Let’s start with the basics!
1. Check Apple Pencil compatibility
So, you just bought an Apple Pencil, and it does not respond on your iPad? It could be that you bought an Apple Pencil incompatible with your iPad. Apple Pencil Gen 2 is not backward compatible, and the first-gen Apple Pencil is not supported by devices launched after it. Here’s a list of iPads supported by both generations of Apple Pencil. If your Apple Pencil is not compatible with your iPad and you’ve just purchased the Apple Pencil, return it as soon as you can and replace it with the compatible model. If you have a compatible Pencil, move on to the next fix.
iPad (6th – 9th generation)iPad Air (3rd generation) iPad mini (5th generation) iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd generation) iPad Pro 10.5-inchiPad 9.7-inch
iPad mini (6th generation) iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd – 5th generation) iPad Pro 11-inch (1st – 3rd generation) iPad Air (4th and 5th generation)
2. Recharge the Apple Pencil battery
The Apple Pencil works over Bluetooth and has an in-built battery that must be recharged. If your Apple Pencil is not working, there is a possibility that it has run out of juice. To check the battery of your Apple Pencil on your iPad, you will need to add the Battery widget to the home screen. Here’s our detailed guide to checking your Apple Pencil’s battery. If you own a 1st generation Apple Pencil and want to recharge it, take off the cap at the back and plug it into the lightning port of the iPad. As the 2nd Generation of Apple Pencil comes with wireless charging, you need to attach it to the right side of the iPad, where it’ll attach itself magnetically and charge wirelessly. Ensure your iPad has enough battery to charge the Apple Pencil.
3. Activate Bluetooth
As I mentioned earlier, the Apple Pencil works over a Bluetooth connection. So, you need to enable Bluetooth on your iPad to connect your Apple pencil. Here’s how to check if Bluetooth on your iPad is enabled, Follow these steps to check if the Apple Pencil is connected to your iPad, If everything is fine, turn off and back on the device’s Bluetooth and then try connecting them.
4. Check app compatibility
You’re already aware that different Apple Pencils are compatible with different iPads. Similarly, not all applications support input from the Apple Pencil. Although widely used Notes and Sketching apps are compatible with the Apple Pencil, most applications that support the Apple Pencil mention it in their description. If you’re on the lookout for the applications, here’s a list of the best Apple Pencil apps for iPad to make the most out of it.
5. Re-pair the Apple Pencil
Connectivity issues in wireless devices are a more common phenomenon than you think. One of the easiest ways to iron out these issues is to re-pair the device with its parent device. The same applies here. Just unpair your Apple Pencil from your iPad and pair it again after a couple of minutes. Follow our step-by-step guide on pairing and unpair Apple Pencil with your iPad!
6. Restart your iPad
Restarting is another quick way to troubleshoot your devices, especially when facing connectivity issues with wireless devices. A quick reboot might be more helpful than you think in solving your connectivity issues. Here’s our guide to help restart your iPad if you aren’t aware.
7. Ensure the nib is properly attached
If you haven’t noticed it, the Apple Pencil has a replaceable tip. And, the tip eventually wears out with usage and needs to be replaced. Moreover, if the tip of your Apple Pencil is loose, it might lead to the Apple Pencil being unresponsive. Rotate the tip of your Apple Pencil clockwise to fasten it to the Apple Pencil body. However, if you have lost the tip or it seems worn out, here’s our guide on Apple Pencils tip replacement and when one should do it.
8. Contact Apple Support
Like I always say, if none of the steps work out for you, the only solution is to contact Apple support. If your Apple Pencil is under AppleCare or AppleCare+ and has manufacturing defects, you might get it replaced free of cost. Nonetheless, contact Apple support or take it to an authorized Apple Store nearby. If you have any other doubts regarding your Apple Pencil not working, leave a comment below, and I’ll try my best to help you. Read more:
Best Apple Pencil cases, covers, and sleevesHow to find a lost Apple Pencil.
