There are many occasions when you're not holding your iPhone but want some assistance from Siri. This is usually fine if you have the Hey Siri command enabled, but due to iOS also having a feature where you can place the handset face-down to turn the display off, this also has the effect of disabling Siri as well.
So how can you make it so that your voice is still heard, even when the iPhone display is covered? Here's what to do.
How to enable Hey Siri on iPhone
If you haven't set up the Hey Siri voice activation on your iPhone yet, here are the simple steps to get it working.
- Open Settings
- Tap Siri & Search
- Enable Listen for "Hey Siri"
Now, whenever your iPhone screen is unlocked, you should be able to quickly access Siri by using the voice command. By default, Hey Siri is disabled when your iPhone is locked. But if you always want access, then underneath the Enable Listen for "Hey Siri" setting you'll also see the option to turn on the Allow Siri When Locked option.
This won't overcome the problem of not being able to use the voice assistant when the screen is covered though, so for that you'll need to adjust the settings in the next section.
How to enable Hey Siri when iPhone screen is covered
To be able to use the Hey Siri voice command when your iPhone is face-down or has the display covered, you'll need to make use of one of the settings in the Accessibility section. To do this, follow these steps:
- Open Settings
- Tap on Accessibility
- Scroll down and select Siri
- Enable the Always Listen for "Hey Siri" setting.
That's it. You should now be able to wake Siri and make your enquiries, even if the iPhone is face-down on your desk.
For more ways to get the most out of Apple's digital assistant, take a look at how to use Siri on iPhone and iPad, how to use Siri shortcuts, and five of the best new features coming to Siri.