iPad Pro Smart Keyboard not working

It’s the iPad itself. I’ve got the same problem with the Apple Smart keyboard as well as the Logitech Smart Keyboard. I get the message this accessory is not supported, the keyboard won’t type, and the iPad won’t charge when the keyboard is connected. I also get an intermittent charging chime even when it’s not charging. I’m going to Apple in the morning and I’m going to demand they replace this garbage product.

I’m in malaysia thus a bit difficult to acquired warranty, worse thing, it only had 1 year warranty which already over since I first bought it when it’s out, big fan of apple so far, I own 17 iPhone from 4-7plus, 3 mini iPad, 4 iPad, 2 iPad Pro, 2 MacBook, a apple pc, 2 iwatch, Apple Pencil, mouse etc, you name it, I have it, either use personally by myself, or my family member. I’m sure apple can detect my purchase. Not trying to brag bout myself, but just to show how big a fan am I to apple, to be fair all of the product I own never fail me before unless I carelessly drop it with extreme hard impact, only Once there were issue with my iPhone but they did recall it and exchange a new one. But this keyboard really heavily destroy my trust with apple, it’s confirm there is a “problem” with the keyboard, it works funny after the iOS update10/11, ever since getting worse each day and then now completely not working, ask the guy in apple shop, i was told it never had any recall thus they can’t do anything bout it, funny thing is today I went to a apple store in a mall, trying to decide between iPhone 8/X, thought of getting a new keyboard as well cause maybe it’s my bad luck since it’s the only product with flaw, test out the display unit in the store...it’s not working lol, even the very helpful staff can’t explain why to me, my advice.. stay away from this keyboard, you don’t wanna waste 700 ringgit for a keyboard that last 2-3 years, a Logitech 70 ringgit keyboard last me more than 5 years till now, just use the keyboard on the screen

*those who wanna check out the non working display keyboard, come down from Japanese street escalator in pavilion mall kl on your right, you can’t miss it, not sure if they change it after I left 😝

I am having the keyboard issue with my 12.9 iPad Pro as well. Got them last wednesday and noticed the keyboard does not working form time to time. Went back to the apple store on Friday to replace the keyboard, still doesn’t work. We replaced the iPad as well and tried it with the new keyboard that doesn’t help. We then try to replace another set of iPad and keyboard and it still doesn’t work... However, it does work with the demo keyboard at the store just not the brand new one out of the packaging. After being at the store for 3 hrs, I told them to give me back my original keyboard, at least that one still intermittently work, none of the new replacement would work at all.

No one seems to have a clue what is going on, they are suspecting it is a software issues. Arranged a call with Apple support to go through the issues, hopefully they will be able to sort it out soon.

As I said earlier, I got my new keyboard with suspiciously little trouble, and well outside the warranty (nearly 2 years old), and I have had absolutely no problems since then. Or did I just get lucky with who I spoke to?

I wonder what the new iOS release will bring.

I know what you mean. I have experienced the pop up “accessory not supported” to the connection is not making proper contact. But when the “ding” kept going off incessently, I had enough.

So, my resolution is to use the standard Bluetooth keyboard. It only costs $69. and is small enough to fit in a small carrying case with my iPad. I found a protective cover that will prop up the iPad while typing.

I agree with you.. and I have been dealing with it for a long time, Ever since from what I can say IOS11 or 10.

But once I did the magnet thing. It was fine. Even a finger will work sometimes using your own body’s magnetic field. Somehow it fixed it. I’ve done the whole reset settings, and power cycles etc... the problem is magnet based. It surprises me that the new Apple Pencil is magnetically charged.

I’ve had the same problem fro some time now. A few days ago I stumbled upon a YouTube video that suggested it was a contact problem. And playing with the keyboard connected to the iPad might be helpful. I tried it and was able to use my keyboard for the first time in a very long time.

Hi Tas.quliter.

This trick may help you.

The last best shot at being able to read your serial number will take some tries, but it's worked for me.

Use the video feature of the iPhone to more clearly see your serial number that is faintly buried in that velvet material.

Set your iPhone to 4K, start recording video and activate the flash to blast the serial number area with light. Do a focus lock if you need too so that focus remains consistent.

Record video of the serial number location.

You may need to do several passes, where you can rub your fingers across the serial number location in various directions, in order to more clearly reveal the numbers.

If you area patient and do it just right, you will eventually be able to make out the numbers.

Since the resolution is very high, it will yield in my opinion a bette image than if done with a still photo. See image below:

Zooming in on the still is not useful. Don't waster your time.

Shooting video offers far superior results. So while playing the video back you can pause and pinch to zoom on the area, giving you a better chance to decipher that lost text.

Write it down, several times, several version of what you think you might see, even if you are not certain. You are bound to get that number right.

See the attached still pulled from a video file. :

This is from the last iPad Pro smart keyboard I had to replaces. I have replaced this keyboard three times. This latest version I can tell they made a minor design adjustment and so far, all good. The Serial Number issue has been resolved, features darker text, and the 3 pin contact ribbon no longer feels like its in the middle were the flexible magnetic strip is, where I think the problem started. After a year or less of flexing, that cable breaks.

I had the same issue in the end. They wouldn't replace the keyboards without a serial. I don't think it's fair to punish apple customers because of their bad design. Heck I didn't even know about this replacement program until I stumbled upon it on a forum thread.

By the way, do yourself a favor and get a screen cover for your iPad Pro, something made of Ballistics glass. I don't care what they tell you at that Apple Store, those screens can and will scratch over time. I returned two of these iPads early on because the Apple Pencil was doing just that. You won't loose anything in the visual quality.

All the best!

MJ from Bmore

Whatever you decided to do, write down the serial number for the keyboard! Apple will not repair/replace the keyboard of the number inn not decipherable as I have found to my cost! Our local Mac repair shop has had to replace many, ther is a know fault that Apple is burying their head in the sand about. No serial number, no fix!!

Do you know what this keyboard problem feels like? One of Woz's practical jokes.

Yesterday I plugged the keyboard in (it was sitting for a few weeks, unplugged), and it worked right away. Then I closed it on the iPad, opened it back up and it stopped working. Nothing would make it work again. Tonight it wasn't working. I cleaned the contacts with IPA. Still didn't work. I wiggled things around - didn't work. Locked the iPad, unlocked it, then got the, "not supported," message - AND THEN IT WORKED. With Notes open, I typed away and then undocked the iPad (still attached to the keyboard) from the base. As expected, it stopped working, but when I re-docked, it stayed not working. Tried everything again - it would work as the ritual became more and more elaborate - and then stop working.

It's working now. I'm going to leave it docked and open all night to see if it stays that way. I think, if this were a keyboard problem, Apple would have replaced them. Maybe it isn't the keyboard at all, or the firmware, but a mechanical (magnetic switch) problem. I can test that.

Maybe Woz went to sleep.

Mine happens when the screen is automatically locked. I gotta unlock the screen then lock it manually (by clicking the button at the top) then unlock it. This is driving me crazy!!!

Last week, Apple gave me a new keyboard. Yesterday, they gave me a new iPad Pro. So far, they are working together. So, I'm crossing my fingers and leaving this thread.

all Too familiar.....blue screen, oh you just need a hard reset. Hahaha! Dinosaurs.....

Your replacement will have the same problem. Review the lengthy list of cases in this thread to confirm.

You were right, the only fix is for apple to change the connection design.

Remember, it’s not your iPad. It’s the keyboard that is bad.

Others have posted third party keyboards that do work