iPad Pro 11-inch 2024 getting “cannot use accessory draws too much power” with external monitor

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iPad Pro 11-inch 2024 getting “cannot use accessory draws too much power” with external monitor

Traded in my iPad Pro 11 2nd generation (from 2020) for a new Pro 11 that’s just come out. With Magic Keyboard etc. Now getting a “cannot use accessory draws too much power” error constantly with the same 34 inc external monitor connected via the iPad’s USB C port. This worked fine with the older iPad. Have tried powering the device using additional mains power via USB-C into the Magic Keyboard port. The monitor has normal power attached and working. No idea why the new iPad is any different from the old in terms of powering an external device (which doesn’t need to power the monitor anyway, as it has its own power). Perhaps its a setting I need to toggle.

iPad Pro, iPadOS 17

Posted on May 19, 2024 4:38 PM

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Answer 1

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Ashleybcox Author

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May 21, 2024 6:54 PM in response to Ashleybcox

I spoke too soon. Every day now I need to reboot my iPad with the monitor connected for it to recognise it again. There must be a firmware / iOS issue as you would think once the same accessory has been connected once (and it works fine when connected for several hours, even plugging and unplugging in the same day), it should always connect…..but alas not for me. Frustrating.

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Answer 2

Ashleybcox Author

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May 19, 2024 10:11 PM in response to Ashleybcox

Seemed to have fixed it. By leaving the monitor plugged in via the USB-C cable to the iPad’s USB-C port, and restarting the iPad. It made the screen flicker a few times and on startup it started to display and said “unlock iPad to use this accessory”….

from there, working :)

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Answer 3

May 22, 2024 4:34 AM in response to Ashleybcox

As a diagnostic exercise, try connecting your iPad and monitor with a different USB-C cable. If the problem persists, try using an entirely different monitor - as the monitor itself may have a fault.

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Answer 4

Ashleybcox Author

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11 points

May 23, 2024 9:47 PM in response to LotusPilot

Yep, I’ve tried that. A completely different monitor (same model) and different cable. Same experience. It definitely seems intermittent. Noticed a new iOS 17.5.1 has been released and I’ve applied it. Maybe that will fix it if wider spread with the new iPad model….. will try it next week.

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Answer 5

May 24, 2024 2:49 AM in response to Ashleybcox

While testing with the a different but same monitor is a valid and useful test - the issue that you have may be common to the monitor model.

While acknowledging that I might have been more explicit in my description, in this context I was suggesting that you try testing your iPad with an entirely different monitor model - as the object of the exercise is to establish whether or not the issue is with the iPad or other components.

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