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

I had this problem too and it was driving me crazy. Then I read iPodge’s advice about re-magnetizing the connectors between the iPad and the keyboard. So I got a simple fridge magnet - the soft rubbery kind - and rubbed it against the iPad connectors and the keyboard connectors. I was amazed, it worked and now I don’t have any more problems. No need to go find some sophisticated magnet - it seems any old magnet will do. It’s a bizarre fix but seems to work. Thanks iPodge.

Good comments. I looked at the gutter above the 1 an 2 on the keyboard and found some debris. Thus, I removed the debris and now it works fine. Even a small distance cecreased the magnetic field greatly. I will remagnetize it if necessary, but for now it is fine.

My iPad Pro 10.5 showed all the above symptoms and after 17 months totally failed. I am convinced it is a hardware problem. At a service agent he could not get it to work on a new iPad.

Purchased a new keyboard and it worked instantly. I have a photo of the old keyboard taken near the 3 connectors and it shows definite signs of a ribbon connector and a bubbling of the plastic. New keyboard has no such signs. Looks like the ribbon connector has failed.

I am convinced wear from opening and shutting the cover has caused this, so I have bought a non keyboard cover to use when I don’t need the keyboard.

I see that Apple has extended the warranty to 3 years for 9.7 and 12 inch keyboards. When I rang Apple service they would not do the same for my 10.5. I think that’s really poor as I believe it’s the same fault.

I have this problem as well. I think it’s a connectivity issue at the prongs that may be excaserbated by low voltage/battery. My solution has been to leave the iPad and keyboard connected on a flat surface as it charges fully. The keyboard takes it’s power from the IPad and I believe that power transfer is lost if the IPad gets too low.

I came across this solution purely by accident. I noticed that when I left it plugged in at the desk the Smart Keyboard would start working suddenly. Hope this helps. Also, bendgate. :)

iPodge got the answer above. I am on my second Smart Keyboard now in 2 years. There is a magnetic switch in the channel where the iPad sits in the typing position. He observed the switch above the 1 and 2 keys but on my keyboard the switch is above the + and delete keys at the furthest most right of the channel. However this was not the issue with my keyboard but it helped in identifying exactly what the issue is. Where the keyboard connects to the keyboard there will most likely be a ribbon cable in the centre. This over time must be weakening with the constant open/close of the keyboard and causing an open circuit. With the keyboard and iPad connected together and laying flat I can make the magnetic switch with pen magnet tool. This causes the on screen keyboard to disappear and activate your Smart Keyboard. I can then press around the centre of the keyboard/iPad connection area with my finger where the ribbon cable will be and cause the keyboard to disconnect ie open circuit the ribbon cable.

its just mechanical failure folks. Apple probably put this down to fair wear and tear, but you would expect it to last a bit longer than 12 months!

Hi all - I was frustrated with this same issue for years. The magnet trick works, but you have to use a Neodymium Magnet. Your run-of-the-mill kitchen magnet won't do.

This video was helpful in finding one around the house: https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=aCfwBj_ijaU

(just mute the terrible music).

I found one by dissecting an old bluetooth earbud.

Hi @GoldensRule3,

I would imagine any magnet would work; it doesn't have to have the strength of a neodymium.

I think someone posted that they used a regular refrigerator magnet and it worked just fine.

It's so nice to be able to reattach my keyboard in the morning and not have that message pop up!

just returned from the Genius Bar. Keyboard replaced. No questions asked.

Nit happy to hear your still having a problem, I was

Hoping it works better then the last version.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204204

Replaced keyboard with a new one... and PRESTO! Works like a charm!

I called Apple yesterday. They are replacing my keyboard under warranty even though it is 2 years old. Try calling them.

That works! My switch is around the 2-3 keys (9.7" iPad Pro, first gen) and works like a charm just by running a small neodymium magnet in the support gutter. Brilliant. Stack mags for the win! Actually, iPodge for the win! lol

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.

Thanks for this! I've had this issue for a couple years and just got fed up enough to search for a solution. Your tip did the trick. One addition. On my keyboard the magnetic couplers in the trough above the keys alternate in polarity. My circular magnet will stand on edge between them then flip as it moves laterally. That last (left hand) slot which is above the 1 and 2 keys on your keyboard (it's actually above the tilde on mine) seems to have the switch in the trough that matches a magnet in the mating bar. The point is only that you wouldn't want to repeatedly rub a magnet all the way across the mating piece, lest you risk further reducing the flux of the magnets with opposite polarity. But placing a strong magnet against the magnet in the mating bar above the switch, and leaving it there for a bit, seems to have worked.

Thanks so much for posting.

I had the same issue with 128GB 12.9" iPad getting error message of " This accessory is not supported by this device" for last few months.

I bought the smartkeyboard along with Apple Pen when I purchased the iPad Pro January 2016 from a retailer in Sydney Australia.

It has been randomly worked and frustrating to type with the keyboard.

When I saw the posting of Apple's 3 years warranty offer (1year standard and 2 year extended warranty for Smartkeyboard from 2015), I called Apple support to check if the extended warranty is available in Australia. but Applecare didn't answer the question but ask me to bring it to Genius bar.

After booking the Genius Bar, I took my iPad Pro and Smartkeyboard along with the original case this afternoon. The guy at the Genius bar didn't ask anything but checked if the Smartkeyboard is working without any issue. When he saw the keyboard is not working as intended, he replaced it with a brand new Smartkeyborad straight away.

The whole process was hassle free quick and simple service. Even my keyboard is more than 19months old, they didn't asked but checked the serial number then replaced it with a brand new one at the store.

So don't be bothered fixing by yourself but take it to Apple Genius bar no matter how old the Smartkeyboard is.

Cheers,

Ed