Using a smart keyboard with our iPads helps us all get the most out of the device. So when your iPad’s Smart Keyboard is not working anymore, it’s frustrating!
Some users reported challenges working with their Smart keyboard and iPadOS.When you connect an external keyboard to the iPad, the iPad only shows the on-screen keyboard or worse, the entire display goes black and shows a spinning circle.
In the latter case, the keyboard is pretty much non-functional after that.
A different, but a similar problem is around using Smart Keyboard and iPad following an iPadOS update is the message ‘This accessory is not supported’ and the inability to switch off the on-screen keyboard in an app.
In this post, we explore these three common issues when it comes to using your Smart Keyboard with your iPad and provide tips that help you address these issues.
iPad Display Shows black screen and gets stuck when connecting a smart keyboard
This problem is relatively common when attaching third-party keyboards (even Apple’s smart keyboard) following an iOS / iPadOS update.
iPad Black Screen with Smart Keyboard after iPadOS update
If you use any other type of case or covering, remove these first
Check that nothing is covering the Smart Connector pins on the keyboard AND the Smart Connector on the iPad
Before attaching the external keyboard to the iPad, open up an app such as Notes and bring up the on-screen keyboard. Once the on-screen keyboard displays on the screen, attach the external keyboard to your iPad. For some users, this disables the problem of a black screen and the spinning circle on your iPad’s display
Many of the initial hiccups following an iOS update can be handled via Reset function on your iPad
Tap on Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings
Choosing to Reset All Settings shouldn’t delete any content from your device.
Reboot your iPad
The Reset All followed by the reboot action should fix this issue for you, and your external smart keyboard should not have any problems connecting to your iPad running iPadOS.
How to enable or disable the on-screen keyboard on iPad
Currently, we need to use the on-screen keyboard instead of the Smart Keyboard to do accented characters, use dictation, and other less common things.
Many users encounter another usage issue with their Smart Keyboards. Once the smart keyboard successfully connects to the iPad Pro, they cannot use it as the on-screen keyboard on the iPad Display keeps popping up.
This issue is not limited to iPadOS. We have seen this issue in iOS 12.x versions as well.
First, make sure of the following:
Make sure that your iPad and keyboard are in the Type position–seat your iPad in the groove above the number keys
Remove and the Smart Keyboard from your iPad. Restart your iPad. And finally, reconnect the keyboard
How to show the on-screen keyboard when Smart Keyboard is connected
It’s important to note that while your external keyboard is connected, you can still bring up the on-screen keyboard on your iPad.
To show the on-screen keyboard when Smart Keyboard is connected
Tap the down arrow key on your Smart Keyboard
Then, press and hold the on-screen arrow until the software keyboard appears
Toggle the downward arrow a few times and see if it solves your issue otherwise, you may have to try and Reset All Settings as shown above.
To hide the keyboard again, tap the keyboard symbol in the lower-right corner.
Bring up your iPad’s virtual keyboard when a Bluetooth keyboard is already connected
If you use an Apple-branded Bluetooth Keyboard designed for Macs with your iPad, you can also use the eject button to show or hide the on-screen virtual keyboard.
Or disconnect Bluetooth keyboards temporarily to open the on-screen keyboard
Open your Bluetooth settings from Control Center and disconnect the keyboard. Using control center is a lot quicker than unpairing the keyboard–and it’s easy to re-pair too!
This Accessory not supported message on iPad
Following the iOS/iPadOS update, do you see a message that says ‘accessory not supported’ when connecting and using your smart keyboard?
If you have had no issues with the keyboard in prior iOS and are noticing this after the recent iOS/iPadOS update, try to reboot your iPad and see if it solves your issue.
The other thing that can do is press the CMD button and then the Spacebar and check if the message disappears and it allows you to operate your keyboard.
Look at the connection
The last tip on this issue is to make sure that the connectors between your external keyboard and iPad are clean. Simply use a piece of clean cloth to clean the connectors and then try attaching the smart keyboard to your iPad.
Rubbing a magnet over all the connectors on both the iPad and the iPad Smart Keyboard also appears to help.
Summary
We hope that this short article helped you tackle some of the common Smart Keyboard issues that happen following an iPadOS update.
If your device is still under warranty, it’s always a good idea to contact Apple and have them review your issue. See if you can reproduce the problem when you at right in front of the Apple team member and if so, ask them to replace it.
Please let us know in the comments below if you have a tip that you want to share or if you have questions around other issues with your Smart Keyboard and iPad.
