked, or damaged, Siri may not hear you.

Quick Fixes to Try First

1. Restart Your iPhone 8

Sometimes a simple reboot clears minor software bugs.

Force restart your iPhone 8:

Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
Press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.

2. Make Sure Siri and Hey Siri Are Enabled

Check your settings:

Go to Settings → Siri & Search.
Make sure Listen for “Hey Siri” and Press Side Button for Siri are both ON.

Also, toggle Dictation off and on:

Go to Settings → General → Keyboards → Enable Dictation.
Turn it OFF, reboot your iPhone, then turn it back ON.

3. Check Low Power Mode

Hey Siri is automatically disabled when Low Power Mode is on.

Go to Settings → Battery.
If Low Power Mode is enabled, turn it OFF.

4. Make Sure You Have an Internet Connection

Siri needs a strong Wi-Fi or cellular connection to work.

If you’re getting network errors from Siri:

Toggle Wi-Fi off and on.
Try switching between Wi-Fi and cellular data.
Reset your network settings if needed (more on that below).

5. Test Your Microphone

Hey Siri needs a working mic to hear your commands.

Open the Voice Memos app and record something.
Play it back to see if your microphone is working clearly.
If it sounds muffled, clean the microphone hole gently with a soft toothbrush or compressed air.
Also, remove any phone case that might be blocking the mic.

If Hey Siri works when using a headset but not without it, your microphone could be damaged and may need repair.

Deeper Troubleshooting

Reset Network Settings

If Siri still isn’t connecting properly:

Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings.
Enter your passcode if prompted.

This will erase all Wi-Fi passwords and VPN settings but often fixes hidden connection issues.

Factory Reset as a Last Resort

If none of the above fixes help, you might have a deeper software issue.

To Factory Reset your iPhone 8:

Backup your iPhone first!
Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings.
Follow the prompts to reset the device.

After the reset, set up your iPhone as new and test Hey Siri before restoring apps or data.

If Nothing Works

If Hey Siri still won’t work:

Try iOS recovery tools (available online) to repair potential iOS corruption without erasing data.
Contact Apple Support if you suspect hardware failure.
Visit a service center for microphone diagnostics or repair if physical damage is suspected.