Hey Grok on iPhone: open Grok Bot hands-free
Yes, you can say “Hey Grok” on iPhone and have Grok Bot voice chat open. You make one shortcut in the Shortcuts app, then give it the phrase “Hey Grok” in Settings → Accessibility → Vocal Shortcuts. It takes 4 setup steps and uses what is already on your iPhone.
Your hands are full. You are stirring dinner, holding a baby, or carrying the laundry. You have a question for Grok Bot, but your phone is across the room. Now you can just say “Hey Grok” and start talking.
An X user, @Texas_Twins_Dad, found this way to do it and shared a video. Elon Musk shared it on X and called it “Cool.” We wrote the steps out below in plain words so your family can set it up.
Watch the video
This 46-second video was made by @Texas_Twins_Dad on X. It plays right here from X. All credit for the video and the trick goes to them.
Video and original steps: @Texas_Twins_Dad on X. Shared by Elon Musk on X.
How to set up “Hey Grok” on iPhone (step by step)
- Step 1: Update the Grok Bot appOpen the App Store and search for Grok Bot. If you see Update, tap it. The shortcut action needs an up-to-date app.
- Step 2: Make the shortcutOpen the Shortcuts app. Tap +. Tap Add Action. Search for “Grok Bot”. Pick “Start Voice Chat with Bot”.
- Step 3: Teach your iPhone to hear “Hey Grok”Open Settings. Go to Accessibility, then Vocal Shortcuts. Tap Set Up. Pick the shortcut you just made. Type “Hey Grok”. Then say it out loud 3 times so your phone learns your voice.
- Step 4: Let it run when your phone is lockedGo back to the shortcut’s details. Turn on “Allow Running When Locked”.
- Step 5: Try itSay “Hey Grok”. Grok Bot voice chat should open. Now ask your question out loud.
If your phone is locked: iOS asks for one tap first. If Face ID already unlocked it, it’s fully hands-free.
Ideas to try with your family
These are ideas, not results we measured. What your Bot can answer depends on the accounts you have connected to it.
- Cooking dinner: “Hey Grok” … “What’s on the family calendar tomorrow?”
- Hands full of groceries: “Hey Grok” … “Add milk and eggs to this week’s grocery list.”
- Bedtime: “Hey Grok” … “Remind me to sign the field trip form in the morning.”
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to buy an extra app?
No. The creator says it uses no extra apps and costs nothing, because it is built into iOS. You use the Shortcuts app and Vocal Shortcuts, which come with iPhone, plus the Grok Bot app. Grok Bot itself needs your own Grok Bot plan from xAI. The Butler does not sell it.
Does it work when my phone is locked?
Yes, with one tap. If your phone is locked, iOS asks for one tap first. If Face ID already unlocked it, it is fully hands-free. Step 4 (“Allow Running When Locked”) is what lets it run from the lock screen.
Isn’t “Hey” only for Siri?
Apple keeps its built-in wake word for Siri. This trick uses Vocal Shortcuts, an Accessibility setting that lets you pick your own spoken phrase to run a shortcut. Here the phrase is “Hey Grok” and the shortcut opens Grok Bot voice chat.
I can’t find “Start Voice Chat with Bot”. What do I do?
Update the Grok Bot app first (step 1). Then go back to Shortcuts, tap Add Action, and search for “Grok Bot” again.
Who found this?
X user @Texas_Twins_Dad shared the setup and the video on X on October 25, 2026. Elon Musk quoted it with one word: “Cool.” Links to both posts are on this page.
You need your own Grok Bot plan from xAI (see x.ai/bot). The Butler does not sell it. The Butler is an independent guide publisher, not affiliated with xAI, Apple, or X.
Sources
Now give Grok Bot something useful to do
Talking to Grok Bot is easy now. The Butler’s guides help your family set up the jobs worth asking about, like the calendar, school email, meals, and bills. Browse The Menu to find the guide that fits your home, or see the Butler Bundle. You approve anything that sends, pays, or deletes. Digital products, no refunds.