Obsessed with tech since the early arrival of A/UX on Apple, Sudz (SK) is responsible for the original editorial direction of AppleToolBox. He is based out of Los Angeles, CA.
Sudz specializes in covering all things macOS, having reviewed dozens of OS X and macOS developments over the years.
In a former life, Sudz worked helping Fortune 100 companies with their technology and business transformation aspirations.
Have tried all the most common “fixes”, including a full reset. I thought it was the keyboard, but just bought another Smart Keyboard that also does not work. Frustrating.
iPad Smart Keyboard worked great for 2 years then about a month ago started getting ‘not supported’ message. Became more frequent. ‘Fudgging, moving’ the keyboard in several directions I could get it connected if I did not move it. Started researching. Resets and cleaning have not worked. Swiped a ferrite magnet a few times in one direction. Now cannot get it to connect at all, maybe coincidence. Ordered a new keypad. Will be curious if it connects.
I had one last a little over two months before it just stopped working. My 9th gen iPad won’t even connect to it anymore. It has some thin ribbon conductive fibers to provide power and a data connection. I guess folding all the time can break those fibers?? I don’t think the design is very durable. This is the second one I have owned that has just stopped working. Not worth $150 for sure!
I have read several complaints about Apple iPad keyboards failing. I think that the keyboard is not a durable design if you keep attaching and detaching it. Apple uses a conductive fabric ribbon connection in the keyboard that wears out or tears breaking functions. The price of trying to design super thin products. I would not be surprised if these type of keyboards are prone to defects in manufacturing?
Good afternoon, I still have the problem that my Ipad Pro (12.9 inch) does not recognize the smart keyboard. The battery in the iPad has been replaced, so the message “accessory is NOT supported” no longer appears. Another smart keyboard does not connect to the IPad either. If you have a solution, I’d love to hear it. Thanks Roy
Judging by the amount of people having issues with unresponsive keyboards
I believe this is probably a “Quality Issue”? or Software bug ? Apple you need address this as you are at risk of losing valuable long standing customers.
I have had this problem for over a year now. It is both frustrating and annoying.
Apple support staff are totally flummoxed and unable to help…..just give lip
service to the issue. The same applies to your in store staff. We, your loyal Customers deserve a better service considering the vast profits you make from
us. Very disappointing!!
Mine stopped working and I got a “This device not supported error.” What I learned – in my situation – was that the ‘pencil’ I was using with my iPad Pro 9.7 has a magnet at the cap (top end of it). By habit, I always place the pencil on top of the keyboard and the pencil end where the magnet hovers just above keys 1 & 2.
BTW, my pencil is a cheap but good non-Apple product.
Apparently, the pencil magnet affects the magnetic switch behind keys 1 & 2.
My fix: Detach the iPad from the keyboard and reboot. Then reattach it. Never place the pencil on the keyboard again.
Yes you can clean the three pin connectors, but; after a while it stops working completely. The pins wear and cause small indentations in the flat connectors on the iPad. Therefore connection becomes impossible. Some users have tried to raise the pin connectors by exposing the housing on the keyboard flap.
My keyboard works perfectly but when I am writing a letter on Yahoo, I would like to be able to dictate it. I used to be able to do that before I connected the keyboard.
My Smart Keyboard that came with my first generation iPad Airpro 12.9in hasn’t worked since the iOS 12.x update. I have tried all of the recommended maneuvers to no avail.
I need to know what I need to do since my Smart Keyboard isn’t working. I don’t want to spend another 140+ on another one .I have a 12.9 iPad Pro.. not happy
My iPad Pro 2018 Smart Keyboard is not working since the ios 12 update came ………it doesn’t work at all . And shows that my iPad is charging but I have not plugged in ……please tell me a solution for my iPad Smart Keyboard.
Thank you !
I have had the problem with the “accessary not supported” issue forever – I am on my third Smart Keyboard (replaced for free by Apple). I had pretty much given up when I saw the advice about rubbing a magnet on the connectors. Voilá! It worked! Lets see how long it lasts.
How can you, APPLE, with all your very loyal (and deceived) customers let this problem,”This accessory not supported” issue go on for SO long? It is shameful and a slap in the face to honest consumers! Do you realize how utterly annoying this is, APPLE? It pops up everywhere and has absolutely no manners! Watching videos is gruesome….
02/10/2021
I just tried rubbing a magnet over both surfaces….we will see.
