My iPhone says “This Accessory May Not Be Supported.” The Fix

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Are you getting an error message “This accessory may not be supported” when you connect youriPhone 11 to the charger? Worry not, in this step-by-step guide, we’ll explain why your iPhone says “this accessory may not be supported,” and how to fix the issue in a few simple steps.

This Accessory May Not Be Supported Error on iPhone

Apple devices are capable of detecting if you have plugged a fake charger into your device. This is one of the easiest methods to determine if the accessory is original or fake.

This error message can be caused by a couple of reasons. It can appear due to a bug with software on your iPhone, or perhaps the accessory you connect to its charging port is notMFI-certified. In addition, the error can be caused by usage of faulty chargers, dirty lightening connector or lightning port. This is the reason why your iPhone 11 returns this error even when you are using a MFI certified charger. Having said that, there are few simple troubleshooting tricks which you can apply to fix the error message on iPhone 11. Follow me as I explain every potential solution to fix the issue.

Steps to RESOLVE iPHONE 11 “THIS ACCESSORY MAY NOT BE SUPPORTED”ERROR

Follow these steps to identify and resolve the real reason why your iPhone says “This accessory may not be supported.”

Solution 1: Ensure that accessory is MFI-Certified

What does MFI means? MFI means Made For iPhone/iPad/iPod touch. This means, MFI certified accessory is certified to work with Apple Products.
If the third-party cable you’re using isn’t MFi-certified, it may cause the “This accessory may not be supported” error. This is because the charger does not conform to Apple’s design standards

The error typically pops up immediately after building a connection between your iPhone 11 and power source if the charger is not MFI-certified.
Use of chargers that are not MFI-certified can cause “this accessory may not be supported” error. Moreover, it can damage your iPhone 11. 

You can use a couple of indicators to determine if your charger is MFI certified: Inspect the caple to establish if it has MFI badge.
In most cases, Apple certified accessory has writings such as ‘Designed by Apple in California”, ‘Assembled in China’ or ‘Assembled in Vietnam. Moreover, the cables might also have a 12-digit serial number written on it. finally, Apple certified cables usually have a smooth, rounded, single-piece and either a gold or silver-colored contacts. In contrast, counterfeit chargers or un-MFI certified have an inconsistent, one piece rough finish. 

Always charge your iPhone 11 with the original cable that came with it. 

Solution 2: Restart iPhone Device

“This accessory may not be supported” error can be caused by a minor bug with the operating system.
In essence, when you connect a charger to your device, the OS can either accept or reject the cable.

You can resolve this glitch by
Restarting your iPhone.
The process of restarting iPhones are determined by the model.

  • If you are using iPhone 6S or older: Press and hold the power and home button at the same time until Apple Logo appear then let go off. Your iPhone will automatically restart.
  • If you are using iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 plus: Press and hold the Volume down button located at the left side and the side button located at the right side simultaneously. Wait for Apple Logo to appear then let go off.
  • If you are using iPhone 8, 8plus, X, XS, XR, and iPhone 11 line ups: quickly press and release the Volume up button. Quickly press and release the Volume down button. Press and hold the power Button until the Apple logo appears. Then let go off.

Solution 3: Check cable accessory

The most common cause of “This accessory may not be supported” error is the charging cable. Since this accessory comes in contact or makes a physical connection with the device it is advisable to check for lint and dirt. It is recommended to clean accessory occasionally. Inspect the accessory for any discoloration on the cable as this can sometimes cause the error message “This accessory may not be supported”. In addition, carefully inspect the USB port on your device charger to ensure that no dirt or debris is clogged inside. You can clean the charger openings using anti-static brush. 

In case this does not resolve the problem,try charging your device using a different charger. If it can charge your iPhone, then the charger is the culprit. However if you get the same error even after swapping chargers, then you can conclude that the charger is not the cause of the problem. 

Solution 4: Check Lightning Port

If the cable accessory has no issues , inspect the inside of the Lightning port of your iPhone. Dirt, fluff or debris can affect the connection between your iPhone and the accessory. Use a flash light to illuminate the inside of lightening pot. Check for any stuff that does not belong there. In case you need to get rid of something from the lightening pot, use an anti-static brush or a clean toothbrush.

Solution 5: Update to the latest iOS version

It is important to update your iPhone to the latest iOS version. This is because some accessories require the latest version of iOS to work efficiently.
Follow these steps to update iOS on your iPhone:

  1. Start the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Now, tap General
  3. Next, tap Software Update
  4. Next on, tap Download and Install if new version of iOS is available. 

Ensure that your iPhone has at least 50% battery power or is connected to a power source before downloading and installing the new update. 

Solution 6: Reset Network Settings

“This accessory may not be supported” error may be caused by problem with the network settings. The quick and easiest way to resolve this is to reset your iPhones’ network settings.
Follow these steps to reset your iPhones’ network settings:

  1. Launch Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Now, tap General
  3. Next, scroll down and tap Reset
  4. Tap Reset Network Settings
  5. When prompted, enter your Passcode to confirm action

If you have been searching for a solution to iPhone 11 “This Accessory may not be supported” error, there you have it.
Question?
Let us know in the comment section below.

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GeeksModo Staff is a team of iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch experts led by Moses Johnson. We're passionate about all things Apple!
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