The basic pairing process depends on which Apple Pencil you own
Apple makes three different Apple Pencil models, and each one connects to your iPad differently. The Apple Pencil (1st generation) pairs by plugging into the iPad's Lightning port. The Apple Pencil (2nd generation) pairs by snapping magnetically to the side of the iPad and charging wirelessly at the same time. The Apple Pencil Pro also pairs magnetically but adds extra features like squeeze gestures and haptic feedback.
Which model you have determines what you actually do to connect it. If you bought your Apple Pencil with your iPad or know the model number, check Apple's support page or your device settings to confirm which version you own. The packaging or the pencil itself usually has the model printed on it.
Key Takeaways
- Apple Pencil 1st generation plugs into the Lightning port on the bottom of your iPad to pair and charge.
- Apple Pencil 2nd generation and Pro snap magnetically to the side of compatible iPads and pair automatically when attached.
- Not all iPad models work with all Apple Pencil versions — check your iPad's specifications before buying.
- Once paired, your Apple Pencil stays connected to that iPad unless you unpair it in Settings or pair it to a different device.
Pairing Apple Pencil 1st generation: the Lightning port method
The 1st generation Apple Pencil has a removable cap on one end that covers a Lightning connector. To pair it, remove that cap and plug the Lightning connector directly into the Lightning port at the bottom of your iPad. The port is the small rectangular opening where you normally charge your iPad.
When you plug it in, your iPad will show a pairing prompt on the screen asking you to confirm the connection. Tap "Pair" on that prompt. The pencil will begin charging when ready through the Lightning connection. Once pairing is complete, you can unplug the pencil and start using it — it will stay paired to that iPad until you unpair it manually.
To charge the 1st generation pencil after the initial pairing, you plug it back into the Lightning port for a few minutes. A full charge takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on how depleted the battery is. The pencil will show a battery indicator in the top-right corner of your iPad screen so you can see how much charge remains.
Pairing Apple Pencil 2nd generation and Pro: the magnetic attachment method
The 2nd generation and Pro models have a flat edge on one side. This flat edge is magnetic and attaches to the flat edge on the side of compatible iPads — specifically the iPad Pro models from 2015 onward, iPad Air (3rd generation and later), and iPad (7th generation and later). When you snap the pencil to the side of the iPad, pairing happens automatically.
Your iPad will display a pairing notification on the screen confirming the connection. You do not need to tap anything or enter any codes. The pencil charges wirelessly through the magnetic connection while it is attached to the side of the iPad, so there is no separate charging step. The battery indicator appears in the top-right corner of your screen just like with the 1st generation model.
If you have multiple iPads, you can pair your 2nd generation or Pro pencil to only one at a time. To switch it to a different iPad, straightforward attach it magnetically to that iPad's side. The new iPad will ask you to confirm pairing, and the pencil will unpair from the previous device automatically.
What to do if your Apple Pencil does not pair
If you plug in a 1st generation pencil or attach a 2nd generation or Pro pencil and no pairing prompt appears, first check that your iPad is unlocked and the screen is on. The pairing prompt only shows when the device is active. Wait a few seconds — sometimes the prompt takes a moment to appear.
If the prompt still does not show, restart your iPad by turning it off and back on. Then try pairing again. For 1st generation pencils, make sure the Lightning connector is clean and fully inserted into the port. For 2nd generation and Pro models, check that the magnetic edge of the pencil is aligned with the flat edge of the iPad — if the pencil is upside down or at an angle, it may not attach properly.
If your pencil was previously paired to a different iPad, you may need to unpair it first. Go to Settings on the iPad it was paired to, tap Bluetooth, find the pencil in the list, and tap the information icon next to it, then select "Forget This Device." After that, try pairing it to your current iPad.
Checking your pairing status and battery level
Once your Apple Pencil is paired, you can see its battery level in the top-right corner of your iPad screen in the status bar, or by swiping down from the top-right corner to open Control Center. The battery percentage appears next to a pencil icon. If the battery is very low, the icon turns red.
You can also check pairing status in Settings. Go to Settings, then Bluetooth, and look for your Apple Pencil in the list of connected devices. If it appears there with a "Connected" label, the pairing is active. If it shows "Not Connected," the pencil is out of range or the battery is completely depleted.
Unpairing your Apple Pencil if you need to
To unpair your Apple Pencil from an iPad, go to Settings, tap Bluetooth, find your pencil in the list, and tap the information icon (the small circle with an "i" in it) next to the pencil's name. Then select "Forget This Device." The pencil will no longer be paired to that iPad.
You might unpair your pencil if you are selling the iPad, switching to a different pencil, or troubleshooting a connection problem. After unpairing, you can pair the pencil to a different iPad by following the same steps you used the first time — plugging in the 1st generation model or snapping the 2nd generation or Pro model to the side of the new device.
Which iPad models work with which Apple Pencil versions
Not every iPad works with every Apple Pencil. The 1st generation Apple Pencil works with iPad Pro (all sizes), iPad Air 2 and later, iPad (5th generation and later), and iPad mini 4 and later. The 2nd generation works only with iPad Pro models from 2015 onward and iPad Air (3rd generation and later). The Apple Pencil Pro works with iPad Pro (M1 and later) and iPad Air (M1 and later).
If you already own an iPad and want to buy an Apple Pencil, check your iPad model in Settings under General, then About. Look for the model name and compare it to Apple's compatibility list before purchasing. Buying the wrong pencil model means it will not pair to your device at all, and you will not be able to use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use one Apple Pencil with multiple iPads?
Yes, but only one at a time. You can unpair your pencil from one iPad and pair it to another by following the unpairing steps above, then attaching or plugging in the pencil to the new device. The process takes a minute or two.
Why does my Apple Pencil keep disconnecting?
Low battery is the most common cause. Charge your pencil by plugging it in (1st generation) or attaching it magnetically (2nd generation and Pro). If the battery is full and it still disconnects, restart your iPad and try pairing again. If the problem continues, unpair the pencil, restart both devices, and pair from scratch.
Do I need to pair my Apple Pencil every time I use it?
No. Once paired, your pencil stays connected to that iPad. You only pair once. After that, the pencil automatically connects when it is in range and has battery. You only need to pair again if you unpair it intentionally or pair it to a different device.
What if I lost my Apple Pencil cap?
For the 1st generation pencil, the cap protects the Lightning connector when the pencil is not in use. If you lost it, you can buy a replacement cap from Apple or use a third-party protective case. Without the cap, the connector is exposed to dust and damage, so protecting it is worth doing.
Can I charge my Apple Pencil with a regular charger?
No. The 1st generation charges only through the iPad's Lightning port. The 2nd generation and Pro charge only through magnetic attachment to a compatible iPad. There is no other way to charge them, so you cannot use a standard USB charger or power adapter.