Keyboard fixes I have used only work for minutes or while using keyboard or until you disconnect. I don’t believe Apple understands that this is a big issue. This problem keeps the iPad being used as a desktop replacement when space doesn’t allow for you to carry full power notebook. I know I would not of spend the money for (iPad Pro) one without a smart physical protective package. Now my iPad sits at home mostly unused. Instead of being a productive tool.
Smart Keyboard does not connect to iPad Pro 10.5 inch. Tried cleaning contacts. Disconnected and restarted iPadPro. Nothing works. SW keyboard works but touchscreen often hangs up or non-responsive. Again, restart doesn’t fix.
The cloth clean and magnet trick seems to have worked for me -for a keyboard that had not been functioning for a few hours.
(Unless the reset all settings I had tried half an hour before finally kicked in? It didn’t seem to work at the time though)
I’ve got the same problem I originally thought it was the keyboard took it to the store then it appeared it was the iPad after some checks with other keyboards and iPads in the store.
A new iPad under warranty was given and guess what we still have the same problem!
I have had this issue since long that the smart key board is not recognized. I even got the keyboard changed once. THen I got the same issue again.
Now just the other day I started to use an old Apple keyboard with Blutooth. Still using the old smart one as the stand… and voila… the smart keyboard wakes up and works. If I walk away soon the smart keyboard dies again… but when the blutooth one is connected again the smart keyboard again started to work.
So in a summary there ios a bug… a BIG software bug by Apple… or maybe a way to have us buying a new bluetooth keyboard.
Just had the same experience as above. Started using an Amazon basic bluetooth keyboard on top of my nonfunctional Smart Keyboard yesterday, and today the Smart Keyboard works.
Very disappointed and frustrated. 2 weeks ago my keyboard quit communicating with my iPad Pro. I never had any prior issues with this. I tried all the suggestions on Apple posts etc. However, nothing works.
I took it to Apple and they tried a different iPad, not an iPad Pro and the keyboard worked.
They are telling me it’s the iPad Pro and they are sorry.
My warranty ran out 3 months ago and they won’t do anything for me.
From checking all the issues with this on the net you would think they would realize there is an issue with THEIR product and look after that. I hardly ever used the keyboard which is the disappointing part. If I don’t get any help from them I’m sorry there won’t be another iPad.
Same for me, took iPad Pro with Smart Keyboard to Apple store, they said you will have to buy a new one, only 6 months out of warranty, consumer council going to hear about this.
You do not buy a product and only expect 2.5 years out of it.
My Apple products will not be replaced by Apple, plenty of other brands to look at.
It is a poor show when a major company starts ignoring the customer base that has stuck with it since its early struggling days.
The attitude in the Apple store was very arrogant!
Yes, there are currently a lot of issues with using keyboards with iPadOS.
First, check your accessibility setting and see if Full Keyboard Access is toggled on. If so, toggle it off, then restart your iPad.
Some beta testers tried a reset all settings and that solved the problem for many but not all of them.
Reset all settings
* This is usually the last resort since it resets all your personalized features back to factory defaults
* Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All
* This resets to default everything in Settings, including notifications, alerts, brightness, and clock settings like wake up alarms
* Resetting all settings also reverts all your personalized and customized features like wallpapers and accessibility settings back to factory defaults.
* Performing this action does not impact any of your personal device data, including photos, texts, documents, and other files
* You need to reconfigure these settings once your iPhone or iDevice restarts
We encourage you to submit your user experience with the Feedback App that’s included on your device for any beta tester.
My keypad wasn’t working at all. Even the “not supported” message quit popping up. I did a complete reset on my ipad yesterday and it didn’t work, however, I’m happy to say that it started to work today. I don’t know if this made a difference but, I also received the not supported message. I didn’t hit OK and just got out of the app. Likely a coincidence; I don’t know. Hope it keeps working!!
Emily says
The following tip from Elizabeth Jones (August 24, 2019 at 7:43 AM) worked for me:
“…First, check your accessibility setting and see if Full Keyboard Access is toggled on. If so, toggle it off, then restart your iPad.”
