The Apple Pencil is a stylus designed by Apple specifically for use with iPad. Apple Pencils are easy to use and user friendly. They offer precise control and allow you to sketch and draw, take notes, or mark up documents. But first, you need to connect your devices. We’ll walk you through the setup process.
Here’s our comprehensive guide on how to pair an Apple Pencil to your iPad.
Before you start, make sure your iPad is updated to the latest version of iPad OS and that it has Bluetooth turned on. You also might need to charge your Apple Pencil before it can be paired.
There are four models of Apple Pencil available:
- Apple Pencil Pro
- Apple Pencil (USB-C)
- Apple Pencil (2nd Generation)
- Apple Pencil (1st Generation).
Each of the above Apple Pencil models can only be paired with specific iPad models. We’ll show you how to identify and pair Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil USB-C, Apple Pencil 2nd Generation, and Apple Pencil 1st Generation.
First, let’s learn how to identify Apple Pencil Pro and how to pair it with your iPad.
Apple Pencil Pro is labeled with Apple Pencil Pro, has a matte finish, one flat side, and has no ports or connectors. It’s compatible with iPad Air with M2 and iPad Pro with M4.
How to pair Apple Pencil Pro with your iPad
To pair Apple Pencil Pro, just attach it to the magnetic connector on the side of your iPad. Once an image of your Apple Pencil appears on the screen, it’s paired and will begin charging.
When you’re ready to use your Apple Pencil, just remove it from your iPad.
Next, let’s learn how to identify Apple Pencil USB-C and how to pair it with your iPad.
Apple Pencil USB-C is labeled with Apple Pencil, has a matte finish, one flat side, and the end slides open to access the USB-C port. It’s compatible with iPad 10th Generation, iPad Mini 6th Generation, iPad Air 4th or 5th Generation, iPad Air with M2, 11-inch iPad Pro, 12.9-inch iPad Pro, 3rd to 6th Generation, and iPad Pro with M4.
how to pair Apple Pencil USB-C with your iPad
To pair Apple Pencil USB-C with your iPad, slide open the end of your Apple Pencil, attach a USB-C cable into the port, and plug the other end of the cable into your iPad. A notification will appear on your screen indicating Apple Pencil is connected and it will begin charging. Then, just disconnect the cable from your Apple Pencil and it’s ready to use.
Now, let’s learn how to identify Apple Pencil 2nd Generation and how to pair it with your iPad.
Apple Pencil 2nd Generation is labeled with Apple Pencil, has a matte finish, one flat side, and has no ports or connectors. It’s compatible with iPad Mini 6th Generation, iPad Air 4th or 5th Generation, 11-inch iPad Pro 1st to 4th Generation, and 12.9-inch iPad Pro 3rd to 6th Generation.
how to pair Apple Pencil 2nd Generation with your iPad
To pair your Apple Pencil 2nd Generation, just attach it to the magnetic connector on the side of your iPad. Once an image of your Apple Pencil appears on the screen, it’s paired and will begin charging.
When you’re ready to use your Apple Pencil, just remove it from your iPad.
Now, let’s learn how to identify Apple Pencil 1st Generation and how to pair it with your iPad.
Apple Pencil 1st Generation is round with a smooth finish and has a removable cap covering the lightning connector. It’s compatible with iPad 6th Generation or later, iPad Mini 5th Generation, iPad Air 3rd Generation, 9.7-inch iPad Pro, 10.5-inch iPad Pro, and 12.9-inch iPad Pro 1st or 2nd Generation.
How to pair Apple Pencil 1st Generation with your iPad
To pair Apple Pencil 1st Generation, first remove the cap from the lightning connector.
If you have an iPad 10th Generation, you’ll use the USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter to connect.
First, plug your Apple Pencil into one side of the adapter and a USB-C cable into the other side. Then, plug the other end of the cable into your iPad.
Apple Pencil will begin charging.
When the Bluetooth Pairing Request Alert appears, tap Pair.
Now, unplug your Apple Pencil from the adapter and it’s ready to use.
For other compatible iPad models, plug your Apple Pencil directly into the lightning port on your iPad.
Apple Pencil will begin charging.
When the Bluetooth Pairing Request Alert appears, tap Pair.
Remove your Apple Pencil from your iPad and it’s ready to use.
Don’t forget to put the cap back on.
What to do if your Apple Pencil isn’t connecting to your iPad
If you’re ready to start making sketches or signing documents on your iPad but your Apple Pencil isn’t working, here are a few troubleshooting steps to try:
Check for damage
Your Apple Pencil won’t work if it’s broken, so look closely to see if it’s in good shape. If the tip is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
Close your apps
If an app you’re using is glitchy, it may prevent your Apple Pencil from pairing with your iPad. Try closing the app, then re-pair your devices.
Restart your iPad
Restart your iPad and try pairing your Apple Pencil again. How you restart your iPad differs based on whether your iPad has a Home button or not:
- iPad without a Home button: Press and hold one of the volume buttons and the top buttons together until the power-off slider appears. Drag the slider and wait about 30 seconds so that your iPad turns off fully. Then, press and hold the top button until you see the Apple logo.
- iPad with a Home button: Press and hold the top button until you see the power-off slider. Drag the slider and wait for your iPad to turn off. Then, press and hold the top button again until the Apple logo appears.
Ensure that your iPad has the latest version of iPadOS
You can check if you have the latest version of iPadOS by going to Settings > General > Software Update. This screen will show if there is an update. Tap Update Now if there is an update.
Ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on your iPhone
Go to Settings > Bluetooth.
Charge your Apple Pencil
For Apple Pencil Pro:
- Make sure that Bluetooth® is turned on in Settings > Bluetooth.
- Attach Apple Pencil Pro to the magnetic connector on the long side of your iPad. Let it charge for 20 minutes.
For Apple Pencil (USB-C)
- Slide open the end of Apple Pencil and connect it to the USB-C charge cable that came with your iPad.
- Connect the other end of the USB-C charge cable to the USB-C connector on iPad.
For Apple Pencil (2nd generation)
- Make sure that Bluetooth® is turned on in Settings > Bluetooth.
- Attach Apple Pencil to the magnetic connector on the right side of your iPad.
For Apple Pencil (1st generation): Make sure you’ve firmly plugged in your Apple Pencil to the Lightning connector on your iPad. It should take 20 minutes or less to fully charge. Let it charge for 20 minutes.
Tip: You can also charge Apple Pencil using the USB-C charge cable and power adapter that came with your iPad.
Clean your iPad charging port
If you have an Apple Pencil (1st generation), check your Lightning charging port for dust and debris. Use a cotton swab or compressed air to gently clean it. Then try connecting your devices again.
Forget and re-pair your device
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth
- Find your Apple Pencil under My Devices. If you find it, tap info . Then tap Forget this Device.
- Connect your Apple Pencil into your iPad and tap the Pair button when it appears after a few seconds.
- If the Pair button doesn’t appear, wait for one minute while your Apple Pencil charges. Then try connecting your Apple Pencil again and wait until the Pair button appears.
See also: Which iPad models support Apple Pencil? Here’s the full list