4 Best Fixes for Apple Pencil Not Connecting or Pairing

Quick Tips

• Check compatibility when pairing your Apple Pencil.
• Ensure your iPad’s Bluetooth is on.
• Make sure your Apple Pencil is charged before use.

Basic Fixes

• Charge Apple Pencil: Your Apple Pencil may be out of charge. Attach it to your iPad for 10-15 minutes. Once it has enough charge, it should pair automatically.
• Force restart iPad: Sometimes, restarting your iPad can solve the issue. So, try restarting your iPad model to see if your Apple Pencil pairs again.
• Replace and secure tip: Apple Pencil tips wear out over time. If you’ve used it for months, check for signs of wear. If the tip looks worn, replace it.
• Update iPadOS: Updating your iPad can resolve compatibility issues or software bugs preventing it from connecting to your Apple Pencil.

Fix 1: Check Compatibility

To keep it simple, Apple has released four different Apple Pencil models for various iPad models: Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (2nd generation), Apple Pencil (USB-C), and Apple Pencil (1st generation).

Check if your iPad model is compatible with your Apple Pencil:

Apple Pencil Pro Compatibility

• iPad Pro 13″ (M4)
• iPad Pro 11″ (M4)
• iPad Air 13″ (M2)
• iPad Air 11″ (M2)

Apple Pencil 2nd Generation Compatibility

• iPad Pro 12.9″ (3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generation)
• iPad Pro 11″ (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation)
• iPad Air (4th and 5th generation)
• iPad mini (6th generation)

Apple Pencil USB-C Compatibility

• iPad Pro 13″ (M4)
• iPad Pro 11″ (M4)
• iPad Air 13″ (M2)
• iPad Air (4th and 5th generation)
• iPad mini (6th generation)
• iPad Pro 12.9″ (3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generation)
• iPad Pro 11″ (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation)
• iPad Air 11″ (M2)
• iPad (10th generation)

Apple Pencil 1st Generation Compatibility

• iPad Pro 12.9″ (1st and 2nd generation)
• iPad Pro 10.5″
• iPad Pro 9.7″
• iPad Air (3rd generation)
• iPad (6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th generation)
• iPad mini (5th generation)

How to Check Your iPad Model

Step 1: Open Settings on your iPad and select General.

Step 2: In General, tap on About. Your iPad model will be clearly displayed here.

Also Read: Don’t fancy the new iPad Pro? Try these 4 alternatives with OLED displays

Fix 2: Check if Bluetooth Is Enabled

It’s easy to disable Bluetooth by mistake. To check, swipe down from the top-right corner to open the Control Center.

If the Bluetooth icon is inactive, tap it to turn it on, then pair your Apple Pencil this way:

• Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil 2nd Generation, Apple Pencil USB-C: Snap it to the magnetic connector on your iPad’s right side.
• Apple Pencil 1st Generation: Remove the cap and plug it into the Lightning port on your iPad.

If your Apple Pencil pairs successfully, ‘Apple Pencil’ will appear at the top of the screen.

Fix 3: Pair Apple Pencil Again

If you’ve already paired your Apple Pencil to your iPad and it still isn’t working after trying the mentioned fixes, try repairing it in the settings.

Step 1: Go to Settings > Bluetooth > tap the info icon next to your Apple Pencil.

Step 2: Tap Forget This Device.

Step 3: Plug in or attach the Apple Pencil (depending on the model) to your iPad to pair it. Once connected, an ‘Apple Pencil’ notification will appear at the top of the screen.

Fix 4: Enable Scribble

iPadOS has an Apple Pencil functionality called Scribble that lets you write in any text field on any app. Scribble will then convert your handwriting to typed text automatically.

If you can’t use Scribble but can use the Apple Pencil elsewhere (such as for navigation or within the Notes app), it’s likely that you have the functionality disabled. To check if that’s the case, go to Settings > Apple Pencil > enable Scribble.

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FAQs