“This Accessory May Not Be Supported” is one of those errors message that many iPhone users may encounter while charging their devices.
You may get this error because of charging your iPhone with a non-MFI certified charger or a defective charging cable. In fact, it can even happen to Apple’s own cables. A software problem could be also to blame. Either way, we’ll get this sort out.
This guide will explain why you’re getting this alert and what you need to do to fix it. Read on to learn how to solve the “this accessory may not be supported” message when charging your iPhone.
What does “this accessory may not be supported” mean on iPhone?
Three things to have in mind when you encounter this issue:
- Your accessory (Lightning cable) is damaged, broken or is not MFI-certified.
- Your iPhone OS is not compatible with your accessory.
- Your iPhone’s charging port is dirty or damaged.
How to fix this accessory may not be supported
Now that you know what causes the problem, follow the tips below to get your iPhone charging again.
1. Restart your iPhone
Before everything, try to restart your iPhone, plug it in back to charge, and see what happens. Often, a simple restart can fix most of your device’s software problems. After all, iOS is what controls if your iPhone will charge when you connect it to a power source.
If you own an iPhone X or later, press and hold the Side button and either volume button until the slider to power off appears. For iPhone 8 or earlier, press and hold the Top or Side button until the slider to power off appears.
Wait at least 30 seconds before turning it back on. Press and hold the Side button again (for iPhone X and later) or the Top or Side button (for iPhone 8 and earlier) until you see the Apple logo. For detailed instructions, check our “How to restart an iPhone” guide.
If the message goes away, then a software malfunction was the culprit. If you keep seeing the alert move on to the next solution.
2. Update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS
Certain accessories require the latest version of iOS in order to connect with your iPhone. The
To do so, go to your phone Settings, tap General then Software Update. iOS will let you know if there’s any available update ready to install on your iPhone. To update your iPhone, make sure it’s connected to a power source or has at least 50% of battery life.
You can also manually update your iPhone via iTunes. Connect your device to a PC or Mac with the latest iTunes installed.
Once connected, iTunes will let you know if there’s any available update for your iPhone. Go ahead download and install it. Otherwise, click on your iPhone icon, then Check for Update.
Once your software is up to date, plug again your iPhone and see if the pop-up message still appears on the screen. Still no luck? Keep reading, there’re even more tips to try.
3. Check your accessory and charging port
Try to charge your iPhone with another lightning cable. If the alert goes away, it’s time to inspect and clean your cable.
If the alert still appears on the screen, your iPhone’s charging port might be the one to blame. Either way, you’ll be doing some cleaning.
Check your Lightning connector end for any debris or damage. With the help of a clean brush or an anti-static brush, gently remove any dirt or pocket lint to clean out the connectors. It’s surprising how many foreign objects can get stuck in there.
Any debris that is stuck in between the connectors could prevent your iPhone from properly connecting to your accessory. A wooden toothpick or a bent clip might help if you’re extra careful. We don’t recommend it since you might damage the connectors more than they already are.
4. Perform a DFU restore on your iPhone
After going through all the steps above if you still see the alert, you may need to go deeper. A DFU (Device Firmware Upgrade), which reloads the software and the firmware of your device, might fix the problem.
We have put together a nice guide on how to put an iPhone in DFU mode. You should check it out. But first, back up your iPhone, so you can restore it just in case anything goes wrong.
Final Thoughts
Which one of these tips have helped you fix the “This accessory may not be supported” alert on your iPhone?
Did restarting your iPhone make the alert go away? Or maybe you had to inspect and clean your iPhone’s charging port and lightning cable.
Either way, let us know by leaving a comment below.
