iPhone does not support cable. iPhone: "This accessory may not be supported." What to do if this message appears

Wiring in a wooden house
Some people complain that when charging or syncing with iTunes, a message appears on the smartphone screen stating that “this cable or accessory is not supported or certified.” In this case, the device does not charge and does not synchronize, and it is also impossible to restore or update the gadget. Why do Apple smartphones and tablets not like some USB cables and what can be done about it?

SpoilerTarget"> This cable or accessory is not certified


These messages first appeared in iOS 7 on the iPhone 5 - “This accessory may not be supported.” On iOS 8 and later, the content of the message has changed slightly - “This cable or accessory is not certified and is not guaranteed to work reliably with this iPhone.” There are several reasons:
You are using a non-original and non-certified USB cable.

The Lightning connector only looks simple from the outside; under its shell there is a microcircuit with 4 microchips. We don’t fully know how they work and what a particular one is intended for, but it is reliably known that this controller:

  1. Switches the contacts your iPhone is connected to - Lightning connector- double-sided and inserted into the connector on either side.
  2. Responsible for the secure transfer of information between the device and the computer when synchronizing with iTunes, restoring and updating iOS.
3. Limits voltage and current when charging the device.

SpoilerTarget"> What does Lightning look like under the skin?


Yes, original cable Lightning is too expensive, for example, in Russian App Store They are asking 1,590 rubles for it. And this is for 1 meter of wire and two connectors, one of which is the simplest (USB).

SpoilerTarget"> Appearance of the original Lightning cable


Manufacturers of accessories spoke out in defense of user interests and offered analogues. However, “cable differs from cable to cable” and in pursuit of the lowest possible cost, some manufacturers (mostly Chinese) “forget” to add the necessary microchips to the Lightning connectors so that they at least correspond . What kind of license is this?

SpoilerTarget"> What a non-original Lightning cable looks like under the sheath



MFi (short for "Made for iPhone/iPod/iPad" - Made for iPod/iPhone/iPad) is Apple's licensing program for manufacturers of accessories compatible with the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.

Made for iPod/iPhone/iPad means that this cable or accessory has been specifically designed to connect to your iPod, iPhone, or iPad and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards. Please or to view hidden text .

Apple vouches for certified cables and accessories, for which it receives appropriate royalties from each unit, which means they are safe for your device (theoretically).
In addition to the price, original Apple USB cables have serious problems with durability: they quickly fray and break.

So, in order for your iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad to charge at the permissible voltage and current, and also synchronize without errors, use at least certified cable Lightning. It is cheaper than the original one. But, if you don't have this option, there is a way to protect Apple and charge, sync and restore your iPhone using the cheapest cables.

SpoilerTarget"> The cable is not certified

"The cable is not certified." What to do?

In some cases it is enough:
Sometimes you need this:


For jailbroken devices in Cydia, find and install the “Support Unsupported Accessories 8” or “Unauthorized Lightning Cable Enabler” tweak.



Therefore, it is strongly recommended to use either an original accessory or a certified one, for example, Please or to view hidden text can be afforded by any owner of iPhone 5 and later models).


SpoilerTarget"> USB cable is damaged

2. USB cable is damaged

There are times when the warning “This cable or accessory is not certified and is not guaranteed to work reliably with this iPhone” appears even when the original cable is connected.

If you are definitely using the original cable, and the ill-fated message still appears on the screen, your cable may simply be damaged.



If there are no visible signs of damage, to check, take a known intact (and, of course, original) cable and check the operation of your device with it. If it works, replace the cable with a new one.


SpoilerTarget"> The connector is clogged

3. The connector is clogged

The bottom line is that various debris gets into the connector on an iPhone or iPad (this is especially true for Lightning connectors) and accumulates there for a long time. At some point, there is so much debris that it breaks the cable contact in the connector - and, accordingly, a corresponding warning appears. The solution is to carefully clean the debris from the connector. To do this, you can use a toothpick or a cotton swab moistened with alcohol. I advise you to clean the Lightning connector with your iPhone turned off.



Please or to view hidden text

So, you once again needed to recharge your Apple device, but this time the message “This accessory may not be supported” appeared on its display. What kind of error is this, why it occurred and how to fix it - we will look at all this in our article today.

