Pairing happens in Settings, not through the pencil itself
An Apple Pencil connects to an iPad through Bluetooth, the same wireless technology that pairs headphones or keyboards. Unlike some styluses, you do not press a button on the pencil or hold it near the iPad hoping it will find you. Instead, you go into the iPad's Settings app and tell it to look for the pencil. The pencil itself stays in pairing mode automatically when it is charged and nearby.
The exact steps depend on which Apple Pencil model you own — there are three versions, and they pair slightly differently. Once paired, the pencil stays connected to that iPad. You do not have to pair it again unless you reset the iPad, erase the pencil, or deliberately unpair it.
Key Takeaways
- Apple Pencil pairs through the iPad's Settings app under Bluetooth, not through the pencil itself.
- The pencil must be charged before pairing — plug it in for at least 15 seconds so the battery has enough power to broadcast its signal.
- Apple Pencil (1st generation) pairs differently than Pencil (2nd generation) and Pencil Pro, so check which model you own before starting.
- Once paired, the pencil connects automatically whenever it is near the iPad and charged — you will not see a pairing screen every time you use it.
How to pair Apple Pencil (1st generation)
The original Apple Pencil has a removable cap on the end and a Lightning connector underneath. Before you pair it, charge it for at least 15 seconds by plugging the Lightning end into the iPad's charging port. The pencil does not need to be fully charged — just enough power to send its Bluetooth signal.
Open the iPad's Settings app, tap Bluetooth, and make sure Bluetooth is turned on. Hold the Apple Pencil close to the iPad. Within a few seconds, you should see "Apple Pencil" appear in the list of available devices under "Other Devices". Tap it. The iPad will show a pairing request — tap Pair to confirm. That is all. The pencil is now connected and ready to use in any app that supports it.
How to pair Apple Pencil (2nd generation)
The second-generation Pencil is flat on one side and charges magnetically by attaching to the side of certain iPad models — you do not plug it into the charging port. Charge it by snapping it onto the magnetic edge of a compatible iPad (iPad Pro 11-inch or 12.9-inch from 2018 or later, or iPad Air 2022 or later). Leave it there for at least 15 seconds.
Open Settings, tap Bluetooth, and turn Bluetooth on if it is off. Hold the Pencil close to the iPad. You should see "Apple Pencil" in the available devices list. Tap it and then tap Pair. The pencil will connect when ready. If you do not see it appear, make sure the pencil is charged by checking that it is firmly attached to the iPad's magnetic edge.
How to pair Apple Pencil Pro
Apple Pencil Pro is the newest model and also charges magnetically. It looks similar to the 2nd generation pencil but has a squeeze gesture and a haptic feedback system. Charge it by attaching it to the side of a compatible iPad Pro or iPad Air for at least 15 seconds.
Go to Settings, open Bluetooth, and confirm it is on. Hold the Pencil Pro near the iPad. When "Apple Pencil Pro" appears in the available devices list, tap it and then tap Pair. The pencil will connect and you can start using it right away. The pairing process is identical to the 2nd generation model.
What to do if the pencil does not appear in Bluetooth settings
If you do not see the Apple Pencil in the Bluetooth list after waiting 30 seconds, the most common reason is that the battery is too low. Charge the pencil again — for 1st generation, plug it into the iPad for 30 seconds. For 2nd generation and Pro, make sure it is snapped firmly onto the magnetic edge and wait another 30 seconds. Then go back to Bluetooth settings and try again.
If the pencil still does not appear, restart the iPad. Hold the top and bottom buttons (or the top button and volume button, depending on your model) until you see the power-off slider. Slide it to turn off the iPad, wait 10 seconds, then press the top button again to turn it back on. Once the iPad restarts, go to Bluetooth settings and try pairing again.
How to check which Apple Pencil model you own
Open Settings on the iPad, tap Bluetooth, and look at the list of paired devices. If the Apple Pencil is already paired, it will show the model name — either "Apple Pencil", "Apple Pencil (2nd generation)", or "Apple Pencil Pro". If the pencil is not yet paired, you can identify it physically: the original has a removable cap and charges via Lightning port; the 2nd generation and Pro are flat on one side and charge magnetically.
The Pro model has a squeeze sensor and a small light ring near the tip, which makes it straightforward to tell apart from the 2nd generation. If you are still unsure, check the box the pencil came in — it will clearly state which generation you own.
Reconnecting after the pencil loses connection
Once paired, the Apple Pencil reconnects automatically whenever it is near the iPad and has battery. You will not see a pairing screen every time — it just works. If the pencil stops responding, the battery is usually empty. Charge it the same way you did during pairing: plug in the 1st generation model, or snap the 2nd generation or Pro onto the magnetic edge. The pencil will reconnect within a few seconds.
If the pencil is charged but still will not respond, try turning Bluetooth off and on again in Settings. If that does not work, forget the device and pair it again: go to Settings, Bluetooth, tap the information icon next to the Apple Pencil, and tap Forget This Device. Then follow the pairing steps for your model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pair the Apple Pencil every time I use it?
No. Once paired, the pencil stays connected to that iPad. It reconnects automatically when you pick it up and the battery has power. You only pair once, unless you reset the iPad or deliberately unpair the pencil.
Can I use one Apple Pencil with multiple iPads?
Yes, but you have to pair it separately to each iPad. The pencil can only be actively connected to one iPad at a time. To switch it to a different iPad, forget it from the first iPad's Bluetooth settings, charge it, and pair it to the second iPad.
What if my iPad does not have Bluetooth?
All modern iPads have Bluetooth built in. If you have an older iPad from before 2012, it may not support Apple Pencil at all. Check Apple's website to see which iPad models work with your pencil generation.
Why is my Apple Pencil not charging when I plug it in?
For the 1st generation model, make sure the Lightning connector is clean and fully inserted into the iPad's charging port. For 2nd generation and Pro, the pencil charges only when magnetically attached to a compatible iPad model — it cannot charge with a separate charger. Check that the pencil is snapped firmly onto the side of the iPad.
Can I use a third-party stylus instead of an Apple Pencil?
Yes. Many third-party styluses work with iPad, though they have fewer features than Apple Pencil and may not work in all apps. They pair through Bluetooth the same way — go to Settings, Bluetooth, and look for the stylus name in the available devices list.