How to fix Siri's 'connection problem' with Apple Music playback after iOS 26.1 update?

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Level 1

4 points

How to fix Siri's 'connection problem' with Apple Music playback after iOS 26.1 update?

Siri keeps giving a “connection problem” when trying to play songs on Apple Music since iOS 26.1

Hi all,

Since updating my iPhone to iOS 26.1 (something I really regret doing), Siri has stopped being able to play any songs on Apple Music. Every time I say:

“Hey Siri, play [song] on Apple Music”

Siri replies:

“I’m having a problem with the connection. Please try again later.”

There is no connection issue. Wi-Fi and mobile data work perfectly. The same song plays immediately if I search for it manually in Apple Music.

Here’s what I’ve already tried, with no success:

Restarted the iPhone
Reset network settings
Signed out/in of Apple Music
Toggled “Learn from this App”
Checked all permissions
Forced restart
Both Wi-Fi and mobile data

Siri can still do everything else (weather, messages, timers, HomeKit). The problem is specifically Siri → Apple Music playback.

This is really annoying as I use this feature to control music when driving.

Is anyone else seeing this after updating to iOS 26.1?

It’s been happening 100% of the time for me.

Thanks!

J.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Siri

iPhone 16, iOS 26

Posted on Dec 5, 2025 10:00 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

barbra294

Level 1

20 points

Dec 5, 2025 10:08 AM in response to Only-Me

Hi J.,

I’ve seen a few reports of Siri having trouble with Apple Music after iOS updates. Since you’ve already tried the usual fixes (restart, network reset, sign out/in, etc.), it may be a software bug in iOS 26.1.

A couple of things you could try:

Check for any iOS updates — sometimes Apple releases a minor patch quickly to fix issues like this.
Disable and re-enable Siri & Apple Music in Settings:
- Go to Settings → Siri & Search → Apple Music, turn off, then back on.
Try asking Siri to play music by a different phrasing, e.g., “Play [song] in my library” instead of “on Apple Music,” just to see if it’s a command parsing issue.

If none of these help, it might need a bug fix from Apple. You can report it via Settings → Feedback so it gets logged.

Hopefully this gets you back to hands-free music soon!

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Answer 2

Only-Me Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 5, 2025 10:26 AM in response to barbra294

Hey,

Thanks for your quick reply. Unfortunately none of this has worked. I’ve reported as a bug and will keep my fingers crossed for a fix 🤞

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