For this problem, there are usually several possible causes:

  • Cheap replacement for the original Lightning cable from Apple. Some substitutes can work great and last a long time. However, some of them are categorically rejected by the iPhone or iPad.
  • Damage to the original Lightning cable. It's no secret that Lightning cables wear out incredibly quickly. Some users claim that less than six months pass before their Lightning cable (the place near the connector) wears out and becomes unusable.
  • The charging port of the device is damaged or dirty. Dust, dirt, or moisture may have gotten into the port under the Lightning cable, causing the “This accessory may not be supported” error to appear.

Fixing the error “This accessory may not be supported”

Reconnecting the Lightning cable

So, in most cases this problem can be solved quite simply. First of all, you should try to simply reconnect your device to the Lightning cable several times to try to get rid of the error. Some users claim that after they reconnected the charger to their iPhone or iPad several times, the “This accessory may not be supported” error went away.

Change USB port on Mac or PC

Let's say you encounter the "This accessory may not be supported" error while connecting your iPhone or iPad to your PC/Mac. A possible cause of this problem could be a faulty USB port.

Try connecting your Apple device to a different USB port and see what happens. If the connection error has disappeared, then perhaps you are experiencing some problems directly with the USB port itself on your computer/MacBook.

Some users strongly recommend trying the following: Connect a Lightning cable to your iPhone or iPad. Wait until the “This accessory may not be supported” error appears on the display again. Then reboot your device with the charging cable connected. Once it turns back on, check for the error. This is the cunning way people get around this problem from time to time.

The trick with the error message

So, if none of the above helped to solve the error “This accessory is probably not supported,” then you can resort to one small trick with its message itself. Connect the Lightning cable to your Apple device and wait until the error appears.

As soon as it appears, press and hold the “Close” button on the display, and then disconnect the Lightning cable from the device. Then connect again and see if the problem has been fixed. This method helps very few people, but, as users note, sometimes it works.

Cleaning the charging port on your device

As we have already stated in the reasons, the “This accessory may not be supported” error may appear due to a dirty charging port on your iPhone or iPad. The problem can be solved by simply cleaning the connection port.

Take something like a paperclip and carefully try to clear the Lightning connector on the device of anything that may be there. Perhaps dust has accumulated there or something has gotten in there that prevents a correct connection to the device from being established.

Once you're done cleaning, try connecting the Lightning cable to your iPhone or iPad again. Pollution is the second most common cause of this problem. However, if this was not the case, then we have sad news for you.

Replacing the Lightning cable

Ok, nothing obviously works and you can't charge your Apple phone or tablet. Using the method of elimination, it’s not hard to guess what the cause of the error “This accessory is probably not supported” is - a Lightning cable or a port for it on the device.

If you are using a third-party cable, not from Apple, then try replacing it with the original one. Yes, such a solution will cost you much more, but it will definitely solve the problem. If you are using an original cable, it could simply be damaged. Apple users constantly complain that the Lightning cable breaks down incredibly quickly. In this case, you will need to find a new Lightning cable.

Well, if you realized that the problem is not in the cable, then it definitely lies in the port on the device. It could have been damaged due to some event, after which connecting the charger to the phone became impossible. If you think this is the case, we recommend that you contact a service center.


Found a typo? Select the text and press Ctrl + Enter

Apple has long been the world leader in the mobile device market. Even though the products are quite expensive, they are still in high demand. There are many reasons for this. First of all, the company's developers offer users innovative technologies, unique design, excellent specifications. The indisputable advantage of gadgets is their high quality and reliability.

Owning Apple devices is considered prestigious. Therefore, most people who are able to afford a smartphone or tablet from this company are truly proud of their purchase. But lately, they are often frustrated by error notifications that appear on the screen when connecting, for example, a cable.

What does it mean: "This accessory may not be supported"? Every iPhone owner can encounter this problem. What is the reason for this error? Let's figure it out.

Features of the iOS operating system

iOS is a closed system. It can only be installed on Apple devices. After studying all the nuances, users have dual feelings - admiration and contradictions. For example, devices running iOS are resistant to various types of virus attacks. How many people, so many opinions. Therefore, disagreements cannot be avoided.

It is quite difficult to really evaluate this system due to its closed nature. However, what can be said with one hundred percent certainty is that the developers did everything possible to protect users. If you look at it from one side, then such actions are an undeniable advantage. However, most often they are the ones who create certain problems.

Relatively recently, iPhone owners began to encounter an error accompanied by a message appearing on the screen. It says: "This accessory may not be supported." The original cable, which is produced by Apple, does not cause such problems. But when purchasing third-party accessories, the system automatically recognizes a threat to the device. Most often, this is what leads to the error message.

