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The Complete Guide to Every iOS 27 Feature

How to solve math with Math Notes in Calculator on iPad

by Tyler Stephen

You can solve mathematical expressions, create and use variables, or graph equations in Math Notes in the Calculator app—for example, when learning new concepts in class, doing day-to-day budgeting, planning an event, or remodeling your home.

You can type or write a math expression, and Math Notes automatically converts any units and currency used in expressions. You can also mix different systems, and any graphs using a value automatically update when you change it. You can choose how your iPad responds to the math problems you enter, too.

Note: Math Notes relies on common mathematical symbols and select numeric systems for written math and variable names, and it uses the same operations as the scientific calculator.

A Math Note open in Calculator, with declared variables, equations, and a drawing of the math problem.

Solve expressions

  1. Go to the Calculator app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the Change Mode button and tap Math Notes.
  3. Tap to open a previous Math Note, or tap the New Note button to start a new one.
  4. Do any of the following:
    • Type a math expression, then include an equal sign.
    • Tap the Handwriting button, write a math expression horizontally, then include an equal sign.
    • Tap the Handwriting button, write a stack of numbers, then draw a horizontal line below the numbers to add the numbers in the stack. Write a different symbol to the left of each number if you want a different operation.
  5. Tap the equal sign to see what Math Notes understood in what you wrote. To correct mistakes, you can fix any of the following:
    • Unrecognized math and unsolvable expressions: Tap any dotted red lines to see details about the error.
    • Ambiguous characters: Tap any dotted blue lines to clarify what you wrote.

Horizontal expressions follow the standard order of operations in Math Notes, so multiplication is completed before addition and subtraction, for instance. To have expressions calculated first, add parentheses around them. Math Notes evaluates vertically stacked math from top to bottom.

Math Notes converts any units and currency in your expressions automatically, and you can even mix different systems, like 42 meters + 143 feet. The units and currency it supports match the Convert mode of the basic or scientific calculator. For more about converting, check out our article, Convert units or currency.

Update values

  1. Start the Calculator app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the Change Mode button, tap Math Notes, and tap the note you want to update.
  3. Do one of the following:
    • Erase the number, then enter a new value.
    • Tap the number, then slide left and right to adjust the value using the scrubber that appears above the number.
    • Using an Apple Pencil, hover over the number until you see a scrubber, then slide left and right to adjust the value.

Graphs that use the values update automatically, and so do the results or graphs of any equations using a variable the value was assigned to.

Use variables in expressions and equations

  1. Start the Calculator app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the Change Mode button and tap Math Notes.
  3. Tap to open a Math Note in the sidebar, or tap the New Note button to start a new one.
  4. To declare a variable, type or write a letter or word to use as the variable, followed by an equal sign.
  5. Type or write a value or expression after the equal sign to assign a value to the variable.
  6. Type or write the variable name in an expression or an equation to use it.

Note: Math Notes works through entries from top left to bottom right. Before you use a variable in an expression (such as x + 10 =), you have to declare it (for example, x = 5), or you’ll get an error. Variable names can contain only characters from the Latin alphabet, and vertical math doesn’t support variables.

Equations with two or three variables let you graph in two or three dimensions.

Show results automatically or as suggestions

You can choose how you want your iPad to respond to the math problems you enter in Math Notes.

  1. Start the Calculator app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the Change Mode button and tap Math Notes.
  3. Tap to open a Math Note in the sidebar, or tap the New Note button to start a new one.
  4. Enter text, or tap the Handwriting button and begin writing.
  5. Tap the More button, tap Math Results, and then do one of the following:
    • If you want problems to be solved: Choose Insert Results. Answers appear automatically when you type or write a solvable math problem.
    • If you want suggestions to appear: Choose Suggest Results. When you type or write an equal sign or select a solvable math problem, a Solve button appears that, when tapped, inserts the answer.
    • If you don’t want any math results: Choose Off. Answers don’t appear when you type or write an equal sign after an expression.

Use a light background

Math Notes can switch from its default dark background to a light background instead.

  1. Start the Calculator app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the Change Mode button and tap Math Notes.
  3. Tap to open a Math Note in the sidebar, or tap the New Note button to start a new one. Enter text or write.
  4. Tap the More button and tap Use Light Background.