Device: iPadPro (9.7-in) 2016
iPadOS Version: 16.3.1
Problem: SmartKeyboard always fails after not used for a while
Tomk says
Have tried all the most common “fixes”, including a full reset. I thought it was the keyboard, but just bought another Smart Keyboard that also does not work. Frustrating.
onlinecline says
iPad Smart Keyboard worked great for 2 years then about a month ago started getting ‘not supported’ message. Became more frequent. ‘Fudgging, moving’ the keyboard in several directions I could get it connected if I did not move it. Started researching. Resets and cleaning have not worked. Swiped a ferrite magnet a few times in one direction. Now cannot get it to connect at all, maybe coincidence. Ordered a new keypad. Will be curious if it connects.
JohnIL says
I had one last a little over two months before it just stopped working. My 9th gen iPad won’t even connect to it anymore. It has some thin ribbon conductive fibers to provide power and a data connection. I guess folding all the time can break those fibers?? I don’t think the design is very durable. This is the second one I have owned that has just stopped working. Not worth $150 for sure!
JohnIL says
I have read several complaints about Apple iPad keyboards failing. I think that the keyboard is not a durable design if you keep attaching and detaching it. Apple uses a conductive fabric ribbon connection in the keyboard that wears out or tears breaking functions. The price of trying to design super thin products. I would not be surprised if these type of keyboards are prone to defects in manufacturing?
Roy Sieberichs says
Good afternoon, I still have the problem that my Ipad Pro (12.9 inch) does not recognize the smart keyboard. The battery in the iPad has been replaced, so the message “accessory is NOT supported” no longer appears. Another smart keyboard does not connect to the IPad either. If you have a solution, I’d love to hear it. Thanks Roy
Patricia Gill says
Judging by the amount of people having issues with unresponsive keyboards
I believe this is probably a “Quality Issue”? or Software bug ? Apple you need address this as you are at risk of losing valuable long standing customers.
I have had this problem for over a year now. It is both frustrating and annoying.
Apple support staff are totally flummoxed and unable to help…..just give lip
service to the issue. The same applies to your in store staff. We, your loyal Customers deserve a better service considering the vast profits you make from
us. Very disappointing!!
Susan Robinson says
My Smart Keyboard is not recognised by my iPad what should I do. I have checked the connection
Ron says
Mine stopped working and I got a “This device not supported error.” What I learned – in my situation – was that the ‘pencil’ I was using with my iPad Pro 9.7 has a magnet at the cap (top end of it). By habit, I always place the pencil on top of the keyboard and the pencil end where the magnet hovers just above keys 1 & 2.
BTW, my pencil is a cheap but good non-Apple product.
Apparently, the pencil magnet affects the magnetic switch behind keys 1 & 2.
My fix: Detach the iPad from the keyboard and reboot. Then reattach it. Never place the pencil on the keyboard again.
KEITH MANATON says
Yes you can clean the three pin connectors, but; after a while it stops working completely. The pins wear and cause small indentations in the flat connectors on the iPad. Therefore connection becomes impossible. Some users have tried to raise the pin connectors by exposing the housing on the keyboard flap.
Lorraine Palamar says
My keyboard works perfectly but when I am writing a letter on Yahoo, I would like to be able to dictate it. I used to be able to do that before I connected the keyboard.
Paul Williams says
My Smart Keyboard that came with my first generation iPad Airpro 12.9in hasn’t worked since the iOS 12.x update. I have tried all of the recommended maneuvers to no avail.
Richard Lanum says
I need to know what I need to do since my Smart Keyboard isn’t working. I don’t want to spend another 140+ on another one .I have a 12.9 iPad Pro.. not happy
Amaira Baweja says
My iPad Pro 2018 Smart Keyboard is not working since the ios 12 update came ………it doesn’t work at all . And shows that my iPad is charging but I have not plugged in ……please tell me a solution for my iPad Smart Keyboard.
Thank you !
Wally MacNaughton says
I have had the problem with the “accessary not supported” issue forever – I am on my third Smart Keyboard (replaced for free by Apple). I had pretty much given up when I saw the advice about rubbing a magnet on the connectors. Voilá! It worked! Lets see how long it lasts.
Reneé says
How can you, APPLE, with all your very loyal (and deceived) customers let this problem,”This accessory not supported” issue go on for SO long? It is shameful and a slap in the face to honest consumers! Do you realize how utterly annoying this is, APPLE? It pops up everywhere and has absolutely no manners! Watching videos is gruesome….
02/10/2021
I just tried rubbing a magnet over both surfaces….we will see.
Tricia says
Sadly this did not work for me.
