When your Apple pencil is not working, it’s pretty easy to troubleshoot the issue.
You are just about to do something productive on your iPad, and the Apple Pencil isn’t working. There are a number of reasons why your Apple Pencil is not working as expected.
Troubleshooting tips for Apple Pencil are pretty similar for both generations of the accessory. Whether you own the
Apple Pencil (1st generation)
or
Apple Pencil (2nd generation),
This troubleshooting guide will help you fix the issue for good
Note: this guide applies to the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and Apple Pencil (1st generation) on a compatible iPad.
Apple Pencil not working? Check the Battery
Your Apple Pencil must be charged for it to work.
Here’s how you can check the battery status on your iPad and find out if your Pencil is charged:
- Check the battery status of your pencil from the Widgets view on your iPad. To do this, swipe right on the Home screen, Lock screen or Notification center.
- Look in the Batteries widget. If you can’t see the widget, ensure you have your Pencil set up with Bluetooth and Batteries is chosen to appear in Today’s View.
- You can also check the battery status by selecting Settings > Apple Pencil and look for the battery level at the top of the main screen.
- If the battery level is at 0%, it’s time to charge the pencil.
- To charge the Apple Pencil (1st generation,) simply plug it into the lightning connector on your iPad or use the USB power adapter that came with the Apple Pencil.
- To charge the Apple Pencil (2nd generation,) simply attach it magnetically to the side of your iPad. Please note, Bluetooth must be enabled for Apple Pencil 2 to charge.
The Apple Pencil charges faster, so if the battery was completely drained, charging it should get you up and running in no time.
Apple pencil not working? Confirm Pencil Compatibility With iPad
Apple Pencil 1st and 2nd generations are only compatible with specific models of iPads, so if you’re trying to use your new 2nd generation Apple Pencil with an iPad you previously used with a 1st generation Apple Pencil, it will not work.
The following iPad Models are compatible with APPLE PENCIL (1ST GENERATION)
- (6th and 7th Gen.) iPad
- 9.7-inch iPad Pro
- 10.5-inch iPad Pro.
- 12.9-inch (1st or 2nd Gen.) iPad Pro
- 5th Gen. iPad mini
- 3rd Gen. iPad Air
The following iPad models are compatible with APPLE PENCIL (2ND GENERATION)
- 12.9-inch (3rd and 4th Gen.) iPad Pro
- 11-inch iPad Pro
Apple Pencil not working? Make sure Bluetooth Is Turned On
Bluetooth must be enabled on your iPad for the Apple Pencil to work. If you don’t see your Apple Pencil in the list of devices in the Battery widget, or there isn’t a Battery widget at all, There is a high possibility that Bluetooth is turned off or needs to be reset. Here’s how to check:
- Start the Settings app on your iPad.
- choose Bluetooth. Tap the toggle switch to enable Bluetooth if it isn’t already. Your Apple Pencil should appear in the My Devices section if it is paired with the iPad.
- If Bluetooth won’t turn on or you see the spinning/loading icon, try restarting your iPad and reconnect.
Pro tip: This is also an easy way of troubleshooting Bluetooth connection problems.
Bluetooth and Pencil Not Paired
If your Apple Pencil’s not pairing with your iPad or the iPad has lost the pairing, try to pair your accessory afresh. This could fix your Apple Pencil problem.
- Make sure your iPad is turned on, unlocked, and Bluetooth is enabled. Head over to Settings > Bluetooth. Even though your Apple Pencil appears on the devices list, if it isn’t working, you should re-pair it.
- Now, tap the information icon (the i in a circle) located next to Apple Pencil in the Bluetooth settings page.
- Next, tap Forget This Device in the screen that appears.
- Next on, confirm that you want the iPad to forget the pencil in the pop-up window by tapping Forget Device.
- Now, position your Apple Pencil (2nd generation) along the side of your iPad magnetically. For Apple Pencil (1st Gen.), uncap the Apple Pencil and plug it into the lightning port of your iPad.
- You may see a Bluetooth Pairing Request dialog, in which case choose Pair, or the pairing may occur automatically if the pencil has been paired previously.
- The repaired Apple Pencil will appear in the Settings > Bluetooth screen.
Pencil Tip Is Worn
If your Apple Pencil is not working, the Pencil tip could be worn out. The tip can be replaced pretty easily.
Please note: While there isn’t a specific period of time the Pencil tip should last, most people replace them when the feel, finish, or functionality starts to weaken. If the finish or feel is rough or like sandpaper, consider replacing the Pencil tip to prevent it from scratching the surface of the iPad.
- Start by unscrewing the pencil tip in a counterclockwise direction until it detaches.
- Replace the new tip by screwing the tip clockwise until it attaches properly in your Apple Pencil.
Also note: If you don’t screw the tip properly, the Apple Pencil won’t work correctly or at all.
App Doesn’t Support Apple Pencil
Apple Pencil is not supported by all apps. To check if your Apple Pencil is working, launch an app that is compatible with Apple Pencil like Notes. The Notes app is a great option to test your Pencil, and it should be on your home screen. If you don’t have it, you can get it from the app store.
Contact Apple support
If you’ve tried all the above troubleshooting steps and your Apple pencil is not responding, it is time to
contact Apple support.
The Apple Pencil comes with a one-year limited warranty. In case your pencil is no longer covered by the warranty, you can have your battery replaced at $29, according to Apple. So, if your Apple pencil is not charging, you can
Make a Genius bar Appointment
Or
Chat with Apple online.