The first swallows

For the first time, this problem began to appear in smartphones running the seventh version of iOS. It was at this time that developers began an active fight against unofficial accessories that could be used for Apple gadgets. This list also includes non-original iPhone charging. “This accessory may not be supported” was the message you would see when connecting it.

But iOS7 still worked with such accessories, and already in the ninth version changes were applied that led to the fact that the devices completely stopped functioning.

Lightning cable

By and large, this problem became widespread after Apple switched to new cables that are equipped with a Lighning port. It was when using them that gadget owners first encountered a similar error. Messages began to appear on the screen saying: “This accessory may not be supported.”

The iPhone 5S is the first victim to receive a lot of negativity from users. You can find a large number of reviews on this topic on the Internet. Ordinary people do not understand why the fight against unofficial accessories is needed. However, if we look at this issue much deeper, we can learn about cases where expensive gadgets failed due to poor-quality cables. Moreover, not only the batteries broke, but the devices themselves turned into “bricks.” The worst thing about all this is that even the owners were injured.

Currently, most trading platforms are selling counterfeits. Sometimes you can find Apple products at a low price. However, the low price indicates that this device is not original. Based on this, the company has found one single way out in the fight against scammers, maximally protecting both its products and users.

Lack of MFi support

The certification system became the only solution that made it possible to protect iPhone owners from low-quality accessories. The latter are currently bringing great harm not only to users, but also negatively affect the stability of consumer demand. Doubts about the quality of Apple products have already begun to appear. However, you need to understand that the problem is not with the smartphone at all if the message appears on the screen: “This accessory is probably not supported.”

iPhone 5S and other models report this error if there is no Apple “signature” when connecting the cable. Not a single handicraft accessory can pass certification. The check is carried out automatically. When the system searches for inconsistencies, the gadget simply turns off. In order to avoid such problems, you must use only original devices that are manufactured directly by Apple itself or its partners.

Damage to the accessory

If your iPhone says, “This accessory may not be supported,” you need to check the cable for visible damage. Sometimes the problem is a violation of the port itself or the integrity of the wire insulation. Neither the original accessory nor the fake are immune from this. It's surprising that even the slightest damage to the phone's system can be considered critical. After the error is automatically detected, the gadget's workflow will be suspended, and a message will appear on the screen: “This accessory may not be supported.”

To avoid damage to the cable, it is recommended not to bend it during storage or use. The highest quality models are those that are equipped with a hard rubber braid or titanium braid. They are somewhat more expensive than other options, but have a longer service life.

"Jailbreak." We are looking for a way to fix the problem

Unfortunately, currently no system is perfect, iOS is no exception. Although it has high-level protection, advanced users know how to bypass some restrictions. If you say in simple words, then simply hack the system. These actions are illegal, so the device will be denied warranty service. Before deciding to take such a step, you need to weigh all the possible risks.

So, if you still want to use non-original accessories for the iPhone 5S and subsequent models, then you need to run the activator of non-certified Lightning cables on the gadget.

Step-by-step description of “deception” of the system:

  • Jailbreak using TaiG.
  • Open the Cydia directory.
  • The file storage must be updated.
  • After that, go to the Source tab.
  • Activate the installation of Support Unsupported Accessories by accepting the terms.
  • After the process is completed, you should reboot the device.

If you implement this tweak on a smartphone, the message “this accessory is probably not supported” will no longer appear on the screen. However, it is necessary to understand that all responsibility for the manipulations performed lies entirely with the owner of the device. If he contacts the service center, he will most likely be refused service or, as an alternative solution, he will be offered paid repairs.

Finding causes and eliminating them

In order to protect yourself from such a mistake, you simply need to purchase a new high-quality cable, no matter how trivial it may sound. However, if for some reason you cannot do this, and the message “this accessory may not be supported” constantly appears on the screen, then you can try some simple steps.

First of all, it is recommended to turn the cable over. Sometimes some of the contacts are damaged on one side, but remain functional on the other. This method will not help get rid of the error for a long time, but it will work for several hours.

If you urgently need to charge your gadget, and an error message appears on the screen with the following content: “This accessory is probably not supported,” then you can simply turn off your smartphone. In this state, the operating system does not function, and the power controller will still transfer current to the battery.

The cause of this error may be a rather trivial problem - contamination of the port. Sometimes fine dirt or dust gets clogged directly into the connector itself. It is for this reason that the device stops recognizing the connected cable. To fix the problem, simply clean the port.

