The iPad tablet is an effective and dependable device for your daily office or home desk activities. However, it is frustrating when your On-screen Keyboard, Smart Keyboard, Magic Keyboard, or an external third-party keyboard fails to work correctly or becomes entirely unresponsive.
If you use the Smart Keyboard on your iPad and it fails to work correctly, an “Accessory Not Supported” error message will be displayed. Have you experienced this issue? Please do not panic; here, we have established and tested options to fix your failed iPad Keyboard.
Smart Keyboard Folio or the Smart Keyboard with your iPad
Unlike other keyboards, you do not have to pair the Smart Keyboard Folio or Smart Keyboard. To use a Smart Keyboard Folio, you need an iPad Pro 11-inch “1st, 2nd, or 3rd generation”, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch “3rd, 4th or the 5th generation” or the iPad Air “4th and 5th generation”. Whereas to use the Smart Keyboard, you need an iPad “7th, 8th or the 9th generation”, iPad Pro 9.7-inch, iPad Pro 10.5-inch,iPad Air “3rd generation”, or iPad Pro 12.9-inch “1st and 2nd generation”.
- If you are using the iPad Pro 11-inch “1st, 2nd, or 3rdgeneration”, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch “3rd, 4th or the 5th generation,” or the iPad Air “4th and 5th generation”. Use the Smart connector to connect your Smart Keyboard Folio to your iPad. The smart connector is at the back of your iPad, and it has Three Small Magnetic Contacts.
- If you are using the iPad “7th, 8thor the 9th generation”, iPad Pro 9.7-inch, iPad Pro 10.5-inch,iPad Air “3rd generation”, or iPad Pro 12.9-inch “1st and 2nd generation”. Use the Smart connector to connect your Smart Keyboard to your iPad. The smart connector is on the side of your iPad and at the top edge of your Smart Keyboard and has Three Small Magnetic Contacts.
The first reason your iPad Keyboard may be unresponsive is due to the Keyboard’s hardware failure. Secondly, it could result from some software glitches and minor bugs. Now, let me take you through some simple fixes that will sort you out. Skip any procedure that does not work out for you. Here, we start with simple solutions as we head to more invasive procedures. Are you ready? Let's go.
1. Fix the iPad’s Keyboard connection
The first method that you can use to fix the problem of the iPad keyboard not working simply involves repairing your iPad’s keyboard connection. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Start by checking for any dirt that may have accumulated on the plastics covering the connector pins. Do you see any dirt or debris?
Step 2: Using an unused toothbrush, brush the dirt away and use bristles to dislodge any dirt that may have built up between the keys.
Step 3: Blow the dirt away by applying light breath.
This process should be conducted gently as the connector pins are delicate and may be easily damaged on extended expose.
2. Disconnect and reconnect your iPad’s Smart Keyboard
Another way to fix a faulty iPad keyboard is to disconnect and reconnect it. Here is how to do it:
Step 1: Make sure your Smart Keyboard is appropriately connected.
Step 2: Launch the On-screen Keyboard.
Step 3: As you disconnect the Smart Keyboard, watch the reaction of the Onscreen Keyboard. “Does it disappear and then re-appear again?”
Step 4: Go on and re-connect your Smart Keyboard and check if it works effectively.
3. Check your internet connection if you are using iPad Pro
An unreliable internet connection does affect the functioning of your iPad Pro Keyboard. To resolve the internet connectivity problem on your iPad Pro, here are the steps:
Step 1: Check if your internet connection is working. “If not, contact your service provider. If it does go on and:”
Step 2: Unplug your wireless router.
Step 3: Wait a few seconds and plug it back.
4. Conduct a Forced Restart on your iPad
Sometimes if your iPad’s keyboard has malfunctioned and won’t respond, all it takes to correct the problem is to conduct a forced restart. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Press the Power button and the Home button simultaneously for at least 10 seconds.
Step 2: Release the buttons after the Apple Logo appears.
Step 3: Wait for the reboot process until it's completed and your device is turned on.
Step 4: Go on and retry your keyboard functionality.
5. Reset your iPad’s iMessage feature
You can also resolve this problem by resetting iMessages on your iPad. Proceed as follows:
Step 1: On your iPad, open Settings.
Step 2: Open Messages and toggle off the iMessage.
Step 3: Wait for a moment and then toggle the iMessage back on.” Ensure that the toggle button turns green”.
Step 4: Go on and retry your Keyboard.
6. Reset all of your iPad Settings
You can also fix a malfunctioned iPad keyboard by resetting the device’s settings. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: On your iPad, open the Settings app.
Step 2: Tap on General.
Step 3: Scroll down and tap on Reset.
Step 4: Tap on Reset All Settings.
Step 5: Wait for the completion of the process and then check if the keyboard works efficiently.
7. Restore the iPad to its Factory Settings
Another way to fix your iPad’s keyboard if it stops working is to restore it to the default or factory settings. Here are the steps to get it done:
Step 1: Connect your iPad to a laptop or PC via an Apple-approved USB cable.
Step 2: Launch the latest version of iTunes.
Step 3: On the left side of the screen, click on your iPad device.
Step 4: All of the iPad’s data will be displayed.
Step 5: Click on Restore iPad.
Step 6: Wait for a moment until the process is completed.
Step 7: Disconnected your iPad.
Step 8: Re-populate the Apps and set your Preferred Settings.
Step 9: Check if your keyboard works correctly.
8. Take your iPad to Apple support
In case none of the above options works, then it could be a hardware problem. If that’s the case, we recommend that you visit a trusted Apple support Center to get your device fixed.
Conclusion
The iPad keyboard not working error is very common. However, it is equally straightforward to fix. We have highlighted some of the methods used in this post. Try each of these and see which one will work best for you.
