How to fix Siri not working issues

Picture this: I'm in the kitchen, my hands covered in cookie dough, trying to get Siri to set a timer. I say, "Hey Siri, set a timer for 20 minutes," and... nothing. Total silence! Siri is not working. 

If you've ever been in a situation where Siri just disappears when you need her most, you must find out what to do to prevent this in the future. So, let's fix the issue and get Siri back on track. Plus, I've got some handy app suggestions for when Siri decides to take a break. Ready?

Why is Siri not working?

There are several reasons why Siri stopped working, such as when responding to your commands or making suggestions. 

Here's a quick rundown of why this might happen:

Checklist to quickly resolve Siri not working issues

At some point, I was bothered by the "Hey, Siri is not responding on macOS" problem. I didn't think about it for long. I made a list of possible problems and solutions. Here it is.

1. Make sure Siri is activated

Simple but true — Siri isn't responding because it might be deactivated. Before diving deep into troubleshooting Siri, confirm if it’s activated on your device.

Solution: On an iPhone, go to Settings > Siri & Search, and ensure Hey Siri is turned on. On a Mac, go to System Settings > Siri & Spotlight. Under Listen for, choose “Hey Siri.”

2. Check network connection

Siri relies heavily on an internet connection. An unstable or poor connection can disrupt its performance.

Solution: Make sure that your device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi or cellular network. I recommend you try turning the Wi-Fi off and back on. Also, resetting your network settings or even restarting your router might help. On top of that, you can perform a speed test to ensure your internet connection is reliable and fast enough to support Siri's operations. I also use NetSpot to find the best network connection. If you're on cellular data, check that you've allowed Siri to use data in your settings.

3. Update software to fix glitches

Hey Siri is not working due to software bugs. Outdated software versions can also cause Siri to stop functioning smoothly.

Solution: Update your device to the latest iOS or macOS version.

To update your device, go to Settings > General > Software Update on iOS or System Settings > General > Software Update on macOS, and follow the prompts to install the latest version.

And one more thing. Get rid of junk.

I used to spend ages troubleshooting when Siri was not responding to voice commands. Then I found CleanMyMac X, which optimizes a Mac in just one click by removing junk files that could interfere with programs like Siri. Here's how I used it to solve common Siri issues:

1. Install and open CleanMyMac X.
2. Select the System Junk tab.
3. Click Scan, then Review Details.
4. Click Clean when you're ready.

   

   ✕ Remove app banner

Clearing over 6 GB of unnecessary files, including user cache, system logs, and broken login items, removing the clutter that was potentially disrupting Siri, and helping it work smoothly again. Now, my Mac and Siri run like new!

4. Correct settings misconfigurations

Siri isn't providing suggestions or responding to voice commands? Incorrect settings might be blocking Siri from working properly. There might be a few solutions.

• Solution 1: Enable Siri. Go to Settings > Siri & Search (Siri & Spotlight on Mac). Then, make sure Listen for is set to Hey Siri. Also, allow Siri when locked. You'll see the switcher. 
• Solution 2: Activate suggestions. Siri's suggestions are turned on by default. However, you may have accidentally turned them off at some point. You can turn them on by going to Settings on your iPhone. Scroll down to find Siri & Search. Under the Siri Suggestions section, turn on Show Suggestions.
• Solution 3: Verify language and voice feedback. In Siri & Search (Siri & Spotlight on Mac), confirm the correct Language and adjust Siri Voice.

These tweaks should help troubleshoot Siri and get it to respond and suggest as it should.

5. Address hardware limitations

You may wonder: "Why can't Siri hear me on my MacBook?" Microphone issues or outdated hardware may be to blame. 

If you are having problems with the microphone, check to see if it is clogged. If it is, use a dry piece of cloth. Be careful not to use a sharp object such as a needle or pin, as this can damage your microphone.

6. Enhance Siri interactivity

Why is my Siri not interactive? Sometimes, system limitations can make Siri less responsive, affecting its ability to assist with tasks efficiently.

Solution: To keep things running smoothly and even go beyond Siri's capabilities, I use NotchNook. Let me tell you more about this app. 

Siri is a powerful tool for voice-activated control, letting you manage tasks like setting reminders or playing music with simple commands. However, for those moments when you want quick, visual access, NotchNook steps in to complement Siri's capabilities.

With NotchNook, you can control your Mac directly from the notch, accessing media controls, calendar events, shortcuts, and more right at the top of your screen. Whether you're managing music, checking your calendar, transferring files, or previewing your webcam, NotchNook enhances your productivity by providing instant access to essential features alongside Siri's voice controls.

To sum it all up

By following the methods described, you can effectively resolve common Siri issues and enhance your experience on both your Mac and iPhone. If you've tried all these solutions and nothing works, it's a good idea to contact Apple customer support to ensure Siri is functioning correctly. Also, remember that regularly updating your devices and reviewing your settings can help prevent these types of problems in the future.

For even greater productivity and to handle any task on your Mac and iPhone, consider exploring Setapp. With access to over 250+ apps, Setapp offers a comprehensive suite for any need, from system optimization to better task management. Whether it's alternatives like Lacona for command functionality or CleanMyMac X for maintaining performance, Setapp has you covered. You can experience all these benefits for just $9.99 per month, making it an invaluable resource for keeping your devices running smoothly and efficiently.