Is your Apple Pencil not pairing with your iPad or is it getting randomly disconnected while in use? This could be due to a number of different factors since it relies on a wireless connection and packs its own battery. Don’t fret though, since most disconnection and pairing issues with Apple Pencil can be fixed within a matter of minutes unless the hardware isn’t compatible.
Apple Pencil is an optional iPad accessory that’s used by millions of iPad users to draw, write, take quick notes, sketch, and more. For the most part, it works seamlessly with the iPads just like how almost all Apple accessories work with devices within the ecosystem. However, due to its wireless connectivity, internal battery, rare quirks, and certain hardware limitations, users can sometimes end up in a situation where they’re unable to pair the Apple Pencil with their iPads, or the Apple Pencil connection drops randomly making it almost unusable.
Regardless of the kind of issue that you’re specifically facing with your Apple Pencil, we’re here to help you get it fixed. In this article, we’ll cover how you can troubleshoot and resolve Apple Pencil’s pairing and disconnection problems.
Troubleshooting Apple Pencil Connectivity Issues
Apple Pencil’s connection drops could be related to Bluetooth, pairing issues, or because it ran out of battery.
Pairing issues are also usually Bluetooth-related, but they can also be due to incompatibility.
Whatever the cause, follow these troubleshooting methods to get your Apple Pencil to work properly with your iPad again.
Check Apple Pencil Compatibility
If you’re unable to pair your Apple Pencil with your iPad at all, compatibility is the first thing you need to check.
Apple has two different Apple Pencil variants, namely first-generation and second-generation Apple Pencils. Both of them support different iPad models. Therefore, you need to check if the Apple Pencil that you purchased is supported by the iPad you use.
Apple Pencil (2nd Generation)
- iPad Air (4th generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation) and later
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation) and later
Apple Pencil (1st Generation)
- iPad (8th generation)
- iPad mini (5th generation)
- iPad (7th generation)
- iPad (6th generation)
- iPad Air (3rd generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st or 2nd generation)
- iPad Pro 10.5-inch
- iPad Pro 9.7-inch
How can I tell which Apple Pencil model I have?
If you’re unsure which Apple Pencil you have, the fully cylindrical Apple Pencil with the removable cap and Lightning port is the first-generation variant, whereas the Apple Pencil with a flat edge is the second-generation variant. Here’s a picture representing both the Apple Pencil models.
Check that Bluetooth is Enabled
Some users may find that Bluetooth was accidentally turned off, in which case the Apple Pencil will not be recognized.
Confirm that Bluetooth is enabled by swiping down into Control Center (from the top right corner of modern iPadOS), or going into the Settings app and making sure Bluetooth is turned on.
Re-Pair Your Apple Pencil
Are you frequently facing disconnections while using your Apple Pencil? In that case, this particular step is for you, and often re-pairing the Pencil will resolve disconnection issues right away. Bluetooth is typically the primary culprit for these random disconnections, but this can be easily fixed by unpairing and pairing your Apple Pencil again. It’s similar to how you’d re-pair your Bluetooth headphones when it randomly disconnects.
To do this, head over to Settings -> Bluetooth on your iPad and tap on the “i” icon next to the connected Apple Pencil. Next, scroll down to the bottom and tap on “Forget This Device”.
Once unpaired, you can follow these instructions to set up and pair your Apple Pencil from scratch.
Charge Your Apple Pencil
One of the most common reasons why your Apple Pencil gets disconnected during usage is simply because it ran out of battery. Therefore, this is the first thing that you may want to check when it happens.
A lot of people who’re new to using an Apple Pencil with their iPads don’t really know that it runs on battery. If you’re using the first-generation Apple Pencil, you can take the cap off and plug the Lightning connector into the charging port of your iPad. On the other hand, you can charge a second-generation Apple Pencil by simply attaching it to the side of the iPad with volume buttons. It should snap on with the help of magnets and charge wirelessly.
Once you’ve charged it enough, try using your Apple Pencil again.
You can always check battery of Apple Pencil and other connected devices from the Battery widget.
