The basic steps to pair your Apple Pencil

To connect an Apple Pencil to your iPad, turn on Bluetooth in your iPad's settings, then hold the Apple Pencil near the iPad's charging port. A pairing screen will appear on your iPad within seconds — tap "Pair" and you're done. The whole process takes about 30 seconds and only happens once. After that, your Apple Pencil connects automatically whenever it's nearby and your iPad is unlocked.

The exact steps depend slightly on which Apple Pencil model you own, because they charge differently. The original Apple Pencil charges by plugging into the iPad's Lightning port. Apple Pencil (2nd generation) charges by magnetically attaching to the side of newer iPads. Both pair the same way, but knowing which one you have prevents confusion when you reach the charging step.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple Pencil pairs through Bluetooth and only needs to be set up once — after that it connects automatically when you unlock your iPad.
  • The original Apple Pencil charges by plugging into your iPad's Lightning port, while the 2nd generation model magnetically attaches to the side of the iPad.
  • If pairing doesn't work, restart your iPad and make sure Bluetooth is turned on in Settings.
  • Your iPad must support Apple Pencil — not all models do, so check your iPad's model number before buying one.

Checking that your iPad supports Apple Pencil

Not every iPad works with Apple Pencil. The original Apple Pencil works with iPad (5th generation and later), iPad Air 2, iPad mini 4, and all iPad Pro models. Apple Pencil (2nd generation) only works with iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later) and iPad Pro 11-inch (all models).

To find your iPad's model, go to Settings, then General, then About. Look for the line that says "Model" — it will show something like "iPad (7th generation)" or "iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation)". If your iPad is listed above, you can use an Apple Pencil. If it's not, Apple Pencil won't work with your device, and no amount of troubleshooting will change that.

Pairing the original Apple Pencil (Lightning connector)

Remove the cap from the original Apple Pencil and plug it into the Lightning port at the bottom of your iPad. Wait for the pairing screen to appear on your iPad — this usually takes 5 to 10 seconds. When it does, tap the "Pair" button. Your iPad will confirm that pairing is complete.

After pairing, unplug the Apple Pencil from your iPad. It will now connect automatically whenever Bluetooth is on and your iPad is unlocked. You don't need to plug it in to pair again — that was a one-time setup. The Apple Pencil charges by plugging in the same way, but charging and pairing are separate actions.

Pairing the Apple Pencil (2nd generation)

The 2nd generation Apple Pencil has a flat edge on one side. Hold it near the flat edge of your iPad — the pencil will magnetically snap into place along the side of the device. Within a few seconds, a pairing screen will appear on your iPad. Tap "Pair" to complete the connection.

Once paired, the Apple Pencil will stay magnetically attached to your iPad and charge wirelessly while it sits there. You don't need to remove it to use it — just pick it up and start writing. If you want to store it separately, you can, and it will still connect automatically when you bring it near your iPad.

Turning on Bluetooth if pairing doesn't start

If the pairing screen doesn't appear after you plug in or attach your Apple Pencil, Bluetooth may be turned off. Go to Settings on your iPad, then tap Bluetooth. Make sure the toggle next to Bluetooth is switched on (it will be green). Then try pairing your Apple Pencil again.

If Bluetooth is already on and pairing still doesn't work, restart your iPad. Hold down the power button until "Slide to Power Off" appears, then slide to turn it off. Wait 10 seconds, then hold the power button again until the Apple logo appears. Once your iPad restarts, try pairing the Apple Pencil again.

What to do if your Apple Pencil won't pair after restart

If restarting didn't work, forget the Apple Pencil from your iPad's Bluetooth settings and pair it again from scratch. Go to Settings, then Bluetooth, and look for your Apple Pencil in the list of devices. Tap the "i" icon next to it, then tap "Forget This Device". Now plug in or attach your Apple Pencil again and tap "Pair" when the screen appears.

If the Apple Pencil still won't pair, check that you're using the correct model for your iPad. The original Apple Pencil won't pair with newer iPad Pro models that expect the 2nd generation version. Also check the battery — if your Apple Pencil's battery is completely dead, it may not pair until it has charged for at least 15 minutes. Plug it in or attach it to your iPad and wait before trying again.

Checking your Apple Pencil's battery level

Once your Apple Pencil is paired, you can see its battery level on your iPad. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to open Control Center. Look for the battery percentage display — if your Apple Pencil is nearby, its battery will show there alongside your iPad's battery.

If you don't see the Apple Pencil battery in Control Center, it may not be paired yet, or Bluetooth may be off. You can also check battery level by going to Settings, then Bluetooth, and looking at the percentage next to your Apple Pencil's name in the device list. If the battery is very low, charge your Apple Pencil by plugging it in (original model) or attaching it magnetically to your iPad (2nd generation).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pair my Apple Pencil every time I use it?

No. You pair it once, and then it connects automatically whenever Bluetooth is on and your iPad is unlocked. You only pair again if you forget the device in Bluetooth settings or if you're pairing it with a different iPad.

Can I use one Apple Pencil with multiple iPads?

Yes, but you have to pair it separately with each iPad. Forget the Apple Pencil from the first iPad's Bluetooth settings, then pair it with the second iPad the same way you did the first time. You can switch it between devices as often as you want.

Why does my Apple Pencil keep disconnecting?

This usually means Bluetooth is turning off or your iPad is locking. Make sure Bluetooth stays on in Settings, and check that your iPad's auto-lock time isn't set too short — go to Settings, Display & Brightness, then Auto-Lock and choose a longer time. If disconnections continue, restart your iPad and forget and re-pair the Apple Pencil.

What if I lost my Apple Pencil's cap?

The cap protects the tip from damage, but your Apple Pencil will still work without it. However, the exposed tip can wear down faster or get damaged if dropped. You can buy replacement caps from Apple, or use a protective case designed for Apple Pencil instead.

Can I use a different stylus with my iPad instead of Apple Pencil?

Yes. Many third-party styluses work with iPad, though they don't offer the same pressure sensitivity or palm rejection as Apple Pencil. Check the product description to make sure the stylus supports your specific iPad model before buying.