Ipad pro 10.5 smart keyboard not working

I have verified this bug to be true, it is consistent and repeatable - whenever you must log in to a WiFi network, even if the Smart Keyboard is removed from the iPad and the login is accomplished with the on-screen keyboard, the Smart Keyboard then mated with the iPad 10.5, for some reason, in iOS 11 through 11.2.5, the Smart Keyboard will become disabled, requiring a restart to be recognized again.

I don’t believe this is a hardware issue, I have been given two replacement keyboards, a replacement iPad and have done a restore as new. The issue always returns as described, log in to WiFi network, the Smart Keyboard is disabled.

Most posters about the issue have not noted the conditions causing the disabling of their keyboards, but I would guess this to be consistent.

How do we escalate this to Apple software engineering?

I, for one, need to log in to several WiFi networks in a day and must waste valuable time restarting the iPad 10.5 after each login to be able to use my Smart Keyboard.

This bug may also be occurring with the larger iPad Pro, and it would be interesting to note if this occurs with any non-Apple keyboards that may use the hardware connect point.

You might be on to something. I’ve been experiencing Smart Keyboard connection issues recently too. It would just stop working. But today I’ve noticed it seems to be related to connection dropouts on the work WiFi. Keyboard works ok. WiFi requires reconnection (for no obvious reason), and then keyboard drops out. Sounds lIke an iOS error.

I am having the same problem just now. My keyboard is brand new. I am connected to a bus wifi, plus cellular. The keyboard keeps disconnecting from time to time, and it seems related to the wifi connection.

Yes, the problem arises on my iPad 10.5-inch as well. It happens when I turn on the iPad and then connect to a wifi network. Before connecting to the wifi network, the keyboard works fine. After I connect, the keyboard stops responding to keystrokes, although the iPad does recognize that the keyboard is connected. Seems like it must be some sort of software issue. Apple should fix it!

i am having the same issue. i think is related to the OS11 update. used to work ok prior to this. apple has not seemed to acknowledge this is a new problem they created recently. it works fine as long as i am not connected to a wifi network.

To be clear, J A Bohrer’s comment describes my experience precisely. (In fact, I had to restart my iPad Pro 10.5 after joining a wifi network, exactly as described above, in order to write this comment using my Smart Keyboard.) I haven’t tried replacing my keyboard or iPad, but have no reason to think that would solve the problem. Apple’s software engineers need to address this issue immediately — it’s very frustrating.

I have found a workaround:

Whenever your keyboard becomes dysfunctional following a WiFi login. Simply fold and close the keyboard into the full cover position over the screen. When you then set it back up to the typing position, your keyboard should be in normal working mode.

Advise if this works for you. ...J

Hello J A Bohrer, I have a 12" iPad Pro with tsmart keyboard, and I have been struggling with exact the same problem that you described. However, I found your workaround does not work for me. I am still looking for a solution....

I noticed this happening only when I connect to a WiFi that requires some form of authentication or acknowledgement. It has happened at several Marriott properties in the last year, including just this past week - where I put in my room # and name, I get connected to the hotels network, and then the keyboard stops working immediately.

A few months ago the same thing occurred while staying at an RV park. I connected to the parks WiFi front page, put in the password I was provided, made the connection, and the keyboard stopped working.

FWIW - they keyboard always works on my home WiFi.

J A Bohrer,

I am running into the same issue. I believed it was a glitch with the keyboard, but all of my issues requiring a restart occurred after syncining up with the Starbucks and/or work WiFi networks. I hope they resolve this soon as it is a major annoyance.

Yes, Mitchlakind, That is the exact behavior I have run into every time. It only occurs when I must enter a ‘login’, such as you mention in hotels or stores.

But I have never had it happen on a truly ‘open’ network where once the network is selected, the WiFi is simply available without entering a ‘permission’ (email, name and room number, etc.) OR if I return to a place that it automatically logs in, such as my home WiFi.

If I must log in, my keyboard no longer functions until I unfold and close my keyboard into the ‘magnetically closed’ or screen protective or ‘travel’ position and reopen it, or restart my iPad.

Kiefer9, Does folding and ‘closing’ the keyboard over the screen do the same as restarting your iPad?

Apple replaced my keyboard twice before I realized, as you have, that I don’t think it‘s the keyboard itself.

Balala, I am sorry to hear that it may be a different issue with the 12” iPad Pro.

Does it require a restart to bring your keyboard back to action?

Have you tried the workaround with more than one WiFi network requiring a login?

Is that when the keyboard stops functioning (following login)?

And are you sure that you have completely folded the keyboard into the closed and covered position where you feel the magnetic structure keeping it closed against the screen?

Please advise.

Hi All,

I have discovered a new and quicker work-around for returning your Smart Keyboard to functioning status following a WiFi login disable...

I had found that closing the keyboard cover after logging in to a new WiFi source would return the keyboard to service.

I have presented these findings to Apple Support in an ongoing effort to escalate the problem to the Apple software engineers to solve. I will present more information as the effort to solve this enigma continues.

...J

Thanks for the tip. I actually just froze again as I was trying to respond to you so I tried it and it work.