As you take out your Smart Keyboard and try to connect it to your iPad, you find that the iPad throws a weird error saying “This accessory is not supported by this device”.
Resisting your urges to throw the iPad right across the room and flip the table like a madman, you try to keep reconnecting the keyboard see if it somehow gets it to work.
But nope. Same error.
Having been in a similar situation and understanding the fragility of Apple’s shitty products, in this guide, I’ll show you a few ways that you can try and fix when your iPad or iPad Pro’s Smart Keyboard shows the “This accessory is not supported by this device” error.
Let’s dive right in.
iPad Pro Smart Keyboard Says “This accessory is not supported by this device”: 6 Ways
1. Firstly, Check if your iPad is Updated.
It’s important to keep your iPad updated regularly. All it takes is just going into the Settings and then General and then Software Update to check if there are any new updates waiting for to be downloaded.
Keyboard Service Program for MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro Keyboard Service Program for MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro. Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider will. Eligible Models. To identify your computer's model and to see if it is eligible for this program, choose Apple. MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2020) MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018 - 2019) MacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2015 - 2017). With the keyboard attached but not in the support guttering get a small magnet and rub it just above the 1 and 2 keys on the keyboard. If you are in an application that is waiting for input the onscreen keyboard will dissapear meaning that the physical keyboard is ready for typing.
You can actually have a look at Apple’s page regarding what’s new with each new update. More often than not, updates are rolled out to fix certain bugs and issues especially like when your iPad Pro’s Smart Keyboard says “This accessory is not supported by this device”.
Update and try once again. If there is no update or if the update did not fix the issue, keep reading.
2. Turn Off and On your iPad.
Another little go-to method is to simply restart your iPad by turning it off and then back on again. You may or may not have done this already.
Just got your iPad and don’t know how to restart the iPad?
Here’s how:
Step 1: Firstly remove your keyboard from your iPad. Then go ahead press and hold down on the On/Off/Sleep button that is located to the top right-hand corner of your iPad.
Step 2: Next, keep holding the button down until you see the “Slide to Power Off” screen on the iPad.
Step 3: Just move the Slide to power off slider all the way to the right to turn the iPad off.
Step 4: Finally, you should see a small, spinning wheel right at the center of your iPad’s screen before it shuts down. You can proceed to press the On/Off/Sleep button once again to turn it back on.
Done! You can try testing the iPad once again to see if the Smart Keyboard keeps showing the “This accessory is not supported by this device” error.
3. The Switch.
Apple Keyboard On Sale
One of the ways that I have managed to fix this little issue is by following the advice that was posted by a user named iPodge in the Apple Support Community.
To sum it up in a few lines: There is this little switch somewhere inside located in the top part of the keyboard. Basically, when you try to snap the keyboard together ready for typing, a magnet on the opposing face is what triggers the switch. So the problem lies with the switch and its magnet where it has lost its magnetic strength.
Now the big question is “how do you fix it”? Roxio burning software.
Well, try getting a magnet and then rubbing it against the top part of the keyboard (where the switch lies). The magnetic “strength” or flux can be restored and activate the switch to work which allows you to pair up and support the keyboard.
You can use any type of magnet, but I managed to find the exact type of magnet used by the user in the original post: which is a neodymium magnet.
4. Keeping the Smart Connector Clean & Connected.
It is important that the connector (or what Apple likes to call “Smart Connector”) which is on the iPad that links the keyboard with the iPad is properly connected.
Also make sure that there is no unwanted stuff (dirt, debris, lint, paper etc.) left stuck covering the connection pins. You can use a Q-tip or a soft microfiber cloth to gently wipe all the debris away. You can also try using a gently blowing air directly into the connectors to remove the debris.
5. Force Reset your iPad.
Apple Keyboard Support Case
Force reset is completely different from how you normally restart your iPad by turning it off and back on again.
Note
You will not lose any of your data by doing a force reset.
Here’s how you force reset your iPad:
If your iPad does not have a Home button.
Step 1: Press and release the Volume Up button.
Step 2: Good. Now press and release the Volume Down button.
Step 3: Finally, press and hold down the Power button until your iPad restarts.
If your iPad has a Home button.
Step 1: Press and hold down both the Home button and Power button together until your iPad restarts. Done!
Now that you’ve force-reset your iPad, you can try once again to see if the iPad keeps saying “This accessory is not supported by this device” when connected with the Smart Keyboard. Does apple have paint.
6. Reach out to Apple.
If nothing in this guide has helped to fix the issue, then you can always choose to contact Apple directly and let them know what’s the issue. You can also choose to pay a visit to your nearest Apple Service Center to see if they fix it, especially if your device is still under warranty or Apple Care.
Apple Keyboard For Pc
Apple has various warranty programs that many may not know until you actually get to visit them such as the Quality Program or the Repair Program where Apple even services the iPad Pro Smart Keyboard for up to three years.
You can also check out the comments posted below by our amazing readers and find out what has worked for them and what hasn’t.
Don’t forget to share this post!
Update to iOS 14
Add widgets to your Home Screen, automatically organize your apps, and have even more fun with Messages.
Keyboard For Apple Ipad
Trade in with Apple
Turn an eligible device into credit towards a new one, or recycle it for free. Apple Trade In is good for you and the planet.
Get Support
Choose a product and we’ll find you the best solution.
Service and support from Apple experts
AppleCare products provide additional hardware service options and expert technical support from Apple.
Learn about AppleCare plansBeware of counterfeit parts
Some counterfeit and third party power adapters and batteries may not be designed properly and could result in safety issues. To ensure you receive a genuine Apple battery during a battery replacement, we recommend visiting an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. If you need a replacement adapter to charge your Apple device, we recommend getting an Apple power adapter.
Also non-genuine replacement displays may have compromised visual quality and may fail to work correctly. Apple-certified screen repairs are performed by trusted experts who use genuine Apple parts.