Tighten or Replace the Tip / Nib
This step isn’t exactly for disconnections or pairing issues but can be used if your Apple Pencil isn’t detecting your writing or sketches properly. This is likely due to the fact that the Apple Pencil’s pointer tip / nib is either loose or has worn out over time due to prolonged use. If tightening the nib doesn’t fix it, you’ll need to replace it with a new one. Thankfully, Apple provides a replacement nib in the box when you purchase a new Apple Pencil for first gen, but 2nd gen owners will need to buy one (you can get packs of Apple Pencil tips on Amazon, from the Apple Store, and other online retailers). So, try a new tip / nib and see if you’re able to draw properly again.
Reboot Your iPad
If the above troubleshooting steps weren’t helpful in your case, chances are, it’s just a minor software glitch that can be easily fixed by turning your iPad off and back on again.
Simply press and hold the power/side button along with one of the volume buttons on your iPad to access the shutdown screen. On older iPads with the Home button, you just need to hold the power button to get to the shutdown menu.
Apart from a regular restart, you can also take things up a notch and try force restarting your iPad. This is different from a normal reboot and requires a combination of button presses.
On iPad models with a physical Home button, force restart can be initiated by pressing and holding the power button and Home button until the Apple logo shows up. On newer models with Face ID, it’s slightly more complicated since you’ll have to press multiple buttons in quick succession. Click the volume up button first, followed by the volume down button, and then hold the side/power button until the Apple logo shows up to properly force reboot the iPad. Once you’re back on the Home screen, check if your Apple Pencil is working again without any issues.
Apple Pencil still having problems?
Unlucky enough to still face issues with Apple Pencil? It’s possible the Pencil itself is faulty, particularly if it’s brand new, or that there is some other issue at play. At this point, you might want to contact official Apple Support to see what they suggest. They will be able to help you if the hardware is at fault, and offer a free repair or replacement if your Apple Pencil is still in warranty.
Hopefully, you were able to fix your Apple Pencil connectivity issues using the tips above, and without requiring any further assistance from Apple Support. Which of the troubleshooting methods that we covered here worked for you? Do you have any additional tips that can fix these disconnection and pairing problems? Feel free to drop your ideas and share your experiences with Apple Pencil in the comments section down below.
Related
FAQs
Apple Pencil Won’t Pair or Disconnecting Frequently? Here’s How to Fix & Troubleshoot? ›
One reason an Apple Pencil might stop working normally could be that its Bluetooth connection is experiencing an interference. Like any other Bluetooth connection, removing the Apple Pencil from your iPad's Bluetooth network can give both devices a chance to form a fresh connection.
Why won t my Apple Pencil stay paired? ›One reason an Apple Pencil might stop working normally could be that its Bluetooth connection is experiencing an interference. Like any other Bluetooth connection, removing the Apple Pencil from your iPad's Bluetooth network can give both devices a chance to form a fresh connection.
How can I tell if my Apple Pencil is broken? ›However, if the Apple Pencil nib feels rough to the touch, or it doesn't glide smoothly on your iPad screen, it's time to replace it with a new one. (Another way to tell: your Apple Pencil tip has exposed metal.)
Why do I have to reconnect my Apple Pencil every time? ›It shouldn't be necessary to re-pair your 1st Generation Apple Pencil upon every use - unless you a switching off your Bluetooth. If you disable Bluetooth on your iPad, it will immediately “un-pair” the Pencil.
How do I reset my Apple Pencil? ›- Press and Release the Volume Up button.
- Then immediately Press and Release the Volume Down button.
- Then, Press and Hold the Power Button at the top. You will see the Slide to Power off button, but keep on holding down the Power Button until you see the Apple logo, then let it go.
The pencil should last several years if you're careful with it. The two ways it will fail are physical damage and eventual consumption of the batteries. One way you won't get long life out of a pencil is if you don't use it and keep it charged monthly. Avoid hard drops to the hard floor.
Does Apple Pencil break easily? ›Apple Pencil Nibs Protect Your Pencil Against Fall Damage
The Apple Pencil is rather fragile. The tip even more. It could happen that the tip hits the floor at precisely the wrong angle, and breaks your pencil.
Once every two years is a good rule of thumb. Replacing the Apple Pencil tip at this interval will be smart for most users. Perhaps if you use your pencil very much, you should consider doing it more often. Also, if you only use the Pencil to take the occasional screenshot, perhaps after two years the tip is still top.
Can an Apple Pencil 2 be broken? ›If you have damaged the fragile metal transducer, located beneath the replaceable plastic tip, then the Pencil has been irreparably damaged. In this situation your Pencil will require total replacement.