iPad Pro Smart Keyboard not working

I often get the very same issue. I've got the 12.9" iPad pro and the Apple smartkeyboard. I've noticed that the keyboard lately has been very hit and miss. If I restart the iPad, it will sometime work, but not always. If I take them apart and clean both contact surface, that will sometimes remedy it as well- at least for a while.

One VERY bad issue I've come to detest with this device is the magnetic system used for attaching the keyboard to the iPad. The magnets will catch bits of dirt or metal flakes somehow and leave marks on the iPad's aluminium housing. And, those bits of debris get stuck into the softer plastic on the keyboard and are impossible to remove. It's really a shame that this wasn't discovered in the testing for the devices. It's almost as if Apple tests their products under PERFECT operating conditions and don't simulate real world use...otherwise someone should have said "Hey Jony, your ASK is screwing up the finish on your very elegant and beautiful aluminimum housing.

I get that message often. I have no idea what it's for.

I Have the same issue, and I tryed to clean the conectors, restart the ipad... no way, when I cover the ipad with the keyboard starts making that sound and screen flashes.

Is Ipad not compatible with this product any more?

Listen you big monkeys, connect the keyboard correctly. I can say that because I kept screwing up and connecting it wrong. Duh! Has to connect directly to the pins. Wish someone had told me that.

Mr. Bull Johnson,

I've connected my ASK correctly on many occasions and STILL it can exhibit this odd behavior even AFTER it's been working flawlessly for a period of time. So, it's more than just "connecting it wrong". Of COURSE the pins all have to make contact. BUT, even when al pins are making contact there is something going on that causes the screen battery image to flash, the on-screen keybord to appear, and a message about an unsupported device attempting to connect.

I had reservations about buying the ASK when it came out because it seems that every "flexible" product Apple makes is perfect when new, but after some use the flexible components wear out, weaken or fall apart. I've seen it in their frayed power cords, the leather iPad smart covers, and now with this very pricey Apple Smart Keyboard.

It's almost like Apple designs and only uses their products in a perfectly controlled manner and clean environment...but subjected to real world use, they don't perform as well. I trust their hardware, if it's HARD ware...but their flexible "soft" ware...not so much anymore.

I have been tempted to go talk to someone at my local Apple Store about the issue, but I have a feeling I'll get the same response I get whenever I bring this type of problem, that others also complain about, to their attention..."Oh, that's interesting...we haven't heard of any such issues"....and then they'll give me an option of buying a new ASK...

I have to say, after buying many iPhones, iPads, Apple TVs, airport base stations, keyboards, pencil, watch, iMac...I've become a bit disenchanted with them and may seriously look elsewhere an abandon my commitment to the Apple ecosystem when I purchase a new laptop. They need to really start releasing some truly remarkable, progressive, advanced technology and trustworthy products soon...

My problem was solved by apple in 5 minutes. I was traveling in Germany and they found me a qwerty ASK and replaced it without a whimper.

I went to the Apple Store today to find out why this was happening. The guy set it on the table and turned it on and the keyboard worked lIke it should!! Went home and tried again. The solution: make sure the iPad is on a level surface!! If I put it on my lap it doesn't work. Try it. Put it on your lap - doesn't work. Put it on a flat, level surface - works. My problem is solved (and I'm typing this on the Smart Keyboard). End of days/weeks of frustration.

Simple solution: Put it on a table - should work. Lift it off the table - won't work. Try it. If I lift it off the level surface the on-screen keyboard comes up. Put it back on the level surface and the ASK works. Bottom line: a laptop is for your lap. An IPad Pro with ASK is not for your lap unless you carefully move it from a flat surface to your lap - then it works. Just tried it - carefully moved from a flat surface to my lap and it continued to work. Go figure...

Athough helpful, it's not a solution. I too have the same problem after just receiving the ipad pro. This happens frequently and a solution of resetting and reconnecting indicates either a serious software or hardware issue - maybe both. This seems like more of a prototype rather than a real product. I can't get through typing this without the keyboard becoming unresponsive. Does anyone have any experience with the Logitech keyboard? I would hate to think it has the same issues, but would expect it does.

same here, after working almost 10 Month's got the same problem. Same solution returned it to apple and got a fresh new one.

I have the same problem. The Apple keyboard does not connect and neither did the Logitech Create keyboard. Am going to return it tonight. Such a shame. Very disappointed.

My issue was resolved by replacing the Smart Keyboard. Works as expected now. Good luck

I Have the same problem. I did what you mentioned but still does not work

Yes. It was working beautifully at first. Then with the iOS upgrade, it didn't work anymore.

So obviously, there is something wrong with the upgraded iOS.