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mugsymallone Author

Level 2

223 points

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

128GB, 12.9" iPad Pro running iOS 10.1 (problem occurred with previous iOS too).

Smart Keyboard all of a sudden doesn't work. Error message "This accessory is not supported by this device".

Have cleaned contacts, rebooted, hard rebooted, and upgraded to the OS to iOS 10.1. No change.

It has randomly worked a few times, but seems random. One day couldn't type a web address in Safari, next day I could. Hasn't work a few days in a row now.

Thoughts?

iPad Pro, iOS 10

Posted on Sep 22, 2016 4:45 AM

Top-ranking reply

iPodge

Level 1

16 points

Posted on Apr 6, 2017 11:26 AM

I had all all this nonsense with my iPad Pro and its keyboard after about a years use. Seems the thing that activates the keyboard is a small reed switch (I am guessing) in the guttering just above the keyboard. When you snap the keyboard together ready for typing a magnet on the oposing face triggers the switch. Try it out! With the keyboard attached but not in the support guttering get a small magnet and rub it just above the 1 and 2 keys on the keyboard. If you are in an application that is waiting for input the onscreen keyboard will dissapear meaning that the physical keyboard is ready for typing.

What is clearly happening is that the magnetic strength of the top part which fits in the guttering has lost flux. Get that magnet which you were playing about with just a moment ago and rub it on the top part of the keyboard which mates with the guttering. Magnet flux is restored and the final act of snapping the keyboard to typing position should activate the switch. Works for me! I used a neodymium magnet, BTW.

View in context

386 replies

Jan 4, 2022 9:14 AM in response to Stevo_Geordio

UPDATE!

After leaving the plastic card between the iPad and keyboard for a while. I found I could later remove this and it still worked. I even tried separating the iPad from the keyboard “gutter” and reattached and it STILL worked! 👍

liv0123

Level 4

2,883 points

Dec 7, 2017 11:24 AM in response to liv0123

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204204

Sep 22, 2016 4:58 AM in response to mugsymallone

Take a look at this article Use your Smart Keyboard with iPad Pro - Apple Support

Or you can contact Apple Support Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support

Oct 24, 2016 4:21 AM in response to mugsymallone

I have had this problem too. The Apple support page essentially says "restart your iPad and try again". I've done this, often two or three times -- and still the keyboard does not work! Most unhelpful.

It looks like a software glitch. Why doesn't Apple fix it?

dizash

Level 1

4 points

Oct 29, 2016 9:06 PM in response to lauprellim

It's definitley a software based problem. It has also gotten worse, not better throughout the 10.1 beta and "official" release. For all the apple products I have spent money on since my first Mac in 1999 or 2000 (17" PowerBook), i can't help but feel like their priority is getting me, especially as an early adopter of all their products (more than I care to admit to here) to drop thousands on another MacBook Pro. I very well may but not until this problem is fixed.

Oct 31, 2016 5:23 AM in response to mugsymallone

The Device not supported... (iPad Pro/Smart Cover/Keyboard)

I have been having this same problem, sometimes as frequently as every minute.

Keyboard will work sometimes, but it also stops being recognized for no clear reason. Cleaned contacts, no change.

Called support - they essentially recommended turning it off and on again. Errors continued.

When I went to Genius Bar they switched my iPad Pro - I still see the same error every few minutes.

WIll go again and ask for them to change the keypad Unit. This may of course just be software (error has been present all the way from 10.0.1 to 10.1)

Nov 1, 2016 11:23 AM in response to mugsymallone

I am also having issues also. Started seeing the message about mid October and gradually it appeared more and more. Now, chances are the Smart Keyboard will NOT work when I try to use it. SO frustrating!!!

12.9" iPad Pro, iPad Smart Keyboard, iOS 10.1 (14B72)

Nov 2, 2016 7:40 PM in response to mugsymallone

I have the same problem. Apple should NOT sell this keyboard nor bundle it with iPad Pro if this does not work. Seriously disappointed

m'tamba

Level 1

9 points

Nov 3, 2016 12:28 PM in response to mugsymallone

I Have the same problem. The keypad, which has worked perfectly for 6 months suddenly stopped working - same error message. I cleaned the terminals and it worked for a while - except the 'delete' button would get stuck/go crazy and delete lines and lines of text. Then the keypad stopped working completely. I've closed down and re booted iPad several times, fiddled with a bunch of stuff in settings, and cleaned terminals - it just ain't working.

Youre saying its a software issue - hurry up and fix it Apple...

BTW - there is NOTHING that I like about the upgrade OS: really dislike the new email interface, predictive typing has gone stupid, iPhone keeps freezing, now this. Give me the old OS back please...!

Nov 4, 2016 2:40 AM in response to Mitchinator

Update - iOS 10.1.1 (14B100) and no change to the issue at all.

Nov 4, 2016 12:03 PM in response to Mitchinator

Update 2 - I write this update on my new iPad Pro Smart Keyboard having had it replaced at the Apple Store. Took the replacement out of the box and connected it and instantly worked. To me, this suggests the issue is with the Smart Keyboard.

If there is any change here, I will update.

Nov 6, 2016 6:54 PM in response to Mitchinator

If the "not-Smart Keyboard" is the culprit then Apple is responsible to immediately announce a recall to this product and replace it.

Nov 20, 2016 1:59 PM in response to mugsymallone

My "smart"keyboard piece of poop that I was SO excited to splurge on, has never worked. Not even one time. I'm told it is my iPad Pro. And then left hanging.

Am I supposed to buy a new one...? I'm afraid to ask if that is what I am supposed to do because I can't afford to do that...! I should not have even bought this one.

Nov 20, 2016 8:22 PM in response to mugsymallone

I too have experienced this issue with my iPad pro for about a month now. When I am working in an app or just watching a video the "accessory is not supported..." error pops up. They keyboard only works sometimes but not others. It seems so sporadic that I cannot seem to figure out the cause. I have restarted multiple times, cleaned the contacts, and even restored my entire iPad to try and get it to work with no success. I sure hope that Apple comes up with a fix.

Nov 20, 2016 9:52 PM in response to samnonwise

I replaced the Apple Not-Smart Keyboard with Logitech. It has been working flawlessly for a month now and has backlit too all for $30 less

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