Audio & calls

Siri or voice assistant can't hear me

This usually means the microphone is blocked, muted, or a permission is disabled rather than a broken mic, since the same mic typically works for calls. Checking permissions and cleaning the mic fixes most cases.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
10–15 minutes
DIY cost
$0
Pro cost
$50–$150

Symptoms

  • Siri doesn't respond to 'Hey Siri' or button activation
  • Voice commands aren't recognized at all
  • Mic works fine for calls but not the assistant
  • Assistant activates but shows no transcription of your words

Likely causes

  • CommonMicrophone access disabled for the assistant appVoice assistants need explicit microphone permission that can be turned off accidentally.
  • CommonDebris blocking the microphoneThe same mic used for calls can be blocked by lint, affecting the assistant too.
  • Possible'Hey Siri' or wake word detection disabledThis feature has its own toggle separate from Siri being enabled at all.
  • PossibleCase covering the microphoneA misaligned case can muffle the mic just enough to block wake-word detection.
  • Less commonMicrophone hardware faultIf calls also fail, this points to actual mic hardware damage.

What to do

  1. Go to Settings > Siri & Search and confirm 'Listen for Hey Siri' and 'Press Side Button for Siri' are turned on.
  2. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone and confirm Siri (and other assistant apps) has access.
  3. Remove the case and check the microphone openings for lint, cleaning gently with a dry brush.
  4. Test the mic with a voice memo recording to confirm it's picking up sound at all.
  5. Test with a phone call to see if the mic works there, which narrows the problem to the assistant specifically.
  6. Restart the phone to reset any stuck voice-detection process.
  7. Turn off and back on 'Hey Siri' detection through the setup steps in Settings.
  8. If the mic fails for calls too after cleaning, treat it as a hardware issue and see a repair professional.

Tools and parts

  • Soft-bristled brush
  • Flashlight
Replacement microphone moduleSearch: “phone microphone replacement”

When to call a pro

If the mic also fails during phone calls after cleaning, a repair shop should test the microphone hardware.

Safety

Generally low risk

Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.

Related guides

Operator provides AI-generated troubleshooting information. It can be wrong. For safety-critical, electrical, gas, structural, medical, automotive safety, or other high-risk problems, consult a qualified professional.