You can also show lines or grids in notes.

See also

Tags: Calculator, Notes
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How to work with graphs in Math Notes in Calculator on iPad

by Chris Smith

In Math Notes, you can insert a graph or overlay the graphs of multiple equations on the same two-dimensional grid or three-dimensional space to see how they relate.

You can graph in two or three dimensions, include defined variables, and create a graph from an existing equation. When you edit your equation, the graph updates automatically, and you can resize a graph or combine graphs in one grid or space.

Note: For written math and variable names, Math Notes works with common mathematical symbols and select numeric systems, plus the same operations as the scientific calculator.

A Math Note open in Calculator, with a declared variable, an equation, and a graph.

Graph in two dimensions

  1. Go to the Calculator app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the Change Mode button and tap Math Notes.
  3. Tap to open a previous Math Note, or tap the New Note button to start a new one.
  4. Type or write an equation with exactly two undefined variables, with one on each side of the equal sign.

    You can include defined variables as well. For example, if you know a = 3, you can graph velocity = 0.5at^2. The graph’s y-axis shows velocity, and the x-axis shows t.

  5. Tap Insert Graph in the menu that appears, then, if asked, tap to assign a variable to the x-axis.
  6. Tap to select the graph and then do any of the following:

    • Reframe the graph: Swipe with two fingers to pan.
    • Zoom in or out: Pinch open and closed.
    • See coordinates: Touch and hold the graphed function. Move your finger along the line to see each point’s x- and y-value.
    • Move the graph in the note: Drag from the middle or an edge (not a handle) of the graph.

Any equation you enter gets read as y = f(x) in all graphs, so the variable left of the equal sign graphs on the y-axis, with the other variable on the x-axis.

Graph in three dimensions

  1. Start the Calculator app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the Change Mode button and tap Math Notes.
  3. Tap to open a previous Math Note, or tap the New Note button to start a new one.
  4. Type or write an equation with a “z” on the left side of the equal sign and “x” and “y” on the right.

    For example, z  =  (y3+x3)/2.

  5. Tap Insert 3D Graph in the menu that appears, then, if asked, tap to assign variables to axes.
  6. Tap to select the graph and then do any of the following:

    • Inspect the graph from other angles: Drag from the middle of the graph.
    • Move the graph in the note: Drag the edge (not a handle) of the graph.

Math Notes in Calculator on iPad showing two 3-variable equations and their corresponding 3D graphs, then a third graph with the two graphs combined.

Create a graph from an existing equation

  1. Start the Calculator app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the Change Mode button, tap Math Notes, and then open a Math Note with an equation.
  3. Tap to place a cursor in the equation (without selecting text).
  4. Tap the equation again to reveal a menu above or below the equation, tap the Forward button, and then do one of the following:
    • Create a new graph: Tap Insert Graph.
    • Add an additional graph: Tap Graphs, then tap Insert Graph.

Modify a graph

  1. Start the Calculator app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the Change Mode button, tap Math Notes, and open a Math Note with a graph.
  3. Do any of the following:
    • Change the shape of the function: Edit your equation. The graph updates automatically.
    • Resize the graph: Tap the graph and drag an edge or corner handle.
    • Adjust the axes: Tap the graph, tap the Graph Viewport button, and then swipe left or right on the numbers to make them larger or smaller, or tap Equalize Axes.
    • Zoom to the best view of the graph: Tap the graph and then tap Recenter.
    • Center the origin: Tap the Graph Viewport button and tap Center Origin.
    • Duplicate the graph: Tap the graph and tap the Duplicate button.
    • Recolor the graph: Tap the line or surface of the graph and tap the color picker to the right of the equation.

Work with multiple graphs

  1. Start the Calculator app on your iPad.
  2. Create a graph in two or three dimensions, as above.
  3. Type or write another equation and then tap Insert Graph or Add to Existing Graph.

    You can also tap an equal sign of any equation you already wrote to add it to an existing graph.

  4. Do any of the following:

    • Combine graphs in one grid or space: Tap a graph, tap the 2D Graph Settings button or the 3D Graph Settings button, and then tap the equation in the list that you want to add to the graph. A the Visibility button appears.
    • Hide a graph: Tap the graph, tap the 2D Graph Settings button or the 3D Graph Settings button, and tap the Visibility button to uncheck it.

