Siri will only announce your messages as they arrive if you are using one of a small list of compatible earbuds: AirPods (2nd or 3rd Generation), AirPods Pro, Powerbeats Pro, or Beats Solo Pro.
Open the Settings app.
Select Notifications.
Select to enable the Announce Notifications toggle. Now Siri will automatically read out your messages and notifications!
If the option to have Siri read your messages through your compatible earbuds is not available, then you may need to unpair and re-pair your earbuds.
Select Settings in the top corner to return to the main Settings screen.
Select Bluetooth.
Look for your earbuds and select the info icon.
Select Forget This Device.
To re-pair your AirPods, open the charging case and bring them near your iPhone. Follow the prompts to pair your earbuds.
A popup window will appear offering the option to announce notifications. Select Announce Calls & Notifications.
Select Done.
Siri will only read new messages if they arrive when the screen is off and your compatible earbuds are in your ears.
After Siri has read a text to you, Siri will start listening for your reply. You can answer without saying, “Hey, Siri.”
There is a way to hear your messages read without compatible earbuds, but it’s not as good. Tell Siri something like: “Hey, Siri, read my messages,” and Siri will read your new messages to you. This is available all the time, but Siri will only read messages when you give the command. Still, this can sometimes be handy! Now you know two different ways to hear what your message says, even with your iPhone still in your pocket.
