If “Hey Siri” isn’t working on your AirPods, first check that your model supports it: AirPods (2nd generation) and later, all AirPods Pro models, and AirPods Max work hands-free, but original AirPods (1st generation) don’t. Then open Settings > Siri (or Siri & Search) on your iPhone and make sure Listen for is set to “Siri” or “Hey Siri” (or Listen for “Hey Siri” is on in older iOS versions) and Allow Siri When Locked is on. If it still fails, put both AirPods in your ears, update your iPhone, reset the Siri voice setup, and reset your AirPods.
This guide goes through every fix in order, from quick checks to a full reset, and also covers Siri on AirPods with an iPad, Mac, or Android phone.
Which AirPods support “Hey Siri”?
| Model | Hands-free “Hey Siri” | Other ways to use Siri |
|---|---|---|
| AirPods (1st generation) | No | Double-tap (if set to Siri) |
| AirPods (2nd generation) and later | Yes | Press and hold the stem (3rd generation and later) or double-tap (2nd generation) |
| AirPods Pro (all generations) | Yes | Press and hold the stem (if set to Siri) |
| AirPods Max | Yes | Press and hold the Digital Crown |
To check your model, go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the i next to your AirPods, and look at Model Name or Model Number.
Fix 1: Turn on “Hey Siri” on your iPhone
- Open Settings and tap Siri (called Siri & Search in iOS 17 and earlier).
- Tap Listen for and choose “Siri” or “Hey Siri” or “Hey Siri”. In older iOS versions, turn on Listen for “Hey Siri”.
- Turn on Allow Siri When Locked so Siri answers when your iPhone is in your pocket.
- If you’re asked to set up your voice, follow the prompts.
AirPods use your iPhone’s Siri settings, so if “Hey Siri” is off on the phone, it won’t work in your AirPods either.
Fix 2: Wear your AirPods correctly
- Put at least one AirPod fully in your ear. “Hey Siri” listens only while AirPods are in your ears.
- Make sure Automatic Ear Detection is on in your AirPods settings (Settings > your AirPods’ name, or Bluetooth > i).
- Check that the AirPods are the current audio output: open Control Center and tap the AirPlay icon on the music controls.
Fix 3: Check your connection and Siri language
- Siri needs an internet connection for most requests. Try again on a different Wi-Fi network or cellular data.
- In Settings > Siri > Language, make sure the language matches the one you speak. Changing the language turns “Hey Siri” off until you set it up again.
Fix 4: Retrain Siri’s voice recognition
- In Settings > Siri, set Listen for to Off (or turn off Listen for “Hey Siri”).
- Restart your iPhone.
- Turn the setting back on and complete the voice setup in a quiet room.
Fix 5: Check Screen Time restrictions
Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps (or Allowed Apps & Features) and make sure Siri & Dictation is on.
Fix 6: Update your iPhone and AirPods
- Update iOS in Settings > General > Software Update.
- AirPods firmware updates install automatically while your AirPods are in their case, charging, and near your iPhone connected to Wi-Fi. Check the current version under your AirPods’ settings > About or Version.
Fix 7: Clean the microphones
Dirt or earwax over the microphones can stop AirPods from hearing you. Gently clean the mesh on the stems (and the top vents on AirPods Pro) with a dry, soft-bristled brush or cotton swab. Don’t use liquids or sharp objects.
Fix 8: Reset your AirPods
- Put both AirPods in the charging case and close the lid for 30 seconds.
- On your iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the i next to your AirPods, and tap Forget This Device.
- Open the lid and press and hold the setup button on the back of the case (or tap the front of the case on some newer models) for about 15 seconds, until the status light flashes amber, then white. For AirPods Max, hold the noise control button and Digital Crown until the light flashes amber.
- With the lid open, hold the case near your iPhone and follow the setup animation.
Fix 9: Reset network settings
As a last resort, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This clears Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth pairings, so you’ll need to reconnect afterward.
Using AirPods with other devices
- iPad – turn on Siri in Settings > Siri on the iPad. The same steps apply.
- Mac – on a Mac that supports it, turn on Listen for in System Settings > Siri (called Siri & Spotlight in some versions).
- Android and Windows – Siri isn’t available. AirPods work as regular Bluetooth earbuds.
Want a different voice? See how to change Siri’s voice.
Related: The difference between earbuds and AirPods.
Frequently asked questions
Does “Hey Siri” drain my AirPods battery?
It uses a small amount of power to listen, but the impact on battery life is minimal in normal use.
Can I use Siri without saying “Hey Siri”?
Yes. Press and hold the stem (or double-tap on AirPods 2nd generation) if it’s set to Siri in your AirPods settings.
Why does Siri respond on my iPhone instead of my AirPods?
If your AirPods aren’t in your ears or aren’t the active audio device, your iPhone may answer instead. Put the AirPods in and select them as the audio output.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.