2023 Author: Gordon Kinson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-06-01 01:17
As you know, the iOS “Hey Siri” feature allows your iPhone or iPad to constantly listen to voice commands, even when the device is unplugged. This is very convenient, but not always appropriate. For example, an outsider near you can say magic words out loud, and your gadget will "wake up" at the most inopportune moment. Fortunately, you can temporarily deactivate Hey Siri without going to Settings or turning off Siri.
Turn off Hey Siri temporarily
To temporarily turn off Hey Siri, place your iPhone or iPad facedown on a table or other surface. In this position, the voice assistant stops listening to commands and no longer responds to the passphrase until the device is connected to a power source. You can repeat “Hey Siri” as much as you like, but the iPhone / iPad will not respond. However, as soon as you turn the device face up, the function is automatically activated again.
Tip: If the above method does not work, make sure the Fitness Tracking feature is enabled on your device. To do this, go to Settings → Privacy → "Movement and Fitness".
The presented method is much more convenient than completely disabling Siri through the "Settings". If you turn off the voice assistant and then turn it back on, you have to learn everything from scratch. By placing the device face down, you temporarily deactivate Hey Siri without any consequences. Starting with iOS 10, the feature is only activated on one of all nearby devices.
How it works?
When you place your iPhone or iPad facedown on a table, “Hey Siri” is deactivated thanks to Facedown Detection in iOS 9 and later. Built-in ambient light and proximity sensors allow the device to detect when it is facing downward. This feature also prevents the screen from turning on when notifications arrive, thereby saving battery power. Recall that of all the components of an iOS device, the display consumes the most power.
As already mentioned, Facedown Detection relies on data from two sensors at once - an ambient light sensor and a proximity sensor, which are not available on some iPad and iPod touch models. They are located near the speaker at the top of the device above the screen - in the same place as the Apple M motion coprocessor.
These sensors are found in iPhone 5s and later, iPad mini 2 and later, and iPad Air. Facedown Detection is an integral iOS feature and does not require separate activation.
See also:
- A hidden calculator, or how to use Siri to solve examples on iPhone and iPad.
- How to make hands-free calls using Siri on iPhone and iPad.
- Budgerigar voice activates Siri on iPhone (video).