See also

Tags: Calculator, Notes
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How to use the scientific calculator on iPad

by Moses Johnson

You can use the scientific calculator for exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. You can also view complete expressions with parentheses, trigonometry, and multiple operations before you get the final answer.

You can work with stored values, use trigonometric and hyperbolic functions, choose radians or degrees, and use mathematical constants. You can even generate a random number between 0 and 1. It follows the standard order of operations, too, so multiplication is completed before addition and subtraction.

Note: The Calculator app uses the standard order of operations. For example, multiplication is completed before addition and subtraction. Add parentheses around expressions that you want calculated first.

iPad showing the scientific calculator with memory, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions.

Switch to the scientific calculator

  1. Open the Calculator app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the Change Mode button and tap Scientific.

Work with stored values

  1. Open the Calculator app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the Change Mode button and tap Scientific.
  3. As you calculate, you can do any of the following:
    • Add the value on the screen to memory: Tap m+.
    • Subtract the value on the screen from memory: Tap m-.
    • Recall the stored value in memory: Tap mr.
    • Clear the stored value from memory: Tap mc.

Use exponential and logarithmic functions or notation

  1. Open the Calculator app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the Change Mode button and tap Scientific.
  3. Do any of the following:

    • Square a value: Enter a number and tap x2. Then tap =.
    • Cube a value: Enter a number, tap x3, and tap =.
    • Raise a value to the power of y: Enter a base number, tap xy and enter the value of y. Then tap =.
    • Raise e to the power of x: Enter the value of x, tap ex, and then tap =.
    • Raise 10 to the power of x: Enter the value of x, tap 10x, and tap =.
    • Calculate a factorial: Enter a number and tap x!. Tap =.
    • Calculate a reciprocal: Enter a number, tap 1/x, and tap =.

      Tip: Tap EE as a shortcut to use scientific notation, instead of tapping the × and 10x keys.

Use the keys just below those keys to get the inverse functions: the square root, cube root, yth root, natural logarithm, and logarithm.

To access additional functions (such as yx or powers of 2), tap the “2nd” key near the top left.

Use trigonometric and hyperbolic functions

  1. Open the Calculator app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the Change Mode button and tap Scientific.
  3. Find any of the following:
    • Sine: Tap sin and enter a number. Tap =.
    • Cosine: Tap cos, enter a number, and then tap =.
    • Tangent: Tap tan and enter a number. Then tap =.
    • Hyperbolic sine: Tap sinh, enter a number, and then tap =.
    • Hyperbolic cosine: Tap cosh, enter a number, and tap =.
    • Hyperbolic tangent: Tap tanh, enter a number, and then tap =.

To access the inverse of these functions (such as arcsine or arctangent), tap the “2nd” key near the top left.

Use radians or degrees

The scientific calculator uses degrees by default.

  1. Open the Calculator app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the Change Mode button and tap Scientific.
  3. Tap Rad to switch to radians.

    When you’re using radians instead of degrees, the label Rad appears in the lower left of the display, and the Rad key becomes Deg.

To switch back to degrees, tap the Deg key.

The Rad/Deg key sits just above the ÷ key in portrait orientation, with your iPad held vertically, and near the bottom center in landscape orientation, when it’s held horizontally.

Use mathematical constants

  1. Open the Calculator app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the Change Mode button and tap Scientific.
  3. Do any of the following:
    • Insert pi: Tap π.
    • Insert Euler’s number: Tap ℯ.

Generate a random number between 0 and 1

  1. Open the Calculator app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the Change Mode button and tap Scientific.
  3. Tap Rand.

Look for the Rand key just above the Delete key when your iPad is vertical, in portrait orientation. In landscape orientation, held horizontally, it moves to the bottom left.

See also

Tag: Calculator
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How to enter formulas and equations in Notes on iPad

by Kevin Hollington

With math in the Notes app, you can draw diagrams, solve equations, assign variables, and plot graphs. Mathematical expressions are solved inline when you write or type an equal sign.

You can type a math expression and include an equal sign, or write one with Markup. You can even write a stack of numbers and draw a horizontal line below them to add them, and you can create a graph.

