iPad Pro Keyboard "This accessory is not supported by this device"

This worked for me. Apple support was no help whatsoever and only offered a weeks long repair process equal to the original cost of the keyboard. They don’t sell a compatible keyboard anymore. I disassembled on old laptop hard drive and used one of the neodymium magnets inside.

This fix is still working on day 2. I hope it lasts. Thank you for posting.

Before springing for a new (non-Apple) keyboard, I made an appointment at the local Apple store and brought the iPad and keyboard in. This was pre-lockdown, of course; I just thought I'd post the resolution I got here.

They replaced the keyboard for free. It was not still under warranty, but it had not been out for all that long either. If/when this one goes, I'll probably switch to logitech.

I used the magnet “fix” and it worked !!! Could not believe I have been dealing with this for months!

I have a 2017 I Pad Pro and just out of 3 year warranty - Thank You IPODGE for the suggestion - made sense but I would never have thought of it - Software problem - HA!

I have had the same problem with two keypads that did the same thing. I cleaned both the keyboard connector and the iPad connector with Isopropyl alcohol and Nail varnish remover and that seemed to do the trick. I think it that the connectors get dirty over time and eventually stop working. I’m not sure which worked, cleaning the keyboard tray or the connectors on the iPad. But it worked and it’s working perfectly now. It might be something that happens over time?

Same problem, just glad my keyboard lasted a couple years before bonking. All update, cleaning, remagnetizing, etc. do nothing. Finally replaced with a Zagg Ultra Thin Slimbook keyboard for half the price. It’s a hard keyboard that makes your iPad Pro look much like a MacBook Air. While I loved typing on the “smart” keyboard, the floppiness could be a nuisance. The Zagg solves that, and the screen can be adjusted to any position for better viewing, video chat, and even folds behind for book/tablet mode.

ITS A SHAME THAT APPLE FORCES PAYING DEDICATED CUSTOMERS TO SHOP OUTSIDE OF THEIR PRODUCT LINE IN ORDER TO FIND A SOLUTION TO PROBLEMS WITH APPLE PRODUCTS.

There. I’ve said it.

After going rounds with Apple support I give up. None of the solutions provided by others worked and Apple support wasn’t much ‘support’.

Has anyone found a third party keyboard that works with the first gen iPad 12.9”? I’m having trouble finding something. Thanks in advance.

I posted earlier about this keyboard from HotLife which works great for my iPad 9.7. They make one for the 12.9 but doesn't have lighted keys.

https://www.amazon.com/Keyboard-Magnetically-Detachable-Wireless-Released/dp/B07SYKBT68/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=HOTLIFE&qid=1591310483&sr=8-6

Oh my god, you sir are a legend!!!!!!!!! I rubbed the magnets exactly where you told me to, it’s working just like the day i bought it. However, its just that my caps lock button is acting weirdly, not that i mind since i can always just use the shift button. This was a 5 year old Smart Keyboard. Thank you so so so much!!!!!

Hi all - I was frustrated with this same issue for years. The magnet trick works, but you have to use a Neodymium Magnet. Your run-of-the-mill kitchen magnet won't do.

This video was helpful in finding one around the house: https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=aCfwBj_ijaU

(just mute the terrible music).

I found one by dissecting an old bluetooth earbud.

I have an iPad Pro...then I purchased the keyboard that attaches to it. For several years it worked all of the time...now it works sometimes...stops working in the middle of typing and displays “This accessory is not supported by this device.” I turn it off and restart...I clean the connections...nothing...does not work. Then hours later I try to use it and the keypad works...then stops! This is so frustrating and I don’t think that Apple should sell this keyboard as an accessory to the iPad Pro because it does not work correctly.

I have been having this issue for months. I can't believe that it's been 4 years and nothing has changed. I read all the comments and how far back they go. I've cleaned, upgraded software, etc.. Very Frustrating!

Hi @GoldensRule3,

I would imagine any magnet would work; it doesn't have to have the strength of a neodymium.

I think someone posted that they used a regular refrigerator magnet and it worked just fine.

It's so nice to be able to reattach my keyboard in the morning and not have that message pop up!

Sorry to hear that, Bonney. The nice thing is that neodymium magnets are cheap and easy to get, so @GoldensRule3, if a regular one doesn’t work for you either, you can grab them at a hardware store or online for a couple of dollars for half a dozen small ones, which are plenty powerful. I hope you’re frustration free soon!

THANK YOU, iPodge!!! I had not used my keyboard in roughly a year and kept searching to see if I could find a solution. I had just about given up when I found your response. I was ready to submit to Apple’s planned obsolescence. I still have the first gen iPad Pro with the first Smart Keyboard, so it’s been a good five years now.

Have you noticed the screen flickering at all when you got the keyboard to work again? This keeps happening. Though, I’m so happy it’s finally working, I almost don’t care!

I tried to use a magnet as suggested and it did not work...so I bought the specified suggestion of the neodymium magnet and that particular magnet did work. I ran it in the indent near the # 2 and 3 keys as suggested in another post. I keep the magnet handy for when the keyboard stops working in the middle of whatever I am working on. I specifically purchased the iPad Pro so I would have the advantage of using a keyboard. I am wondering if some of the Apple updates caused this problem with the keyboard, because in the beginning I never got the "accessory not supported" notification. I am so disappointed with Apple right now!