Smart Keyboard not working since ios11.

Same issue for me. I have not found a solution, but narrowed down a possible cause. Since upgrading to iOS11, I find that the keyboard on my 9.7” Pro will stop working if you make changes to the WiFi connection while the keyboard is connected. If you “ForgetThis Network” or Connect to a new WiFi, or turn WiFi off, the keyboard stops working. The only resolution is to restart the iPad. Annoying.

I had this problem with a prior iPad Pro and keyboard, searched all the boards, read all the strings. The only fix was a new keyboard (Apple did replace it). I’m now having the same problem with the replacement and it’s the exact same pattern. Starts off erring only occasionally, becomes more frequent until its eventually unusable. It’s definately an issue w/ the keyboard. Unfortunately I’m getting ready to call Apple to replace this one...I hope they do.

I find that disconnecting the keyboard, reconnecting and then holding command - tab gets it to work. Some times two or three tries. Then if it still won’t work I restart the iPad and try connecting the keyboard.

I've been having the same issue since I got the new iPad and smart keyboard Christmas Day. I tried all of the so called simple fixes that you find on YouTube and such but none of them were working. Since I was off work for a week I ended up taking it the the Apple Store. They tried to be helpful but all they could do was look up threads like this and offered no solution. First time they simply gave me a new keyboard and it worked for part of the day. Then it stopped all together working. Second time they ended up giving me a new iPad with 10.2 version of iOS. It's been working since then. I'm hoping to hold out until Apple sends out a bug fix because I really do like the keyboard not holding my breath. I would like to upgrad to iOS 11 I did like some of the features on my first ipad but again not holding my breath.

My Smart Keyboard doesn’t pair with my iPad Pro using Bluetooth. It connects via the hardware connector on the iPad Pro. There is no pairing process. It just connects and is held in place by magnets. Its unclear to me what Bluetooth has to do with Smart Keyboards.

After putting up with a Smart Keyboard that worked only half the time mine finally conked out (ie accessory not supported was coming up on my iPad screen every 10 seconds) and I finally hauled myself to the Genius Bar, which I should’ve done ages ago as it turns out that Apple is aware of a fault with these keyboards and have extended the warranty on them to three years. So I was given a replacement keyboard (which probably won’t last that long either). Just look up “Apple Smart Keyboard” and “fault” online for more info.

I’ve had the same issue but found that by holding the iPad slightly forward of the type position it would work fine, i.e i’m typing now with iPad 1cm forward from the resting “type” position. As soon as i let the iPad go to full type position its defaults to screen keyboard. Hard to think that’s a hardware issue....

Today I contacted Apple Support and they’re sending me a replacement keyboard. However, the doubt between whether it is a hardware or software problem continues and I’m fairly sure that there are issues with BOTH, which will be confusing Apple in trying to work out a fix.

Why am I so sure? Well, after my contact with Apple Support this afternoon, I was thinking a bit more about something I told them ... which is, that I had noticed that the 3 contacts on the keyboard are not level, whereas the contact points on the iPad appear to be perfectly aligned/level. So that could be a manufacturing error which causes the problem ... although I have no way of knowing whether it is normal or not.

Anyway ... aside from that.

Normally I get my keyboard to work, by rocking the iPad forward, until it’s almost flat/parallel with the keyboard, then rocking it back into its normal position. Usually this works at first attempt and I can use the keyboard, although sometimes it can take several goes to get it to ‘stick’, so that it remains connected and the software keyboard is not visible.

This evening I had a thought ... what if the iPad just needs to be more vertical? So, I placed a 1cm high object underneath the ‘triangle’ at the back of the iPad. IOW, that part of the keyboard that is folded into a triangle. So now it is raised up about 1cm at the back. I have found that I can now move/slide the ensemble on my desk and the keyboard remains connected.

So this tells me that it is indeed, in my case, a hardware issue. I do think though, that there is perhaps a software issue too.

Putting my iPad Pro in the iOS 11.1 public beta stream completely fixed the issue.

Hello all - took my keyboard in to Apple, and they gave me a new one under warranty.

Best solution.

Restarting in the type position helped me. Hopefully I will not have to do that often.

Someone said to update newest version to 11.3 and that fixed it finally. Worked for me, Hallelujah!

Hello Everyone,

I’ve had the same issue and have been completely frustrated in the process. I‘ve called apple support and got a replacement. (From what I found on line this has been an issue, and apple has added time for the warranty on the smart keyboard. Mine was beyond 12 months and they replaced)

I’m now having the problem again. But I think I accidentally stumbled on a solution ( at least it worked on mine)

Its the WiFi. Connected to home WiFi or cellular I’m good. Public WiFi Smart keyboard will not work.

Hope this helps

Chris

Ok, I have repeatable bug steps, Apple.

1. Go to Starbucks 😉

2. Set up Smart Keyboard, type. The keyboard works.

3. Connect to Starbucks WiFi through the splash screen.

4. Try to type again. The keyboard doesn’t work.

5. Turn on airplane mode to disconnect from WiFi. Turn it on to attach to Starbucks WiFi without splash screen. The keyboard doesn’t work.

6. Turn on airplane mode to disconnect from WiFi. Open Safari to get pop up message to connect to WiFi. Click “Settings”. Turn off airplane mode. Keyboard works.

This works every time, Apple. Now fix it! Make your keyboard smart again!