Note: The Notes app handles math written using Western Arabic numerals and common mathematical symbols, as well as math typed using Arabic (Eastern & Western) and Devanagari numerals with common mathematical symbols.

A note for planning a trip, with a calculation of the travel expenses and a photo.

Add mathematical expressions to a note

  1. Start the Notes app on your iPad.
  2. Open a note, or tap the New Note button to start a new note.
  3. Do any of the following:
    • Type a math expression, then include an equal sign.
    • Tap the Markup button, write a math expression horizontally, then include an equal sign.
    • Tap the Markup button, write a stack of numbers, then draw a horizontal line below the numbers to add the numbers in the stack. Write a different symbol to the left of each digit if you want a different operation.
  4. Tap the equal sign to see what Notes understood in what you wrote. To correct mistakes, you can fix any of the following:
    • Unrecognized math and unsolvable expressions: Tap any dotted red lines to see details about the error.
    • Ambiguous characters: Tap any dotted blue lines to clarify what you wrote.

Create a graph

  1. Start the Notes app on your iPad.
  2. Open a note, or tap the New Note button to start a new note.
  3. Type or write an equation with x and y variables, with the y variable on the left side of the equation. For example, y = 5x + 3.

    You can also tap the equal sign in an equation you already wrote.

  4. When you finish the equation, a menu appears. Tap Insert Graph.

    The y variable is represented on the vertical axis, and the x variable is represented on the horizontal axis.

To add another equation to the same graph, type or write a new equation, then tap Add to Existing Graph.

See also Work with graphs in Math Notes in Calculator on iPad.

Access Math Notes created in the Calculator app

  1. Start the Notes app on your iPad.
  2. In the Folders list, tap Math Notes.

For math in Calculator, see our guide, Solve math with Math Notes in Calculator.

See also

Tag: Notes
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How to change the Notes view on iPad

by Stacey Butler

You can change how your notes appear in the Notes app. Add lines or grids to your notes, view your notes as a list or a gallery, and see all the attachments in one place.

You can view a note in full screen, or see your accounts, notes list, and selected note all at once with the sidebar. Lines and grids can go in an existing note or in all new notes.

Change the Notes display on your iPad

  • View a note in full-screen: Tap the Enter Full Screen button.
  • See your accounts, notes list, and selected note all at once: Tap the Toggle Sidebar button.

    You may need to tap the Close Full Screen button first.

Show lines or grids in notes

  • In an existing note: Tap the Note Actions button, tap Lines & Grids, then choose a style.
  • In all new notes: Go to Settings > Apps > Notes, tap Lines & Grids, then choose a style.

View notes as a list or gallery

In the notes list, tap the Folder Actions button, then tap View as List or View as Gallery.

View all attachments

In the notes list, tap the Folder Actions button, then tap View Attachments.

See also

Tag: Notes
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How to add drawings and handwriting in Notes on iPad

by Kevin Hollington

Use the Notes app to add drawings and handwriting: draw a sketch or jot a handwritten note with Apple Pencil (on supported models) or your finger. Choose from a variety of Markup tools and colors, and draw straight lines with the ruler.

As you write with Apple Pencil, your handwriting can be automatically refined in real time to be more legible while keeping your own style. You can also transcribe handwriting to typed text with the Scribble tool, as long as you’re writing in a supported language.

A note showing a drawing and Markup tools along the bottom of the screen.

Use drawing and handwriting tools

  1. Open the Notes app on your iPad.
  2. In a note, start drawing or writing with Apple Pencil. Or to draw or write with your finger, tap the Handwriting Tools button.
  3. Do any of the following:

    • Change color or tools: Use the Markup tools.
    • Adjust the handwriting area: Drag the resize handle (on the left) up or down.
    • Transcribe your handwriting to typed text as you write with Apple Pencil: Tap the Scribble tool (to the left of the pen). Start writing.

      Note: Scribble is available in supported languages. To learn more about writing notes with Apple Pencil, see Enter text with Scribble.

Quick tip: You can search handwritten text (in supported languages) in Notes. If the note doesn’t have a title, the first line of handwritten text becomes the suggested title. To edit the title, scroll to the top of the note, then tap Edit.

