​​ ​

The Apple Support Community will permanently close on November 20, 2026. Starting today, the site will no longer accept new posts and is available in a read-only state.


You can continue to find trusted guidance and support on the official Apple Support site. 


We want to thank the community members who have contributed their time and expertise to help others with their Apple products.


iPad stopped detecting Smart Keyboard 2021, iPad completely up to date, all the reboot possibilities have no effect

How can I get iPad to recognize Smart Keyboard.

-it used to work,

  • it is in pristine condition, with now “dirt” or damage
  • rebotting with keyboard connected, without keyboard connected, hard reboot, battery rundown reboot, disconnect from WiFi reboot, etc... have no effect.
  • what now?


iPad Pro, iPadOS 14

Posted on Apr 5, 2021 5:39 PM

Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 6, 2021 5:52 AM

As described, your Smart keyboard has developed a fault. The electrical connections that pass though the flexible fabric hinges typically fracture - this often resulting in errors such as ‘accessory not supported” or similar.


If the Smart folio keyboard has developed a fault, it is not repairable. The only remedy is replacement of the keyboard.


You might be best advised to visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store - where the technicians will be able to test and assess both your iPad and keyboard.

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 6, 2021 5:52 AM in response to Applewasgoodnowcrap

As described, your Smart keyboard has developed a fault. The electrical connections that pass though the flexible fabric hinges typically fracture - this often resulting in errors such as ‘accessory not supported” or similar.


If the Smart folio keyboard has developed a fault, it is not repairable. The only remedy is replacement of the keyboard.


You might be best advised to visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store - where the technicians will be able to test and assess both your iPad and keyboard.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

iPad stopped detecting Smart Keyboard 2021, iPad completely up to date, all the reboot possibilities have no effect

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.