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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

Oct 7, 2020 3:05 PM in response to GoldensRule3

Unfortunately, the regular magnet didn't work for me, I had to use neodymium magnet.

Shiek67

Level 1

4 points

Nov 10, 2020 12:06 PM in response to mugsymallone

Also having same issue. I am reporting this in hopes that Apple will acknowledge that there is a problem. Apple should do a recall.

Dec 29, 2020 11:52 PM in response to iPodge

Thank you, the magnet trick worked for me, SO relieved, these keyboards are quite pricey!

Hope this gives it another year of work-time at least.

Karlos62

Level 1

4 points

Jan 1, 2021 4:50 AM in response to Dafrommalibu

Agreed!! Is now 2021 and the problem continues.

Karlos62

Level 1

4 points

Jan 1, 2021 4:56 AM in response to Karlos62

All Apple Smart keywords from 2015 onwards must be recalled. Is a design failure all the way

Jan 1, 2021 8:04 AM in response to Karlos62

I was wondering if anyone at Apple has read our posts on this site....does anyone know? I keep hoping that an Apple employee would way in on the problem we all are having with the Apple keyboard.

D_B_H

Level 1

4 points

Jan 3, 2021 6:58 PM in response to mugsymallone

My wife had. This problem with my old iPad Pro. Magnets worked. I use. A gold and cherry keypad on my ipad 11. Much better than any apple. Product you. Can but and. Cheaper

Jan 28, 2021 8:03 AM in response to iPodge

Thank you! I tried your remedy and carefully wiped down the connectors on the device and keyboard. My keyboard works fine now.

Mar 26, 2021 8:04 AM in response to iPodge

Thank you, iPodge! It’s March 2021 and your post has helped fix my keyboard issue! So far so good, the magnets worked and the error has not resurfaced. :). Cheers!