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

I hope that Apple resolves this problem. I first started getting the "Device not supported" message late last fall. Sometimes restarting my iPad works. Sometimes detaching the keyboard from the iPad, then reconnecting it a few times will work. I have used the iPad Pro/Smart Keyboard setup for work, but the keyboard malfunctioning at key moments has eroded my confidence in using it as a productivity platform...which was one big reasons I bought it in the first place. At this point, and for the first time, I couldn't recommend an Apple product (the smart keyboard) to another.

Did anyone ever find out why your IPad Pro constantly gives you a message "accessory not supported" when you are connect to the apple keyboard? Guess they don't support their own product. You would think that Apple would come up with answers and assist their customers.....Support seems to not care that they have a defect on their keyboard... we will not buy any more of their product for our business

This has been going on for over a year and they still have not answered anyone's questions. They want to sell you product but seem to care less about support. Went to the Apple Store and they say they have never heard of the problem. Everyone I talk with says they have the same problem. Tried all types of resets, cleaned the contacts many times and still the same problem. Seeing over a year of post I have viewed and no response from apple support. Looks like everyone should complain to these class action attorneys nationwide and maybe they will get a resolution or refunds. https://www.lieffcabraser.com/

I tried multiple hard resets, and it did not help. I went to Best Buy and tested my iPad Pro with an available Smart Keyboard and it worked. As much as it annoyed me to purchase another Smart Keyboard, that's what I did since I depend on my Pro + Smart Keyboard set up on a daily basis. So this issue is definitely a hardware problem with the Smart Keyboard "wearing out" or something.

Running IOS 10.3.1. This update has made the Smart Keyboard connection even worse. I now havent been able to connect the keyboard successfully. Hard to believe it is a hardware problem given the coincidence of the IOS update and the, now permanent, connection problem. As other users have experienced, the connection problem has been here for a while, but is now worse. Apple, please help.

I have both the 12.9 and 9.7 iPad Pro. I have the 12.9 Apple Keyboard. It will randomly work with the 12.9, but every time I have connected the 9.7 to it, it has worked. Makes me wonder if there is some sort of issue with the connectors on the 12.9 rather than keyboard issue?

Another earlier post someone said they used a magnet to recharge the magnetic portion and it fixed his problem. Haven't tried it yet. The problem started with mine within 1 month after buying the larger iPad Pro. It seems as time goes by that it gets worse. Everyone has been posting this problem all over the web with no help from Apple. Its not the money just the principal. Just wish they would come up with the fix and stand behind this product. I have always had good response and support for all the other apple product but no response to this particular issue. Middle of last year someone post that they were aware and are coming up with a fix to the problem. That was 8 months ago. I have tried everything but the magnets and voodoo and will try the magnets next. Good luck

When I got this keyboard along with the iPad Pro, I wasn't overly optimistic about its durability. When new It performed better than expected — even though it's not optimal for good typing. I had the Logictech originally (because I wanted a lit keyboard since I work in dark a lot, but I returned that after about a week — I got the extended AppleCare and it covers the keyboard as well.

I don't know why folk are getting in a kerfuffle about this issue. I contacted Support and they are replacing the keyboard. When you think about it, this fairly light and easily detached keyboard is an engineering marvel. Get the AppleCare when you buy this sort of thing and you're covered. When it came out, it was totally new and untested in the public environment. Just insist on your warranty rights. Apple is a big company, replacing your keyboard will not cause it any real distress. Hopefully, they can eventually improve on their innovation.

Yeah, my keyboard wasn't even covered by AppleCare, but because I'd had it for less than a year Apple replaced it for free. **** happens. I guess it would be annoying if I'd had the keyboard for a year and a day, but even then under UK law (and EU law, at least until the UK is out of the EU) I think I could argue my case that Apple should replace the keyboard even if it went back to them outwith the warranty period that they set. Dunno how this would work elsewhere, though.

Ya Jim,

Hard to unnerstand the vicissitudes of warranties these days. Even though it's — admittedly — a premium price the 3 year AppleCare warranty is a must have for me. While I rarely need the warranty itself having 3 years of immediate support — without additional cost — can be a real timesaver.

In this case if you, bought your keyboard WITH your iPad it's covered for the three years of the AppleCare warranty. "Supposedly," the accessories (not sure if Apple only) get the extended coverage of the computer. Over the years, I have had extended areas where I wasn't in need of any coverage — in hindsight — but I'm always glad to pick it up.

Hey All - I booked an appointment to replace my Smart Keyboard and was advised that AppleCare+ does NOT cover the Smart Keyboard, however, they keyboard was covered under a "Quality Program" within Apple. Apparently this issue is fairly widespread and acknowledged by Apple, so if your keyboard is out of warranty, ask about this program to get it replaced.

Apple replaced mine and the new keyboard is working fine so far.

The magnet idea worked, but then the connection is lost again. I contacted Apple support and they said that this is a connection issue of which theyvarr awarr and that there is a repair program whose costs are covered if the device is eligible.

They send you a new keyboard and they refund you when they get the old one or you can get the new one from the store.

I haven't read all of the replies, but I just started having this problem, too. Several times a day.

So this morning I took 2 Q-Tips and some isopropyl alcohol and cleaned the contacts using one Q-Tip each to clean and dry each set of contacts.

Haven't seen that message since.

Something to try.

Dan,

As Mr. Ching pointed out:

Warranty has been extended on the keyboard.

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

Sometimes the fixes work, and then it just gets worse. Best to contact support and request a replacement. Hopefully they can fix this so the newer keyboards last longer than five years…

I don't want to discourage anyone from getting their keyboard replaced but my replacement went anything but smooth. First keyboard replacement caused my iPad to go berserk, flashing different elements on screen. Went back and they gave me a new keyboard AND new iPad. That was worse. The new iPad would get streaks across it and suddenly reboot, sometimes making a screeching sound.

They replaced the "new" iPad and now it's all settled down. But it was three trips to the Apple Store. Lucky for me it's only 20 min away but that's 4-5 hours of my life I won't get back.