Top 7 Fixes for Apple Pencil Not Connecting or Pairing

The Apple Pencil is a perfect example of a device that ‘works’ right out of the box. At least that’s how we perceive it. If you reached this post, you must be experiencing issues with Apple Pencil (1st or 2nd generation) not connecting or pairing with your iPad.

There are many reasons why your Apple Pencil might not connect or work as expected. For example, you may have accidentally disabled Bluetooth on your iPad. Or you may have a worn Apple Pencil. That said, let’s take a look at a few quick fixes that might help you fix the problem.

1. Check Compatibility

First, let’s rule out potential compatibility issues. At the time of writing, second-generation Apple Pencils will only work with the following iPad models:

• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation)
• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation)
• iPad Pro 11 inch (1st generation)

First-generation Apple Pencils (at the time of writing) only work with the following iPad models:

• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation)
• iPad Pro 12.9 inch (1st generation)
• iPad Pro 10.5 inch
• iPad Pro 9.7 inch
• iPad Air (3rd generation)
• iPad (7th generation)
• iPad (6th generation)
• iPad mini (5th generation)

Fly: For an up-to-date list, please see the Apple Pencil Compatibility page on Apple.com.

To check your iPad model, go to Settings > General > About > Model Name.

2. Check the Bluetooth

Is Bluetooth enabled on your iPad? It is quite common to accidentally disable it. To control it, open Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner of the screen.

If the Bluetooth icon appears disabled, tap it to turn it on. Keep track of your Apple Pencil by pairing it as follows:

• First-generation Apple Pencil—remove the cover and plug it into the Lightning port on your iPad.
• Second-generation Apple Pencil—plug it into the magnetic connector on the right side of your iPad.

If your Apple Pencil successfully pairs with your iPad, you should see the Apple Pencil popup at the top of the screen.

3. Charge Apple Pencil

Your Apple Pencil may have no charge left. Try plugging or plugging it into your iPad for at least 10-15 minutes. When it’s sufficiently charged, it should pair automatically.

If you’ve managed to pair your Apple Pencil before, you can check its current charge level via Today View’s Battery widget. Or go to Settings > Apple Pencil.

4. Pair the Apple Pencil Again

Have you paired your Apple Pencil with your iPad before? If you can’t pair it again or it doesn’t work even after connecting, try disconnecting it and pairing it again.

Stage 1: Go to Settings > Bluetooth, then tap the Info icon next to your Apple Pencil.

Step 2: Tap Forget This Device.

Stage 3: Plug or plug the Apple Pencil into your iPad to pair. You should see the Apple Pencil notification at the top of the screen when it’s successfully connected to your iPad.

5. Enable Scribble

iPadOS 14 comes with an Apple Pencil function called Scribble that lets you write in any text field in any app. Scribble then automatically converts your handwriting to typed text.

If you can’t use Scribble, but can use the Apple Pencil elsewhere (like for navigation or the Notes app), you probably have the functionality disabled.

To check if this is the case, go to Settings > Apple Pencil. Next, turn on the switch next to Scribble.

6. Replace or Tighten Tip

Did you know that the Apple Pencil comes with a removable tip that wears out over time? This may well be the case if you’ve used the Apple Pencil continuously for several months.

Therefore, look closely at the tip for signs of deterioration. If the tip looks worn, you should replace it. The 1st generation Apple Pencil comes with an extra nib. However, the 2nd generation Apple Pencil does not; this means you have to purchase a replacement pack from Apple or a third-party vendor (like Amazon).

To replace an Apple Pencil tip, gently remove the worn tip by turning it counterclockwise. Then insert the new bit and start turning it clockwise to screw it in.

A loose Apple Pencil tip can also cause problems. In this case, tighten the bit (turn it clockwise slowly) to make sure it is fully seated.

7. Restart iPad

If none of the fixes mentioned above worked, try restarting your iPad. This can potentially fix bugs or other anomalies that prevent you from pairing your Apple Pencil.

On iPads with Face ID, press and hold the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons in quick succession, then press and hold the Side button to turn off the device. Press and hold the Side button on iPads with Touch ID.

Press and hold the Side button again to reboot. Then try connecting the Apple Pencil to your iPad.

Start Typing

So, did you manage to reconnect your Apple Pencil and make it functional? I hope you did. Otherwise, try connecting or pairing with another iPad; keep compatibility in mind. If your Apple Pencil still cannot connect or work, the problem is most likely hardware related. The best thing you can do in this situation is to contact Apple Support or make an appointment at the nearest Genius Bar.

Next: Did you know you can view your iPad notes on Android? Click the link below to learn how to do this.