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

I have found this to be true with my iPad Pro and keyboard. Additionally, if you get this message when it is connected for keyboard use, what apparently happens is that the magnet function that turns on the keyboard when connected is not working. You can fix this by the following: with the iPad connected to the cover but not to the the keyboard, rub a magnet along the connection groove on the keyboard just along the left edge above the ! and 1 keys. This activates the magnet turn on and when you connect the keyboard it should work.

Your issue could be software related, I can't say, but the majority of cases are definitely hardware issues. It is one of the reasons Apple extended the warranty from 1 year to 3 years.

At our school, we have 50+ iPad Pro Keyboards in flight and have replaced 30 in the last year. Apple has replaced them all for no charge. They wouldn't do that if it were software related.

So at last I went to the Apple Store, told them about the extended 3 year warranty and they found that mine is eligible so they replaced it for free.

But there curiously I tried my smart keyboard with the new 2017 iPad Pros in display and they work flawlessly, I wonder why the old Smart Keyboard worked with the new iPad but not the old ones...

Just want to echo the people who said go to the GeniusBar. I arrived all armed with articles to "prove" my case and the GeniusBar guy was actually a little offended that we might think they wouldn't do the right thing unprompted--which they did. No fuss, no hassle, walked out with a new keyboard. One suggestion: Take a screenshot of the "accessory" message.

Check your iPad Pro by placing it on a flat surface. Use your thumb to press hard on each corner of the iPad to see if the other corners come away from the surface. I suspect the opposite corner does come away as it is curved by too much carry around. This explain why the 3 minute contact points magnets do not make perfect contact. Pick up your IPad Pro and with the help of a table put your IPad Pro perpendicular to the edge and apply some pressure to bend the iPad Pro straight agaiN (not too hard please) Your Smart Keyboard should work again.

Hi there, my 11 year old son has had this same problem as well... Upon him telling me that his keyboard for his iPad Pro 12.9" wasn't working, I suggested him to restart the iPad, update the software, yet none of it worked. We decided to go to our nearest Apple store at the Tysons Corner Mall in Maryland to see if they could do anything about it. Mind you, we had not bought any insurance on this product. We came there and in no time found out that many people (like the other 3552 people on this website) has the same problems. The worker was very helpful and checked the serial number for the iPad keyboard and said that it could be replaced free of charge! They had none in stock at the time, but said they would call/email the given contact info to schedule a time to pick up the keyboard. All in all, the easiest solution to the problem was to head over to the nearest Apple store and get it replaced, free of charge. Really helpful staff, really surprised by the outcome, the great reason why me and my family are all Apple customers.

Yep. Apple agreed to exchange it, no problem. However, I couldn’t read the serial number, which you’ll need. So, I got a case number from the phone support folks, then took it into the store. They told me that the felt makes the S/N very difficult to read, in addition to the teeny tiny type. But the folks at the store just put scotch tape over it, and then could read it just fine. The bad news is that the store said they didn’t have it in stock, so I’m waiting two days now for the exchange to come in. They said it could take weeks. Guess it’s because of the sudden demand. But since I’ve already had this problem for many months on and off, I can handle the wait. For anyone interested, if you’ve got another apple Smart Keyboard as I do, just a different size, either size keyboard works on either size iPad Pro. Most of the time. I think.

Same here, I am having the same issue. :(

EDIT;

I have managed to fix it by cleaning the Smart Connector that is below the iPad and using the "magnets" to restore the flex of the switch of the iPad Pro so that it reconnects back properly as shown in this guide here: How to Fix iPad Pro Smart Keyboard Says "This accessory is not supported by this device" - Saint

Hope it helps!

I tried all of the suggestions here and none worked. Then, I just bent the strip on the keyboard that connects to the iPad such that the middle of the strip was bent out just a little toward the three connection points and made a little better connection, and the keyboard started working.

I read on another site two suggestions:

1. Some found their connector strip a little bent so the contacts weren't being made so they bent it slightly the other way.
2. Others found that the connector rubber had worn through so the keyboard was getting shorted. You can check this by placing a piece of paper between the keyboard and the iPad except where the connectors are. If the keyboard works, you have found your problem.

The second issue above appears to be my problem. I plan to apply some clear nail polish to the keyboard to insulate the areas that have become exposed.

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.

Typing this on my Smart Keyboard. Finally. I have an iPad Pro 12.9” (2nd Generation) and I only discovered the keyboard stopped working yesterday. I spent lot’s of time reading and watching videos until finally stumbling across the post from iPodge. Unbelievable.

I have this working but WITHOUT magnets. I should qualify by saying the magnetic switch is undoubtedly the underlying cause.

I didn’t have a magnet to hand so played about hovering the iPad above the guttering, just shy of actually being fully seated. To my amazement it detected the Smart Keyboard and it started working. I found it promptly disconnected once I let go and allowed it to fully “snap” into the guttering.

So, I grabbed an old plastic points card you get from supermarkets and once I got it to recognise the keyboard doing my hover trick, I shoved the plastic card beneath (above keys 6-9) and let go. It still works!!! Not sure why 😂

Happy this is working. I’ll get a magnet soon but hope this helps. I am appalled at how this has screwed up having paid a small fortune for this Apple accessory. It’s had little usage in the past 3/4 years so it certainly hasn’t worn out. I was fearing having to buy another keyboard case, but my iPad Pro is now considered old so many “alternatives” don’t support it. So that spurred me on to get this fixed.

Thank you iPodge!

Found this:

https://9to5mac.com/2017/05/08/apple-smart-keyboard-ipad-pro-repair-program-stic king-keys-functional-issues/

Apple extended the warranty to THREE YEARS for the Ipad PRO keyboards due to so many malfunctions

https://www.cnet.com/news/apple-smart-keyboard-warranty-repair-extension/

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.