George C says
Keyboard fixes I have used only work for minutes or while using keyboard or until you disconnect. I don’t believe Apple understands that this is a big issue. This problem keeps the iPad being used as a desktop replacement when space doesn’t allow for you to carry full power notebook. I know I would not of spend the money for (iPad Pro) one without a smart physical protective package. Now my iPad sits at home mostly unused. Instead of being a productive tool.
Mike Waters says
Smart Keyboard does not connect to iPad Pro 10.5 inch. Tried cleaning contacts. Disconnected and restarted iPadPro. Nothing works. SW keyboard works but touchscreen often hangs up or non-responsive. Again, restart doesn’t fix.
Eamon McCann says
The cloth clean and magnet trick seems to have worked for me -for a keyboard that had not been functioning for a few hours.
(Unless the reset all settings I had tried half an hour before finally kicked in? It didn’t seem to work at the time though)
Nancy macey says
New IPAD and Smart Keyboard. keyboard won’t work unless I press each key hard and long. Removed Rebooted etc. happened after update.
Ange says
I’ve got the same problem I originally thought it was the keyboard took it to the store then it appeared it was the iPad after some checks with other keyboards and iPads in the store.
A new iPad under warranty was given and guess what we still have the same problem!
Mrs White says
Although the batteries in my smart keyboard for my ipad 2 air are ok my keyboard won’t turn on. ie no green light appears on the keyboard.
Anders says
Hi,
I have had this issue since long that the smart key board is not recognized. I even got the keyboard changed once. THen I got the same issue again.
Now just the other day I started to use an old Apple keyboard with Blutooth. Still using the old smart one as the stand… and voila… the smart keyboard wakes up and works. If I walk away soon the smart keyboard dies again… but when the blutooth one is connected again the smart keyboard again started to work.
So in a summary there ios a bug… a BIG software bug by Apple… or maybe a way to have us buying a new bluetooth keyboard.
Linda I says
Just had the same experience as above. Started using an Amazon basic bluetooth keyboard on top of my nonfunctional Smart Keyboard yesterday, and today the Smart Keyboard works.
Lloyd Friedel says
Very disappointed and frustrated. 2 weeks ago my keyboard quit communicating with my iPad Pro. I never had any prior issues with this. I tried all the suggestions on Apple posts etc. However, nothing works.
I took it to Apple and they tried a different iPad, not an iPad Pro and the keyboard worked.
They are telling me it’s the iPad Pro and they are sorry.
My warranty ran out 3 months ago and they won’t do anything for me.
From checking all the issues with this on the net you would think they would realize there is an issue with THEIR product and look after that. I hardly ever used the keyboard which is the disappointing part. If I don’t get any help from them I’m sorry there won’t be another iPad.
Chris Darby says
Same for me, took iPad Pro with Smart Keyboard to Apple store, they said you will have to buy a new one, only 6 months out of warranty, consumer council going to hear about this.
You do not buy a product and only expect 2.5 years out of it.
My Apple products will not be replaced by Apple, plenty of other brands to look at.
It is a poor show when a major company starts ignoring the customer base that has stuck with it since its early struggling days.
The attitude in the Apple store was very arrogant!
Peter Maddison says
My Smart and Magic keyboards do not function on iPad os in that the there are keys not showing on screen like others. Any suggestions?
Elizabeth Jones says
Hi Peter,
Yes, there are currently a lot of issues with using keyboards with iPadOS.
First, check your accessibility setting and see if Full Keyboard Access is toggled on. If so, toggle it off, then restart your iPad.
Some beta testers tried a reset all settings and that solved the problem for many but not all of them.
Reset all settings
* This is usually the last resort since it resets all your personalized features back to factory defaults
* Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All
* This resets to default everything in Settings, including notifications, alerts, brightness, and clock settings like wake up alarms
* Resetting all settings also reverts all your personalized and customized features like wallpapers and accessibility settings back to factory defaults.
* Performing this action does not impact any of your personal device data, including photos, texts, documents, and other files
* You need to reconfigure these settings once your iPhone or iDevice restarts
We encourage you to submit your user experience with the Feedback App that’s included on your device for any beta tester.
Liz
CST says
Tried doing factory reset. My folio keypad still doesn’t work.
CST says
My keypad wasn’t working at all. Even the “not supported” message quit popping up. I did a complete reset on my ipad yesterday and it didn’t work, however, I’m happy to say that it started to work today. I don’t know if this made a difference but, I also received the not supported message. I didn’t hit OK and just got out of the app. Likely a coincidence; I don’t know. Hope it keeps working!!