Select and edit drawings and handwriting

Smart Selection works on drawings and handwriting with the same gestures you use to select typed text. Within the note, you can move, copy, or delete what you’ve selected, and it can even go into another note or app as typed text.

Note: Smart Selection and handwriting transcription work if the system language of your iPad is set to a supported language in Settings > General > Language & Region > iPad Language.

  1. Open the Notes app on your iPad.
  2. In a note, select drawings and handwriting with your finger using any of the following methods:
    • With the Lasso tool: Tap the Handwriting Tools button, tap the Lasso tool (between the eraser and Image Wand in the tool palette), and then use your finger to outline the objects you want to select.
    • With gestures:
      • Touch and hold, then drag to expand the selection.
      • Double-tap to select a word.
      • Triple-tap to select a sentence.
      • Drag the handles to adjust the selection as needed.
  3. Tap the selection and choose an option.

Work with handwritten text

iPad can refine your handwriting so it’s smoother, straighter, and more legible. On top of that, you can move or delete handwriting, correct spelling inline, and paste or convert typed text in your handwriting.

  1. Open the Notes app on your iPad.
  2. In a note, select the handwriting.
  3. Do any of the following:

    • Refine: To make your writing smoother, straighter, and more legible, tap Refine1.

      To automatically refine your handwriting, tap the Handwriting Tools button, tap the More button, then turn on Auto-refine Handwriting.

    • Make your writing more level: Tap Straighten.
    • Correct spelling: Tap an underlined word and choose how you want to correct it. The fix appears in your own writing style.
    • Move handwriting: Touch and hold the selected text and then drag it to a new position.
    • Convert a text object to handwriting: Tap a text object in the drawing area and tap the More button. Tap Convert to Handwriting. (This feature2 requires previously saved notes in your handwriting with at least 10 unique lowercase characters.)
    • Paste typed text in your handwriting: Select and copy text from a webpage, document, or email; in a handwriting area in Notes and tap Paste. (This feature2 requires previously saved notes in your handwriting with at least 10 unique lowercase characters.)
  4. To erase text, scratch out the writing. Hold down your writing instrument (such as Apple Pencil or your finger) on iPad. (Supported when using a markup tool such as Pen, Mono line, or Marker.)

Drag images from other apps

You can drag images from other apps to a note and combine them with handwritten and drawn content. After you add an image to the drawing area, you can reposition and resize the image.

Use Image Wand

With Apple Intelligence turned on, Image Wand in Notes can turn your rough sketches into generated images. Select empty space, and it can also create an image from words and images in the surrounding area. For more, read our article, Use Image Wand with Apple Intelligence.

Note: Apple Intelligence on iPadOS 27 or later is available on an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPad mini (A17 Pro) and iPad models with M1 or later. Apple Intelligence is not available in all languages or regions. Usage limits may apply.*

  1. Handwriting refinement is available on iPad Pro (M4 and M5), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad Air (M2, M3, and M4), iPad Air 10.9-inch (4th generation and later), iPad (10th generation and later), iPad mini (6th generation), and iPad mini (A17 Pro); supported for English (Australia), English (Canada), English (India), English (Ireland), English (New Zealand), English (Singapore), English (South Africa), English (UK), English (US), French (Belgium), French (Canada), French (France), French (Switzerland), German (Austria), German (Germany), German (Switzerland), Italian (Italy), Italian (Switzerland), Portuguese (Brazil), Portuguese (Portugal), Spanish (Latin America), Spanish (Mexico), and Spanish (Spain).

  2. Handwriting reflow is supported for Cantonese (Traditional), Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), English (Australia), English (Canada), English (India), English (Ireland), English (New Zealand), English (Singapore), English (South Africa), English (UK), English (US), French (Belgium), French (Canada), French (France), French (Switzerland), German (Austria), German (Germany), German (Switzerland), Italian (Italy), Italian (Switzerland), Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Portuguese (Portugal), Russian, Spanish (Latin America), Spanish (Mexico), Spanish (Spain), Thai (Thailand), Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.

