iPad Pro Smart Keyboard not working

Hi BobBurns,

I have been experiencing very similar symptoms to those you have described as well as ones reported by other users. Basically, my keyboard sporadically stopped working mid sentence, or didn't even start working.

I contacted Apple Support and to cut a long story short was advised to Reset Network Connections and so far, my keyboard has been working correctly ever since. To reset network connections go to : Settings > General > Reset, naturally, this will mean having to enter wifi passwords again etc.

Good luck and hope this works for you.

Removing the "Emoji" keyboard in the keyboard settings and restarting the iPad seems to work.

Although turning on the "Emoji" keyboard seems to bring back the fault. This results in the iPad being unable to use the "Emoji" keyboard, even though this is an Apple software keyboard, Apple hardware keyboard, and Apple iPad PRO.

This issue is completely unacceptable, especially when the manufacturer advertises this product coupled with an overpriced keyboard is able to replace a laptop. I purchased this product for the purpose on replacing a laptop, which worked great until the public release of iOS10 (the beta version did work until the public release date).

WHY IS THIS ISSUE STILL IN EXISTENCE???

I find that the problem is with light oxidation of the contact. When this happens, I used to reboot with mixed results. Now I just detach the keyboard, wipe the three contact points on the iPad with a dry cloth firmly, and do the same with the pins on the keyboard (but carefully). This always solves the problem.

Hello, I've been having the same issues with my keypad, as well as my pencil, says the device isn't supported. It also said that once after reconnecting my keyboard. I don't know if it's good for it or not, but I didn't care at the time, as I was ready to throw the ipad and ALL, out the window!!! I wiped the connection on the iPad and the keyboard with an alcohol swab, its working just fine now. I did try all the other suggestions first, even the reset.

Hope this helps someone

I had this problem. I took my jewelry loop and inspected the connective nubs, I found there to be some build up which I thought might be inhibiting the connection. I took a Q-tip with alcohol and swabed and wiped dry the nubs. Bingo! Working like a charm.

The only thing Apple understands is lawsuits so class action lawyers take note. Congrats apple, you are the Microsoft of the 80s. Same issue, useless $170 keyboard and yes sometimes the "simple" solution of a hard shut down, disconnect and reconnect works ...for one session. "Apple, it just works - once in a while". Apple get your stuff together, you are losing customers daily. I will be at the apple store this week to see if they will replace the keyboard. Doubtful. So frustrating.

Do you mean that the keyboard doesn't work but the screen turns on when i open the ipad screen?

I just noticed that i've been getting message which says "The accessory is not supported by the device".And now my kayboard doesn't work.Is it really associated with IOS10?

Spoke to soon, the problem reemerged. I was on with a Apple tech for almost an hour trying to trouble shoot the problem, but no luck. The serial number, which is embossed on the felt part of the keyboard (poor engineering) was worn off, so I could get a replacement. Looking at a the Logitech.

Same issue here, I have had the pro 12.9 Since it came out I have been through two keyboards and on my third now.

I like the function of the Apple Keyboard but at $99 a shot I will not buy another. I have a co-worker who has had the same device for the same amount of time and the Zagg keyboard with no issues. My first KB had the screen flickering and I would just have to remove the keyboard and within seconds it stopped flickering and I could use the IPad, reconnect the keyboard would bring back the issue tried all of the suggestions eventually discarded and replaced. Second Apple Keyboard 10 mo old started to not function as Keyboard could eventually get it to work by disconnect and reconnect if I didn't get the error message it would work, eventually it would became bigger issue than it was worth. I discarded it and now have my third will probably work about 10 months at my use pace.

I found nudging the iPad Pro on the keyboard ever so slightly to the left or right with my finger solves this issue. The magnet grabs the keyboard, and it normally hits the contacts right on. But sometimes it's a fraction off. Nudging it makes it connect.

I had this problem for about two weeks until my Smart Keyboard stopped working altogether. What's worse, while waiting for my local Apple Store to reopen after their summer break, I've noticed that if I keep my (no-longer-working) Smart Keyboard attached to my iPad Pro, then I'll invariably get a "your iPad has been disabled" message and have to wait fifteen minutes before I can restart my iPad. Once it fires up again, I'm asked to retype my Apple ID password, sometimes several times over. I've now completely detached the keyboard, and waiting for my Apple Store to open up on Monday.

I dare are say I'm not the only person with this problem.

I had the same problem but I fixed by simply puting my ipad in type position then taking off the ipad so only the smart keyboard is in the type position and posisioning the pins facing straight up then I carefully put the i pad back on and it amazingly worked.

Having the same issue. Smart keyboard for iPad Pro 12.9" (1st Gen) intermittently not working. It is nearly unusable since recent update. The issue is now much more frequent and restarting the iPad as recommended by apple support does not even resolve the issue sometimes. Apple please fix this issue. This is ridiculous how poor it is performing. The iPad Pro is a good platform, don't let issues such as this ruin it. This is something that should be addressed in a more timely manner.

I was stupid.....connected iPad Pro directly to keyboard......hadn’t unfolded the last rounded piece of the 3 part section before connecting that to the keyboard section before using the 2 thicknesses to connect to the keyboard section. Perhaps someone else might have done this!

When I first upgraded to 11.0.1 the keyboard didn’t work. I tried disconnecting and reconnecting the keyboard to no avail. Based on a comment that JC_DJ made, I decided to manually depress each of the pins a few times. After that the keyboard started working and I’m using it right now to type this response. If things change I will update the thread, but for now, it’s working.