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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

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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.

386 replies

Jan 21, 2017 8:23 AM in response to markluke

I have had the exact same problem and it just kept getting worse. Not sure if this helps, but I'm typing this on my smart keyboard after it not working for a couple of days. What I did was go into Settings->General->Reset->Network settings. Of course, once you do that you have to put in all your wifi passwords again but...


So far, and it's only been about 30 mins, no messages. I'll update this link if I get the message again.

Jan 23, 2017 6:43 AM in response to mugsymallone

I'm joining the thread as well to voice my disappointment. I use the keyboard 95% of the time I'm using my iPad Pro, so a glitch like this is incredibly frustrating. I too have tried all the stated solutions - cleaning, hard restart, updating software, etc., but none provide a viable long-term solution. This is unacceptable when I've owned the keyboard for less than a year. If the product is going to have a problem like this, the length of the warranty / Apple Care should be extended.

Jan 30, 2017 10:30 PM in response to mugsymallone

It's unclear why people think this is a software - not a hardware - issue. I have the same problem. I suspect the keyboard itself is malfunctioning, but have no proof. I guess that's why this is so frustrating.


Has anyone encountered the same problem after purchasing a new keyboard? I don't want to waste my money if the problem will just resurface.

Feb 15, 2017 3:54 PM in response to mugsymallone

I am joining the thread to share my experience and frustration... I have had my iPad Pro and Smart Keyboard since the day they were released and up until a couple of months ago they worked flawlessly then I started getting the accessory not supported message, the ipad would not recognize the keyboard, and the typing went wonky. This leads me to think it's ios related. Does anyone from Apple monitor these threads? This needs to be addressed!!

Feb 15, 2017 6:53 PM in response to mugsymallone

I have the same problem, but feel this issue is hardware related. Like some other users experienced, when I prop the iPad vertically on the magic keyboard, it works. When it is at its natural incline, the issue returns. I am from the IT industry and this does not look or feel to me like a software bug unless it is somehow connected to its three‐axis gyro which I doubt.

Feb 18, 2017 9:04 AM in response to mugsymallone

I have had the same issue for months now yet no issue at all for moths after i bought it. Keyboard often fails to connect to iPad Pro and screen keyboard appears instead. If you clean contacts or press down in the iPad it seems to make little or no difference. Often keys stick and delete everything you have typed or enters lots of spaces. Often there is a sudden lag and you think nothing is typing and then some of the text appears but not all. Not at all good Apple. Going to have to return and get a Logitech one.

Mar 6, 2017 12:42 PM in response to mugsymallone

This has been happening to me for months now, and I've sort of been ignoring it. I just noticed today that the problem appears to be mechanical: of the three metal connector "nubs" on the keyboard, the middle one is noticeably more recessed than the outer ones. I suspect I'm getting the "not certified" and "not supported" messages because only the outer two nubs are making contact.

Mar 11, 2017 5:55 AM in response to mugsymallone

I had this fault on my iPad Pro 9.7" when using the Smart Keyboard. Restarted the iPad, tried a soft reset and then a hard reset, but this didn't fix the issue. Phoned Apple, and it seems be a known fault. Apple booked me an appointment at the Apple Store; after five to ten minutes the Apple Store technician had done some basic troubleshooting and confirmed that there was a fault with the keyboard and that Apple would replace it.


Definitely worth speaking to Apple about this: they might ask you to restart or reset your iPad first, but I think it's likely that you'll need to get a new Smart Keyboard.

Mar 31, 2017 7:02 AM in response to mugsymallone

I had this problem too. iPad Pro with Apple Keyboard Cover running 10.3


I cleaned the contacts and rebooted a few times with no luck. Apple support had me "Reset all Settings" and believe it or not it's working now.


I'd recommend backing up before any major resets like that, and you'll have to edit your settings again after, but so far so good. (Typed from my Apple Keyboard;)

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

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