"This accessory is not supported by this iPhone" error when using lightning to 3.5mm adapter. iPhone 7, iOS 10.3.2

1st thing to check is the Lightning port and clean any debris you find (they are pocket lint magnets). If your iPhone adapter still does not work it is probably defective, exchange it. As to your new adapter, is it Made for iPhone certified.

The Lighting Port is clean/clear, it's a new phone. The adaptor that came in the box with the phone got the same response, you hear sound through the ear pods for a few minutes then the message comes on the screen and it goes silent. If you unplug the ear pods and plug them back in and start the sound file again, you hear sound in the pods until 2-3 minutes pass and the same message appears. This is not a physical disconnection issue I believe, it's a software problem because of the start-stop of the sound in the ear pods.

Tyerc - Looking at the adapters I have pictured in this thread, does the adapter that came with your new iPhone look like the longer or shorter adapter? Also, does it specify if it's Apple certified on the cable? (Kind of hard to read as its in light gray lettering on a white cord, and very small print)

Yes I am. First thing necessary is to diagnose the problem. If there is a software bug that is making the Apple adapter not work then it would be impacting every iPhone that has been sold that has one. I think that might even attract interest from mass media.

Take a look at the reviews of adapters on Amazon.com. Products rated 5 stars by HUNDREDS of reviewers are starting to be returned as "defective," just since February 2018. I've just had 3 different 5-star after-market designs go "bad" - but the brand new Apple-Issued adapters I just bought form Best Buy work just fine. Is this a legitimate software BUG? Or, is Apple attempting to intentionally block use of "non-certified" 3rd party adapters? APPLE - PLEASE BRING BACK THE 3.5mm HEADPHONE JACK! Have you forgotten that millions of your iPhone users were first (before smart-phones) religious iPod users? I use my iPhone for music EVERY SINGLE DAY, and this adapter mania is a terrible MISTAKE!

1. Some iPhone users are using Bluetooth devices so every phone user may not be having the problem.

2. A number of people who have posted here are having the problem, the same problem. I don’t think they are making it up.

3. If I could go back to a mini plug I would.

4. If its a hardware/ software issue then Apple needs to identify the devices and see if there is a similarity in where or when they were made, or both.

I’ve owned many iPhones and never had this problem of course the change to how the ear pods connect is new thus the design change is a new variable.

1. I use both. My adapter has always worked.

2. How many people have actually posted here? And what percentage would that be of all iPhone owners with no miniplug?

3. There are phones out there that still use the miniplug but they are dwindling fast. Don't delay.

4. For Apple to identify the devices you have to provide it to them. I don't know anyone currently who is having the problem you are which would make it much more logical to assume it is a problem with your iPhone/adapter/headphones and not a software or global hardware issue.

Why or why did Apple eliminate the 3.5mm connector. It’s giving me nothing but trouble. I’m just trying to listen to music on my tried and true favorite headphones. But according to the support person, I have to waste hours backing up and restoring my phone (and I’d wager it still won’t work). Any other solution suggestions out there? Just want to plug in headphones!

Get a flashlight and check the Lightning port on your iPhone and carefully clean it with a toothpick. Also check the headphone jack on the adapter and do the same.

If you still get an accessory error message then replace your adapter, it is defective.

Not only is it not coming back on iPhones it is disappearing from other smartphones. Not much electricity used on Bluetooth headphones or speakers. There are 161+ companies that offer Made for iPhone (MFi) certified adapters. I would say that is pretty inclusive.

I have cleaned the port and the connections for TWO adapters. One is apple brand, the other is not. The Apple branded one came int he original box and was just opened for the first time in November (when I got the phone). The non-Apple branded one just came in the mail about a month ago and used for the first time yesterday. I never had an issue with the Apple branded one, I just bought a 2nd adapter to keep at work in case something happened to the one that I keep in my headphone case. I have never had an issue until this week. While I often use my headphones connected with the bluetooth, when the battery dies and I'm still wanting to use them, I connect using the cord. How is it possible that both of my adapters are not working at the same time? Seems a little more complex than "buy a new adapter" or "clean the adapter and port".

Certainly with this number of people describing the exact problem, Apple knows we all don’t have dirty connectors. We all dont have faulty lighting connectors. Apple is not addressing a very troubling flaw.

If there isnt a fix...they should tell us there is no fix. I have several devices, my Goldwing audio and my NordicTrack freestride trainer Where I have tried many converters...Apple and other that only works for a minute then it stops.

Tried a 3.5 mm & lighting adapter on 2 separate phones with same issue that reports incompatible after 2 mins. It is amazing that Apple doesn’t respond to any comments. I guess they think they are so necessary they are above helping their customers.

If you read the Terms of Use you agreed to coming here you would know that this is a user-to-user technical support site operated by Apple, so it isn't really amazing at all.

If this is an Apple adapter it appears it has failed, exchange it with Apple.