iPad Pro Smart Keyboard not working

I have purchased 3 different iPad Pro Apple keyboards and all 3 fail intermittently. I am very frustrated and will probably have to move back to the "laptop world". My issue is always centered around public wifi. Once I get on wifi the keyboard starts to blink out and I have to reboot.

This issue is, I strongly believe, software or firmware related — prolly software.

As of Dec 2017, I have a replacement iPad AND Smart Keyboard from a device purchased in late Sept suffering the same problems.

I noticed a distinct correlation — possible causation? — between using the charging port to charge, connect the Apple pencil, or attach any other accessory, such as airpods.

There were, equally, reports of Logitech’s Create Case/Keyboard similarly failing.

I strongly believe that a software loop designed to periodically detect attached accessories (including simply plugging the iPad in to charge it) is failing.

Were I Apple, that’s where I’d look.

Very disappointing performance, Apple.

This is not a bad batch issue. I have owned multiple keyboards from Apple (all brand new from different stores or web sites), all built for the iPad Pro and they all have this issue. It is always failing near or at the time I use wireless on my LTE enabled device. I have officially stopped trying to use the keyboards. I now use the lame software keyboard built into the iPad.

I took my iPad Pro and my smart keyboard to an Apple store yesterday. They could not get the keyboard to connect. They gave me a new keyboard. They could not get it to connect either. So, they have ordered a new iPad for me; they did not have my model in stock. We'll see whether a new keyboard and a new iPad solve the problem when I get the new one next week. It seems odd to suspect the connectors since this is a magnetic connection (like the MacBook Pro's power cord) which snaps into place, but we shall see.

Had the same problem with my first gen iPad Pro 12.9 when I upgraded to iOS 11, Apple gave me a new keyboard. I sold the whole unit a week later and bought a new 2nd gen 12.9 and new smar keyboard, having same issue after one week. Went to Genius Bar and they gave me another new keyboard, still have the problem..thinking of trying a third party unit. Apple needs to fix.

Cedric

All...I assure you the fixes people are mentioning will not work in the long run. Sometimes the putting to sleep and then awakening the iPad again will restart the iPad working, but eventually this will stop working and you will need to restart your iPad. Replacing the keyboard with a new one will help for a little while but you will eventually get the same issue. I cannot say what is causing this but it is obviously iPad related. If it was the connecter itself restarting would not help if you kept the keyboard connected when you rebooted and it worked again (think about it). I believe it is OS related but not sure they know what is causing it. Could be the area of the software that tells the iPad to open the on screen keyboard if your keyboard is not connected and don’t open it if it is. Yes I know the onboard keyboard doesn’t open, but it still could be something in there that has a glitch in it.

Yes....I have had my keyboard replaced at the Apple Store and it still has issues. Yes I was able to put the iPad to sleep and then go back in to get the keyboard working. I assure you these miracle fixes listed do not work in the long run

I had similar problem with gen one 12.9 and apple keyboard only after upgrading to iOS 11. Apple replaced keyboard and I sold the both right away. Purchased a gen two 12.9 and had keyboard problems from the beginning. Apple repacked the keyboard and no fix. I return the 256 gig unit and keyboard and purchased a 5gen two 12.9 512 gig and new keyboard and have had no issues going on my third week. The 512 gig may be the difference.

Cedric

Hi.

On my side it seems to be a hardware issue. Standing on a flat surface it doesn't work, but when I slightly push the iPad back so that the connector touches the iPad in a slighty different position it works again.

Is anyone aware of such an issue an knows a hack for it? Unfortunately the keyboard is out of warranty time...

As someone who started this thread months ago, all these “solutions” are temporary. It is an inherant issue in the iOS. I can my keyboard working, then sit there for minutes, hour, then without touching it, it starts to beep, like it’s connection gone, then beep again, with absolutely no contact at all. Terrible service from Apple, who hasn’t even acknowledged there is an issue . My Surface works great!

There has to be hundreds of Apple employees having the same issue. The silence from Apple is deadening. And the retail Geniuses are clueless. I've renamed my Smart keyboard the Rockin' keyboard since I have to rock it forward and backward to get it working.

Ok, the Logitech CREATE works fine. At least on my side I can confirm, that is has nothing to do with the iPad itself and probably also not with iOS. Unfortunately the Logitech Keyboard is a lot thicker. Also, I'm using the iPad a lot while standing with a group of people, but the CREATE is meant to be used on a desk, not for wrapping the keyboard around or removing it often for touch-only usage.

But at least I have a keyboard and a solid case...

I know what you mean. I don’t like the onscreen keyboard either.

My resolution, so far, is to use the standard Bluetooth keyboard. It only costs $69. and is small enough to carry in a small carrying case.

I am typing on my new smart keyboard that is working like a charm. If you are having issues keyboard, make an appointment at the Genius Bar. There is a service buliten on the Smart Keyboard. I am so happy to be typing on my iPad Pro again. Thank you Apple for making this right, really appreciate the customer service and taking care of this.

My keyboard worked fine for two years until the iOs 11 update, then it stopped working. Up until a month ago I could finaggle it but not it does not work at all. Plus now having battery issues when there were none two weeks ago before iOs 11.4.

From what I have seen.. it has everything to do with the magnetic field created by the connection.. (in the groove where the iPad sits into) You can pass a neodyneum magnet North to South one direction only and that should fix the flux out of that Smart Keyboard cover..