Apple mobile device owners, old and new, probably encountered the “This Accessory May Not Be Supported” issue at least once, when they tried to plug in a charger or accessory on their device’s Lightning or USB-C port.
The said issue can be really annoying for a couple of reasons. One of them is the fact that accessories for Apple devices can be really expensive, so breaking it and buying an original replacement can be a headache.
Getting this error can also be very confusing. Usually, this issue will just randomly pop out and be gone. In addition, there are times when a perfectly working accessory will just get the error permanently without any visual changes or physical damage.
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Today, we’ll detail all the things you should know regarding this iPhone or iPad accessory error, how you can try to fix it, and what you can do to prevent it from happening again.
What’s the reason behind the “This Accessory May Not Be Supported” error?
Getting this error can mean a couple of things and signals a possible issue on the accessory or the device itself. Or, it could just be a glitch that can be easily fixed by simply reconnecting the accessories. Still, here are the possible reasons why you’re getting an error:
- The accessory is damaged, faulty, or not MFi-certified.
- The accessory is fine but not compatible with your device.
- Your iPhone or iPad’s operating system version is outdated or has issues.
- Your Lightning or USB port might be damaged, has debris, or dirt.
- The accessory is outdated or already not supported by your iPhone or iPad.
What are MFI-certified accessories?
MFi stands for “Made for iPhone/iPad/iPad”. The MFi program is Apple’s licensing program for hardware and software peripheral makers, to ensure their product works well with Apple products.
To check, simply find the MFi logo on the accessory’s packaging or website.
How can I fix the “This Accessory May Not Be Supported” issue?
If you’re getting this error permanently, then you might want to replace the accessory. However, you can follow the methods below to check if it’s still fixable.
- Disconnect and reconnect the accessory
- Restart your iPhone, iPad, or iPod
- Try turning on and off Airplane Mode
- Clean the Lightning or USB port for your device
- Make sure that the port and the plug of the accessory are dry
- Make sure your Apple device is running on the latest software version
- Try a different accessory, if the issue persists, then the problem might be the device itself which could be already due for repair or battery replacement.
Before handing your device in for repair, here are the things you should do.
How to prevent the iPhone/iPad accessory not supported error?
If all else fails, then it’s time to accept that the accessory is no longer useful and you have to purchase a new one. To ensure the issue won’t happen again, keep in mind the reminders below:
- Only purchase MFi-certified accessories
- Make sure you’re not buying a fake lightning cable
- Take care of your accessories
- Make sure that the accessory is compatible with your device and its software version
These are the things you should know about the “This Accessory May Not Be Supported” error in iPhones, iPads, and other Apple products.