Finally

This article examined the main reasons leading to an error in the functioning of the gadget if non-certified accessories for the iPhone 5S and other models from Apple were connected. It is important to understand that if a message appears, the phone is not in danger of serious damage. As for the rest, the choice is yours: bypass the system and take risks or give preference to the original cable.

Apple has developed clever protection for iPhone devices, which is aimed at preventing their owners from using unofficial accessories. This caution is explained by the fact that third-party devices can damage the smartphone. However, the error “This cable or accessory is not certified” may also occur to ardent fans of Apple products. What is the reason for this and how to fix the problem?

USB cable is damaged

If you are using the original cable and the message still appears on the screen, then there is a possibility that the accessory is damaged (small defects are not always noticeable). To finally verify that it is faulty, you can connect the same (original) one. If the message disappears, then it's time to change the cable.

If there are any defects, the cable must be replaced

The connector is clogged

Over time, dust and dirt accumulate in the connectors. This causes the cable to contact the device and, as a result, the error “This cable or accessory is not certified.” This problem is especially relevant for Lightning inputs, since they do not have any protection.


With prolonged use, the USB connector may become clogged, so it must be cleaned periodically

Obviously, in such a situation it is necessary to clean the device. To do this you will need a regular wooden toothpick. Gently move it along the edges of the connector, without pressing hard, so as not to damage anything. After this, we try to connect the cable again.

To carry out the procedure, you can also use a cotton swab moistened with alcohol (not water). The main thing is not to use metal objects for such purposes, which can scratch the connector and damage the contacts.

Please remember that the cleaning procedure is carried out with the device turned off.

Cleaning the iPhone connector - video

https://www.youtube.com/embed/2i6cysxp0aM

Using an uncertified cable

Many people prefer cheap Chinese cables, which are not only much cheaper in price, but also have a greater variety of models. However, Apple products skillfully recognize uncertified accessories and display a corresponding error on the screen, while prohibiting any actions: charging the device or transferring data. But there will always be ways around this problem.

How to get around the "This accessory may not be supported" error

Without turning off the device

Disabling a device

  1. Turn off the device completely.
  2. Connect one end of the cable to the connector and the other to the network or computer.
  3. Turn on iPhone, iPad or iPod. It will start charging and you will be able to synchronize it with your PC.

If you pull out the cable, the message will appear again and again and you will have to repeat the previous steps.


iPhone can be charged even with an uncertified cable

Jailbreaking iPhone

Jailbreaking means gaining full access to file system iOS. This operation can be done using programs:

  • TaiG (iOS 8.0 – 8.3);
  • Pangu (iOS 7.1 – 7.1.2);
  • evasi0n7(iOS 7.0 – 7.0.6);
  • p0sixspwn (iOS 6.1.3 – 6.1.6);
  • evasi0n (iOS 6.0.0 – 6.1.2);
  • absinthe 2(iOS 5.1.1 or 5.0.1).


Even if messages appear after the actions taken, you will still be able to do any manipulations with the iPhone.

To avoid the “This cable or accessory is not certified” error, use devices from an official manufacturer and monitor their condition. If you still decide to use an unofficial product, then be prepared for the fact that you will have to perform a number of manipulations every time.

Sometimes when connecting accessories to an iPhone or iPad using the lightning connector, you may see a system message that the accessory is not supported by the iPhone. Or that the cable or accessory is not certified. Many iPhone owners may not have encountered this problem, but it exists and is sometimes encountered by the user.

Why does the error appear that the accessory is not supported by iPhone?

This problem most likely may arise due to a non-certified and low-quality accessory for the Apple device. This can happen with wires purchased from Chinese online stores or markets. The fact is that iPhone cables in these markets do not undergo any testing and are sold in bags and without a guarantee. Apple also produces wires in such a way that a small chip is built into it, which is recognized when connected to a device. If it is not there, then this problem occurs. The packaging of any cable (even from a third-party manufacturer) for Apple devices must have a special logo.



In other cases, the connection problem may be due to the fact that the wire is damaged and is not suitable for further work. The cable coating does not always resist external influences and can be damaged in a fairly short period of time.
The third option is damage to the connector in the device itself. This scenario is unlikely, but you should not forget about it. It can only be solved by the intervention of a specialist from the service center, who will fix the problem.

What to do?

Thus, it is worth saying that you should not neglect the cable for your device. But if the price of an original Apple iPhone cable is too high, then we recommend choosing high-quality and inexpensive cables from us. When purchasing from our online store, you can be sure that all cables for iPhone have been tested and therefore there will be no error messages, and you will also receive a 6-month warranty on it.