When you say “Hey Siri” and your iPhone doesn’t respond, it can be frustrating—especially if you rely on voice commands for hands-free control. This guide walks you through both software and hardware troubleshooting steps to fix Siri issues, including a deep dive into potential microphone and audio IC problems.
Step 1: Check “Hey Siri” Settings
Go to Settings > Siri & Search and ensure the “Listen for ‘Hey Siri’” option is turned on. If it’s already enabled but setup keeps failing, try restarting your phone first.
How to set up “Hey Siri” on iPhone – Apple Support
If “Hey Siri” doesn’t set up but holding the Home or Side button activates Siri, the issue may lie in your front-facing microphone.
Step 2: Hardware Inspection Begins
In one case, after the software check failed, the user disassembled the iPhone to diagnose the issue at a hardware level.
- Disconnect the battery
- Remove the display assembly
- Take out the motherboard
With the iPhone motherboard secured on a PCB holder, use a DT-17N digital multimeter to measure diode data at the front camera connector (Pin 29). If it shows “0L” or an open circuit, this suggests a hardware fault.
Step 3: Use a Schematic to Trace the Fault
Using the ZXW Tools Online Schematic Viewer (requires login), the faulty circuit for Pin 29 involves an inductor, capacitor, diode, and audio IC. Since it’s an open-circuit issue, the problem likely lies with the audio IC or inductor.
Step 4: Test the Inductor and Replace Audio IC
Gently remove the black adhesive over the inductor using tweezers and check it with the multimeter. If readings are normal, move on to the audio IC.
To replace the audio IC:
- Apply high-resistance tape to protect nearby NAND flash.
- Use a QUICK 861DW hot air station to remove the audio IC.
- Clean the pads, apply solder paste, and install a new audio IC.
Step 5: Reassemble and Test
Reconnect the motherboard to a DC power supply. If the boot current is normal:
- Reassemble the iPhone.
- Power it on.
- Go to Settings > Siri & Search and re-enable “Listen for ‘Hey Siri’”.
- Follow the setup prompts.
This time, “Hey Siri” should work correctly.
Additional Siri Troubleshooting Tips
If you’re not ready to open your iPhone or suspect the issue isn’t hardware-related, try these:
- Reset all settings: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Reset > Reset All Settings
- Check if the microphone works in other apps (like Voice Memos)
- Update to the latest iOS version
- Make sure Low Power Mode is turned off
Final Thoughts
If you’ve tried both software and hardware fixes and Siri still isn’t responding, it’s best to take your iPhone to an Apple Authorized Service Provider.
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