*Apple Intelligence is available with Siri and device language set to Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, or Vietnamese. Some features may not be available in all regions or languages. Some devices may not be available in all regions. Siri AI is available in beta in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, and visionOS 27 and requires an Apple Intelligence–enabled device set to a supported language. Available in English to start. Siri AI will not be initially available in the EU on iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS. Certain Apple Intelligence features that rely on server-side models are subject to daily usage limits, including but not limited to Siri AI, Intelligent Photo Editing Tools, Image Playground, and AFM 3 Cloud models in Shortcuts. Daily limits may vary by feature, request complexity, system demand, system policies, and other factors. Expanded access to such features will be available for a fee in the future. Use of these features is subject to the Apple Intelligence Terms and Conditions.

See also

Tag: Notes
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How to pair and charge Apple Pencil (USB-C) with iPad

by Chris Smith

You can pair and charge Apple Pencil by plugging it into the USB-C connector on your compatible iPad. It charges while it’s plugged in, and after you pair it, you can disconnect the cable, since it stays paired until you restart iPad. You can check its battery level, too.

Apple Pencil (USB-C).

Pair and charge Apple Pencil (USB-C)

  1. Slide open the end of Apple Pencil and connect it to the USB-C charge cable that came with your iPad.

    Apple Pencil with the end slid open to reveal the USB-C connector.

  2. Connect the other end of the USB-C charge cable to the USB-C connector on iPad.
  3. Do any of the following:

    • Pair Apple Pencil: Tap Tap to Connect.

      After you pair Apple Pencil, you can disconnect it from the USB-C charge cable. Apple Pencil stays paired until you restart your iPad, turn off Bluetooth®, or pair with another iPad. Just pair Apple Pencil again you’re ready to use it.

    • Charge Apple Pencil: Apple Pencil charges while it’s plugged into your iPad.

Quick tip: You can also use the USB-C charge cable and the power adapter that came with your iPad to charge Apple Pencil.

Check the battery level of Apple Pencil

Do any of the following:

See also

Tag: Apple Pencil
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How to pair and charge Apple Pencil (1st generation) with iPad

by Emily Long

You can pair and charge Apple Pencil (1st generation) by plugging it into the Lightning or USB-C connector on your compatible iPad. The steps differ for an iPad with a Home button, and once you’ve paired it, Apple Pencil stays paired until you restart your iPad or turn off Bluetooth®.

Apple Pencil (1st generation).

Pair and charge Apple Pencil (1st generation) on an iPad with a Home button

  1. Remove the cap and plug Apple Pencil into the Lightning connector on your iPad.

    Apple Pencil (1st generation) with the cap removed, revealing the end that plugs into the Lightning connector on iPad.

  2. Do any of the following:

    • Pair Apple Pencil: When the Pair button appears, tap it.

      After you pair Apple Pencil, unplug it from iPad. Apple Pencil stays paired until you restart your iPad, turn off Bluetooth®, or pair with another iPad. Just pair Apple Pencil again when you’re ready to use it.

    • Charge Apple Pencil: Apple Pencil charges while it’s plugged into your iPad.

      If your pencil came with an Apple Pencil Charging Adapter, you can also charge it using the Lightning Cable and power adapter that came with your iPad.

Pair and charge Apple Pencil with iPad (10th generation) and iPad (A16)

  1. Remove the cap and plug Apple Pencil into the USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter.
  2. Connect the other end of the adapter to your iPad using the USB-C charge cable that came with your iPad.

    Apple Pencil (1st generation) connected to the USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter. The other end of the adapter is connected to a USB-C charge cable.

  3. Do any of the following:

    • Pair Apple Pencil: When the Pair button appears, tap it.

      After you pair Apple Pencil, unplug it from iPad. Apple Pencil stays paired until you restart your iPad, turn off Bluetooth, or pair with another iPad. Just pair Apple Pencil again when you’re ready to use it.

    • Charge Apple Pencil: Apple Pencil charges while it’s plugged into your iPad.

Quick tip: The USB-C charge cable and the power adapter that came with your iPad can charge Apple Pencil, too.

Check the battery level of Apple Pencil

See also

Tag: Apple Pencil
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How to pair and charge Apple Pencil (2nd generation) with iPad

by Kevin Hollington

You can attach Apple Pencil (2nd generation) to the magnetic connector on the right side of your compatible iPad to pair and charge it. Bluetooth® needs to be turned on for it to charge, and you can check its battery level with the Batteries widget, too.

