Your Apple Pencil is a powerful tool that can help you take your iPad to the next level. Whether you’re using it to take notes, draw sketches, or create digital art, your Apple Pencil can help you bring your ideas to life.
But what if your Apple Pencil won’t connect to your iPad? It can be frustrating, you may encounter some issues when trying to connect your Apple Pencil with iPad, such as:
- Your Apple Pencil is not recognized by your iPad
- Your Apple Pencil is not paired with your iPad
- Your Apple Pencil is not charged or has low battery
- Your Apple Pencil is not responsive or has lag
- Your Apple Pencil is not working with some apps
There are a few things you can do to fix the problem. In this article, we will show you how to fix these issues and connect your Apple Pencil with iPad in 5 easy steps.
Step 1: Check the Compatibility of Your Devices
There are two generations of Apple Pencil, so the first thing you need to do is to make sure that your Apple Pencil and your iPad are compatible with each other. There are two generations of Apple Pencil, and each one works with different models of iPad.
Apple Pencil 1st Generation
The 1st generation Apple Pencil is compatible with the following iPad models:
- Pad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd generation)
- iPad Pro 10.5-inch
- iPad Pro 9.7-inch
- iPad (6th and 7th generation)
- iPad Air (3rd generation)
- iPad mini (5th generation)
Apple Pencil 2nd Generation
The 2nd generation Apple Pencil is compatible with the following iPad models:
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd and 4th generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st and 2nd generation)
Once you know which generation of Apple Pencil you have, follow these steps to connect it to your iPad
You can check the model number of your iPad by going to Settings > General > About. You can also identify the generation of your Apple Pencil by looking at its design:
- The first-generation Apple Pencil has a silver band at the end and a removable cap that covers a Lightning connector.
- The second-generation Apple Pencil has a flat side and no cap or band. It attaches magnetically to the side of your iPad.
If your devices are not compatible, you will need to get a different Apple Pencil or iPad that matches your device.
![How to Connect Apple Pencil](https://techrevisio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Not-every-Apple-Pencil-is-compatible-with-every-iPad-1024x576.jpg)
Step 2: Pair Your Apple Pencil with iPad
The next step is to pair your Apple Pencil with iPad. This is how you can do it:
- For the first-generation Apple Pencil, remove the cap from the end of the pencil and plug it into the Lightning port of your iPad. You will see a pop-up on your screen asking you to pair your Apple Pencil. Tap on Pair and wait for a few seconds until the pairing is complete.
- For the second-generation Apple Pencil, attach it magnetically to the right side of your iPad (or the top if you are holding it in landscape mode). You will see a pop-up on your screen asking you to pair your Apple Pencil. Tap on Connect and wait for a few seconds until the pairing is complete.
You only need to pair your Apple Pencil once with your iPad. After that, it will automatically connect whenever you attach it to your iPad or bring it near the screen.
![How to Connect Apple Pencil](https://techrevisio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Apple-Pencil-to-iPad-1024x577.webp)
Step 3: Charge Your Apple Pencil
The third step is to charge your Apple Pencil if it has low battery or is not working properly. This is how you can do it:
- For the first-generation Apple Pencil, remove the cap from the end of the pencil and plug it into the Lightning port of your iPad or a Lightning adapter that comes with your pencil. You can check the battery level of your Apple Pencil by swiping down from the top-right corner of your screen and looking at the Batteries widget.
- For the second-generation Apple Pencil, attach it magnetically to the right side of your iPad (or the top if you are holding it in landscape mode). You can check the battery level of your Apple Pencil by tapping on the Batteries widget on your home screen or lock screen.
It takes about 15 minutes to charge your Apple Pencil from 0% to 100%. You can use your Apple Pencil while it is charging, but it may affect its performance.
![How to Connect Apple Pencil](https://techrevisio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/TSYhg2jHE3DDVDA2znyPAF-970-80.jpg)
Step 4: Restart Your Devices
The fourth step is to restart your devices if you are still having problems with connecting or using your Apple Pencil. This can help to clear any glitches or bugs that may interfere with the connection. This is how you can do it:
- For both generations of Apple Pencil, detach it from your iPad and wait for a few seconds.
- For your iPad, press and hold the power button until you see a slider on your screen. Drag the slider to turn off your iPad. Wait for a few seconds and then press and hold the power button again until you see the Apple logo on your screen.
- For both generations of Apple Pencil, reattach it to your iPad and wait for a few seconds until it connects.
Step 5: Testing Your Apple Pencil with iPad
The fifth and final step is to troubleshoot your Apple Pencil if you are still facing issues with its functionality or responsiveness. Here are some tips that you can try:
- Make sure that your iPad and your Apple Pencil are updated to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS. You can check for updates by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Make sure that your Apple Pencil is not damaged or dirty. You can clean it gently with a soft, lint-free cloth. Do not use any liquids or abrasive materials to clean your Apple Pencil.
- Make sure that you are using your Apple Pencil with compatible apps that support its features. You can find a list of compatible apps by going to the App Store and searching for “Apple Pencil”.
- Make sure that you are holding your Apple Pencil correctly and not covering the tip or the flat side with your fingers. You can also adjust the pressure and tilt sensitivity of your Apple Pencil by going to Settings > Apple Pencil.
- If none of the above tips work, you may need to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for further assistance.
Troubleshooting tips
If you’re still having problems connecting your Apple Pencil, here are a few troubleshooting tips:
- Make sure your Apple Pencil is clean. A dirty nib can prevent your Apple Pencil from connecting to your iPad. To clean your Apple Pencil, use a dry cloth to wipe down the nib.
- Make sure your iPad is up to date. Apple releases software updates that can fix bugs and improve performance. To check for updates, go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Try using a different Lightning connector. If you’re using a third-party Lightning connector, it may not be compatible with your Apple Pencil. Try using the Lightning connector that came with your iPad.
- Contact Apple Support. If you’ve tried all of the above and you’re still having problems connecting your Apple Pencil, contact Apple Support for further assistance.
![How to Connect Apple Pencil - Bluetooth pairing request](https://techrevisio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/bluetooth-pairing-how-to-connect-apple-pencil-with-ipad-1024x369.jpg)
FAQ
How do I connect my Apple Pencil with my iPad?
To connect your Apple Pencil to your iPad, remove the cap from your Apple Pencil and plug it into the Lightning connector (charging port) on your iPad. It should automatically connect, and you should see a message asking if you want to pair the Pencil with your iPad.
What can I do with Apple Pencil on my iPad?
You can use Apple Pencil to write, mark up, and draw. You can also use it to create straight lines with the ruler tool, erase by object or pixel, and shade lines by tilting the pencil. With iOS 14 and later, you can write by hand in any text field using Scribble. You can even convert your handwriting to text.
Which iPads are compatible with Apple Pencil?
The first-generation Apple Pencil is compatible with iPad (6th through 8th generations), iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad mini (5th generation), and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd generations) and 10.5-inch4. The second-generation Apple Pencil is compatible with iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd through 6th generations) and iPad Pro 11-inch (1st through 3rd generations).
How do I draw with Apple Pencil on my iPad?
Open an app like the Notes app, choose from several drawing tools and colors, and start drawing with your Apple Pencil. You can also use the ruler tool to create straight lines, then rotate them with your fingers3.
Can I use Apple Pencil on my iPhone?
No, the Apple Pencil is specifically designed for certain iPads only. While the older Apple Pencil works with one set of iPads, the second generation works with other models.
Final Words
By following the steps in this article, you should be able to connect your Apple Pencil with your iPad. If you’re still having problems, try the troubleshooting tips above or contact Apple Support for further assistance.