iOS: Microphone icon replaced by magnifying glass – in-app voice commands no longer work

[mrobinson]

I’ve been using Pandora for several years. While driving, I normally tap the microphone icon to the left of the search bar on the Search page to use Pandora’s Hands-Free voice command feature. I use it to request songs, artists, or genres — for example, “Play top songs by Thievery Corporation” or “Play Everlong by Foo Fighters.”

As of last week, the microphone icon disappeared and was replaced by a magnifying glass. After uninstalling and reinstalling the app, the microphone icon returns, but when I tap it I get a message telling me to “use my hardware’s voice command to request songs” (i.e., Siri).

I’ve tried multiple uninstalls and reinstalls, but the issue persists. I also do not see a “Voice Command” or “Voice Assistant” option anywhere in the Pandora app settings.

Device details:

• iPhone 16
• iOS 26.6

Has anyone else run into this, or is there a known fix? Any help would be appreciated.

[TannerPandora]

Hi @mrobinson 

Thanks for posting, and sorry for any confusion around this change.

Pandora Voice is no longer available as a feature within the Pandora app, which is why you're no longer seeing the microphone option for Pandora's Hands-Free voice commands.

For voice commands on your iPhone, you can use Siri to request music on Pandora. For example, you can ask Siri to play a specific song, artist, or station. Keep in mind that the types of content and requests available through voice commands may vary depending on your Pandora subscription level.

I understand that using Pandora Voice directly within the app was part of your regular listening experience. I've noted your feedback about the removal of this feature and your preference for using Pandora's built-in voice commands.

Thanks for being part of community and for listening to Pandora!