Hello, I'm Alex, and I've been working with Apple devices for over a decade. Troubleshooting Siri issues is a common part of my day, and I'm happy to help you figure out why "Hey Siri" is grayed out on your device.

Let's break down the possible reasons and solutions:

1. Siri is Disabled:

* Check Restrictions: If you're using an iPhone with parental controls or managed by an organization, Siri might be restricted.
* Go to **Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions**.
* If Content & Privacy Restrictions are on, tap Allowed Apps and make sure Siri & Dictation is enabled.
* Check Device Management Profile: Some organizations, like schools or businesses, use device management profiles that can disable Siri.
* Navigate to **Settings > General > VPN & Device Management**.
* If you see a profile listed, you might need to contact your organization's IT administrator for assistance with Siri access.

2. Microphone Issues:

* Microphone Obstruction: "Hey Siri" relies heavily on your device's microphone.
* Make sure your device's microphones (located at the bottom, top, and back) are clean and free from any dust, debris, or obstructions like cases.
* Microphone Malfunction: A hardware issue with the microphone could be the culprit.
* Try a voice recording: Open the Voice Memos app and attempt to record your voice. If the recording fails or the audio is distorted, it suggests a microphone problem. In this case, you should contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store or authorized service provider.

3. Software Glitches:

* Restart your Device: Often, a simple restart can resolve temporary software errors.
* Check for Software Updates: Keeping your device's operating system up to date ensures you have the latest bug fixes and improvements.
* Go to **Settings > General > Software Update**.
* Reset All Settings: If other solutions fail, resetting all settings to their defaults (without deleting your data) can sometimes resolve persistent software conflicts.
* Go to **Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings**.

4. Language and Region Settings:

* Siri Language Support: "Hey Siri" works with specific languages.
* Go to **Settings > Siri & Search > Language** and ensure that a supported language is selected.
* Region Settings: Your region settings can also impact Siri functionality.
* Navigate to **Settings > General > Language & Region** and double-check that your region is set correctly.

5. Hardware Problems (Rare):

* In rare instances, a hardware malfunction within the device itself could lead to Siri problems. If you suspect this is the case after trying the above steps, it's best to seek help from Apple Support or an authorized technician.

Additional Tips:

* Retrain "Hey Siri": Go to Settings > Siri & Search and toggle "Listen for 'Hey Siri'" off and then back on. You'll be prompted to retrain the feature.
* Dictation Issues: If you're experiencing issues with dictation in general, not just "Hey Siri," the problem might be broader than just Siri. Try the troubleshooting steps related to the microphone and software.

Remember, pinpointing the exact cause of "Hey Siri" being grayed out can require a bit of investigation. By working through these steps methodically, you'll hopefully get Siri back up and running smoothly. If the issue persists, don't hesitate to seek help from Apple Support.
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If you have Low Power Mode turned on, then Hey Siri will not work because it's a power hog and would be unproductive to the cause of saving power. As a result, Apple disables Hey Siri when Low Power Mode is enabled on your device. Try turning it off, or charge your device up some more.read more >>