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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.

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386 replies

MBHovis

Level 1

4 points

Sep 8, 2019 10:41 AM in response to jim0203

Thanks. Worked for me!

Sep 14, 2019 11:56 AM in response to MBHovis

Update: The magnet trick stopped working. So I finally gave up and bought the Logitech keyboard case. It is a far superior product.

brady50

Level 1

8 points

Nov 14, 2019 5:09 PM in response to brady50

After about an hour or so the smart board quit working again and the irritating "This accessory is not supported by this device" error message popped up again.....so much for ‘Reset All Settings’

brady50

Level 1

8 points

Nov 14, 2019 6:18 PM in response to brady50

Then an hour later the Smart Keyboard works again. Who can figure this out?

Dec 31, 2019 6:23 PM in response to mugsymallone

I have been having trouble with exactly this problem. Did the magnet ‘thing’ and got immediate results. Hope it lasts. Thanks a whole bunch.

Jan 4, 2020 6:35 PM in response to iPodge

Two years later and your answer just helped again! This issue was bugging me so much - now fixed thanks to your suggestion.

brady50

Level 1

8 points

Jan 7, 2020 10:45 AM in response to flash7gordon

My keyboard is still not working.

Bkm913

Level 1

8 points

Jan 12, 2020 3:45 PM in response to mugsymallone

I have a iPad and I have the problem too but it started when I transitioned from iOS 12 to 13. I contacted Apple but that didn’t help.

Bkm913

Level 1

8 points

Jan 12, 2020 3:46 PM in response to flash7gordon

Yeah it is really nice and it is annoying that it isn’t working.

Jan 14, 2020 4:22 AM in response to iPodge

This works indeed. Well done for figuring out the solution!

Victor_P

Level 1

4 points

Jan 27, 2020 7:13 PM in response to mugsymallone

Tried all the fixes with no luck, my Smart Keyboard is now useless. No Apple support, no fix insight. Just bought a Logitech keyboard from Amazon, I’m officially done with this accessory.

Feb 3, 2020 2:36 AM in response to mugsymallone

Same issue at 2019

Feb 25, 2020 9:16 AM in response to JRBdysart

I have taken to using my hand to swipe the contact area of the ipad and the keyboard. Might work for you. It does for me and I have to do it quite frequently! Try it as it might work for you.

Mar 17, 2020 5:33 PM in response to dizash

I have also had this problem over many many months. Nothing seems to work. Apple needs to address this problem. It’s especially bad that it involves Apple produced products

Mar 26, 2020 7:46 PM in response to acarruthers

Tried it today and seems to be working. Hope it continues. Thanks for the tip.

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