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

When I got replacement, I went to store and got similar flap after calling support and them recommending that I go to store, I went outside the store and called support again, after about ten minutes, the phone rep said that they would replace it. I told them I wanted them to tell the store rep and went back inside. It took bait, but I got them to talk to each other and I finally got replacement.

Yes I get the same message, but as soon as I unfold the Keyboard, and set it up in its useable position then I have full access to all its functions, the onscreen keyboard disappears. It only appears to happen when I have the keyboard and cover folded for simple iPad use. is it possible that the extra magnet used to lock the keyboard in its " use" position, also activates the reed switch.

The entire connection system whilst convenient, is still fragile to say the least.

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.

After a few months having this issue (this started around iOS 11 update and I’ve had my Smart Keyboard for about 1.5 year now, it suddenly stopped working and showed “This Accessory Is Not Supported“ most of the time, and now everytime I go to class I will have to try connecting and disconnecting the magnets or the smart connector itself, sometime it worked, most of the time it doesn’t. I guess that, as you said, there is some magnet thing going on detecting whether its on ‘Type stance’ or not.

I don’t have any magnets with me so I just used the connection bar (the one that connects to the iPad) and rubbed it on the keyboard upwards from the number ‘2’ towards the connection point several times (12 times to be precise), then tried reconnecting the iPad again and it worked! Thanks a lot, I thought my Smart Keyboard is done for.

I’m having the same problem, I bought a new keyboard and it works sporadically. An example of this is this very message, I had to type on the ipad until the word keyboard, then it started working!

Very frustrating and the fact I have ended up buying two keyboards makes it worse!

Hi tass and others,

Besides replacing the keyboard or having to deal with the glitches, be sure to update to 11.2

This has fixed an array of issues including keyboard.

Try that - update wired via itunes preferably

Force restart

Connect

Should resolve

If not, I'd definitely ask for an exchange but again, I feel confident it's in need of a good, clean install of an 11.2 sw update

I know this has been reported before, but for the sake of those scrolling through the thread. Here is one of the numerous articles reporting the warranty extension.

Apple will fix busted iPad Pro Smart Keyboards for up to three years | Ars Technica

As I said, I have had 30 replaced for no charge at our local Apple Store in Palo Alto, CA. I have three or four more to bring in for repair. If upgrading to 11.2 does not work, make an appointment at the Genius Bar and have them swap it out.

We have had some students with a dirty Smart Connector. A quick cleaning did the trick, but most issues for us are a faulty keyboard.

Sometimes a hard restart fixed the issue for a while, but it then came back worse. Sometimes a few weeks, sometimes a month. Could be unrelated and the keyboard physically failed in that time, but the behavior was pretty consistent to plot out when a student came in with a problem.

At the end of the day, I think it is probably shoddy workmanship or poor design. I lean towards some factories using substandard parts, but who knows.

Without going into repetitive detail, I have the same problem as well. Apple tier 2 sr. advisor rebooted the iPad to brand new, that didn't help. Finally he said, disconnect the keyboard and the problem went away. So, it's my keyboard that's the problem, so what do I now do? Will Apple take the keyboard back and replace it? Will this happen with another brand of compatible keyboard?

They should. I haven't had a problem taking the keyboards back and I have brought back many. I work at a school, but we have no special contract with Apple. Apple is pretty crappy with education support, but that is for a different thread. My point is that, we deal with the same process that consumers deal with. The store manager said he knew about extending the warranty from 1 to 3 years.

Although there could be multiple reasons why your particular keyboard doesn't work right, the big issue is a physical one. A keyboard from another company may or may not have this issue. It is not likely the version of iOS you are on or your Smart Connector. However, you do want to rule things out, so upgrading to iOS 11.2 is smart.

We have been using the new Logitech Slim Combo with the Smart Keyboard connector since August and have not had that same issue, so I do not think it is a Smart Connector issue.

For the majority of users, it all points back to a hardware issue with the Apple Smart Keyboard.

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...

I am on my 3rd Apple keyboard... keyboard’s # 1&2 both developed the “this accessory not supported” problem that got worse with time until they would not communicate with my iPad Pro at all. I had to buy #2 because #1 was just out of warranty when it failed. Apple has recognized the issue and now all Apple keyboards have a 3 yr warranty!! Apple phone support did not seem to know about the enhanced warranty, But the genius I dealt with in the Apple store last week confirmed the three-year term and indicated that if I had keyboard #1 I could bring it in and exchange it for a new one. Unfortunately I tossed it…

My recommendation to all with keyboard problems is to get to the Apple sutore and just make the exchange!

Wow am surprised that a device we took the time to pay and accept the cost for malfunctions at this level with no patches, updates, or cost coverage on a new keyboard to appease to their customer base. We rely on these devices to work, am sure the people peddling these when they are looking to buy a boat or house in the Hampton's if the smart devices on something they paid $5-15M they would be pretty ******.

Thanks, I took your advice and was able to get a new keyboard at no costs to me. Unfortunately, Apple is running low on replacement keyboards since the iPad Pro 9.5 is replaced with the newer model. When I went into the store they didn't hesitate to bring me a refurbished keyboard which has been working since I picked it up. However, if this one goes out, I doubt if they'll have a lot of keyboards laying around. The next option when this keyboard goes out is to purchase another brand.

The magnet trick worked for me. I disconnected the Smart Keyboard from my iPad Pro. I took a magnet and rubbed it on the rounded area (tongue) that fits in the groove on the keyboard. The area that lost its magnetic charge was over keys 1 and 2 are. Best of luck.