Understanding how to connect Apple Pencil to iPads will unlock a lot of benefits for you. If you are using an iPad, Apple Pencils are some of the best accessories you can use. They are flexible and versatile and offer perfect precision for different tasks like drawing, note-taking, or editing.
This will work well for both 1st and 2nd generation Apple Pencils. In this guide, we will explain steps you can follow to connect your Apple Pencil to iPad correctly.
Connecting Apple Pencil 1st Generation to iPad
Below are steps you can follow to connect your Apple Pencil 1 to an iPad.
Step 1: Expose the lightning connector by removing the cap from the top Apple Pencil 1.
Step 2: Connect the Apple Pencil end to the iPad lighting connector at the bottom of the tablet.
Step 3: If you have a 10th generation iPad, you will have to use an USB-C to Pencil adapter.
Step 4: Once connected, you will notice a pop-up message showing Bluetooth pairing requests. Click on it to accept. Your iPad and pencil are now connected.
The older Apple Pencil 1 connects to the iPad through a lightning end. Connecting the end to the iPad simply starts charging your Apple Pencil 1 and also prompts you to confirm Bluetooth pairing connection.
When you connect for the first time, a pop-up window appears, prompting you to pair the pencil and iPad. Your Apple Pencil 1 is now connected to your tablet. Once you insert the Apple Pencil 1 into your tablet, the top right corner of the iPad will display how much charge is available.
Connecting Apple Pencil 2nd Generation to iPad
If you are using a new iPad Pro, you will need to connect to the Apple Pencil 2. Below are steps you need to follow.
- Go to your iPad and navigate to Bluetooth settings. Toggle Bluetooth on.
- You will notice one side of your Apple Pencil 2 is flat instead of round. This section is magnetic and connects to your iPad surface.
- Connect the flat area of the Apple Pencil 2 to the right side of the iPad tablet, which is also magnetic.
- A prompt will come up asking you to connect. Click on it, and your device is Paired. The auto-pairing process is complete.
Connecting the Apple Pencil 2 is easier and faster compared to the Apple Pencil 1. The Apple Pencil 2 connects to the tablet on a magnetic connector at the side of your iPad.
The Apple Pencil 2 is not as round as the 1st generation. It features edged corners that perfectly provide a flat side surface on the tablet. A pop-up comes up prompting you to connect the pencil to the iPad.
Types of Apple Pencils
There are 2 versions of Apple Pencil that you can use. If you have an older iPad, you will use an Apple Pencil (1st Generation); it is the original design that is cylindrical and features a removable cap. Removing the cap allows you to access the charging option on the lightening connector.
Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) is more modern with a sleek design and connects to your iPad magnetically by placing it on the tablet. It is not entirely cylindrical but has flat sides all around.
Key Differences Between the Models
The main differences between the two pencil models include the design, compatibility, and charging methods. Apple Pencil 1 is slightly bulkier compared to Apple Pencil 2. You have to physically connect the Apple Pencil 1 to your iPad using a lightning connection. The second-generation option charges using a magnetic connection to the back of your iPad.
Both pencils cannot be used interchangeably. They both work with different iPad models. We have explained the options compatible with Apple Pencil 1 below.
How to check Apple Pencil battery life
Once you place the pencil on the magnetic area, the top right corner of the iPad will display how much charge is available. If you encounter any problems when installing, below are some ways to troubleshoot.
Make sure the pencil is compatible with the tablet. Apple Pencils 1 and 2 are not interchangeable. If you use a pencil with the wrong iPad, it will not work.
Turn on Bluetooth. The connection is fully dependent on a Bluetooth connection. Make sure it is turned on. Make sure the Apple Pencil goes in smoothly.
If it seems hard to connect, try turning it to make sure it is in the right direction. Before attempting to connect, let the pencil charge for a little while. At 0% charge, it may not work.
Apple Pencil 1st and 2nd Generation Compatibility
As mentioned earlier, Apple Pencils 1 and 2 cannot be used interchangeably. Below are tablets compatible with the Apple Pencil 1.
- iPad Air (3rd generation)
- iPad mini (5th generation)
- iPad (6th generation)
- iPad (7th generation)
- iPad (8th generation)
- iPad Pro, 9.7-inch
- iPad Pro 10.5-inch
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st or 2nd generation)
Why does my iPad keep disconnecting?
Apple Pencils are some of the best stylus pens available in the market today. You can use it for many different professional functions, such as drawing or writing with ease.
However, sometimes you may notice it can keep disconnecting when using. The final solution if the many troubleshootings do not work is finding a replacement.
The Apple Pencil is not cheap. You, therefore, need to try all troubleshoots before concluding you need a new one. Usually, however, you will not have to replace it.
Troubleshooting Tips you can try if you encounter issues
There are several reasons why your Apple Pencil can start disconnecting. The most common problems include:
Make sure your Apple Pencil is charged
If your Apple Pencil is not well charged, it will keep disconnecting. To know how much charge is available on your pencil, just stick the charging end into your iPad Pro for Apple Pencil 1, and it will display the available charge in the top right corner.
For Apple Pencil 2, you will have to connect the Pencil to the side of your iPad on the magnetic area. The amount of charge available is displayed.
Check Bluetooth Connection Issues
Your Apple Pencil communicates with the iPad through Bluetooth. If the iPad has faulty Bluetooth or is turned off, it will not communicate with the pencil.
The proximity between the iPad and Apple Pencil is also an important requirement. Unnecessary physical barriers will hinder seamless connectivity.
Check For Pairing issues
If your iPad and Pencil are not paired or have been improperly paired, you will have issues. You can solve this by unpairing and pairing it back again.
To unpair, go to Settings>Bluetooth>I, then forget the device. Wait a little while and reconnect your Apple Pencil and iPad.
Lightning Connectors
If your lightning connectors on the iPad or Pencil are broken, you will not be able to connect. To verify whether you have a connector issue, check for broken pieces around the Apple Pencil Connector. You can use a flashlight for better visibility.
Restart Tablet
Another refresh option involves restarting the iPad and pencil. This will refresh both the pencil and tablet systems and can get rid of configuration issues.
Pencil Nib not properly set
Another common problem is when you do not have the nib properly connected. Pencil nibs are the tips of the pencil that you use to draw or write. Wrongly connected Nibs will result in regular lags and disconnecting. Check to make sure it is fixed properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Apple Pencil not connecting to my iPad?
If you encounter issues, confirm that the Pencil version is compatible with the iPad you want to connect to. Also, make sure your pencil is charged. If all these fail, try updating iPadOS on your iPad.
Can you connect multiple Apple Pencils to one iPad?
No, it is not possible to connect many pencils at a time. You can only connect one at a time.