Apple Pencil (2nd generation).

Pair Apple Pencil (2nd generation) with iPad

Attach Apple Pencil to the magnetic connector on the right side of your iPad.

Charge Apple Pencil (2nd generation)

  1. Make sure that Bluetooth® is turned on in Settings > Bluetooth.
  2. Attach Apple Pencil to the magnetic connector on the right side of your iPad.

Check the battery level of Apple Pencil

To check the battery level of Apple Pencil, do any of the following:

See also

Tag: Apple Pencil
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How to draw with Apple Pencil on iPad

by Moses Johnson

On supported models, you can use Apple Pencil (sold separately) to draw or sketch, mark up a photo, sign a document, and more. Compared to using your finger, Apple Pencil gives you extra control as you draw.

Apple Pencil can apply shading or vary the line thickness as you draw, and on most models, it can darken the line. Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and Apple Pencil Pro can also switch back to the tool you used last. And with Apple Pencil Pro, you can quickly perform an action like undo, or preview the angle of drawing tools with barrel roll.

Apply shading and darker lines

If you tilt your Apple Pencil while you draw or sketch, you can apply shading or vary the line thickness (depending on the drawing tool).

With Apple Pencil (1st and 2nd generations) and Apple Pencil Pro, you can also press more firmly to darken the line.

Double-tap to switch tools

With Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and Apple Pencil Pro, you can double-tap the barrel of the pencil to quickly switch back to the tool you used last. For example, you can switch from the marker back to the eraser. (The double-tap option is available in supported apps, such as Notes.)

To choose another action for the double-tap setting, go to Settings > Apple Pencil > Double Tap.

Squeeze Apple Pencil Pro to perform an action

Squeezing the barrel of Apple Pencil Pro quickly performs an action, like undo or show the tool palette.

To choose an action for the squeeze setting, go to Settings > Apple Pencil > Squeeze.

Use barrel roll on Apple Pencil Pro

You can rotate the barrel of Apple Pencil Pro to preview the angle of drawing tools like the fountain pen and highlighter.

In Apple apps like Freeform, Notes, and when you are using Markup, barrel roll works with the fountain pen and highlighter tools. Tools in select third-party apps may support it, too, so check with the app developer if you’d like more information.

Turn haptic feedback for Apple Pencil Pro off or on

When you squeeze or double-tap Apple Pencil Pro, you feel a light pulse, which is haptic feedback.

  1. Pair Apple Pencil Pro with your compatible iPad.
  2. Open Settings, tap Apple Pencil, and turn Haptics on or off.

Hover to preview tools and controls

In supported apps, Apple Pencil hover lets you quickly preview and switch between different tools and controls. You’ll see a drawing tool’s preview before it makes a mark on the canvas, and you can sketch, write, and make adjustments with greater precision.

Apple Pencil hover is available on the following models:

  • iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation) and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation) with Apple Pencil (2nd generation)
  • iPad mini (A17 Pro), iPad Air 11-inch (M2, M3, and M4), iPad Air 13-inch (M2, M3, and M4), iPad Pro 11-inch (M4 and M5), and iPad Pro 13-inch (M4 and M5) with Apple Pencil Pro

Hold Apple Pencil up to 12 mm above the iPad display, and you can do things like these:

  • Explore the tool palette: Hold Apple Pencil over the tool palette, then move over the tools such as the pencil, brush, eraser, and colors. Touch the tool, color, and options you want to use.
  • Preview before you make a mark: Hold Apple Pencil over the drawing area. With some drawing tools, you can even tilt Apple Pencil and change the azimuth (lateral angle) for different effects. For example, in the Notes app, you can preview the color, line thickness, and opacity of the highlighter.

    With Apple Pencil Pro, you can rotate the barrel and preview the angle of drawing tools such as the highlighter and fountain pen.

  • Erase with precision: Select the eraser tool, then select options such as the pixel eraser size or the object eraser. Hold Apple Pencil over the drawing area to preview the effects of the eraser.

To turn off Apple Pencil hover, go to Settings > Apple Pencil, then turn off Hover.

See also

Tag: Apple Pencil
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