Why am I no longer able get driving directions while driving?

Question

Level 1

10 points

Why am I no longer able get driving directions while driving?

ME: “Hey Siri, directions to ******”

SIRI: “You need to unlock your phone , but I don’t recommend doing that while driving “

Phone stays locked

I hold the phone up to “facial recognition” distance from my head, careful not to block my field of vision, and speak clearly into the microphone as I have always done in the past while driving to get directions on the fly:

ME: “Hey Siri, directions to ******”

SIRI: “You need to unlock your phone , but I don’t recommend doing that while driving “

So now I have to physically unlock my phone via the number pad, while driving (something Siri does not want me to do), re-ask directions to finally get a route, and then instead of a map, I get:

So now I have to take my eyes and hands to my phone, again, to clear this so I can get a map?

What the French Toast is going on here?

I always drive with Do No Disturb on auto, and I have never had this happen before, ever.

Is there a new unpublished way of navigating on the fly?

iOS 26 is really this bad?

iPhone 12

Posted on Nov 19, 2025 1:55 PM

Reply

Answer 1

LD150

Level 10

100,203 points

Nov 19, 2025 2:02 PM in response to ifrmusic

Settings, Focus, delete the driving focus - if you really have to.

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Answer 2

Carol B.

Level 6

17,855 points

Nov 20, 2025 9:53 AM in response to ifrmusic

You are not addressing Apple here, just Apple users who try to help others with technical issues. We cannot guess why Apple removed a feature. And I doubt if Apple would answer that question. You can try offering your feedback to Apple using the link below. While they may not answer, they will read it.

But my educated guess it this - the change was made to keep users safe. The GPS system in my car will not allow me to tell it where to go unless the car is stopped. Apple may be following the safe route other manufacturers have taken.

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Answer 3

Carol B.

Level 6

17,855 points

Nov 20, 2025 9:55 AM in response to ifrmusic

Product Feedback - Apple

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Answer 4

Carol B.

Level 6

17,855 points

Nov 19, 2025 2:33 PM in response to ifrmusic

Ideally, you would talk to Siri and ask for driving instructions before you start your ride. Or you would pull over to the side of the road to do this. Navigating on the fly is not recommended ... or safe.

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Answer 5

ifrmusic Author

Level 1

10 points

Nov 20, 2025 9:33 AM in response to LD150

LD150 wrote:

ifrmusic wrote:

This has never happened before while using the driving focus.

Advice is free, take it or leave it.

Thanks, however, I unfortunately get plenty of free advice from my mother :)

I came here looking for technical answers on why I am no longer able to get voice activated directions from Siri while driving. Is this is field you have knowledge / experience in? I would be happy to hear if so. Thanks again.

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