How to Connect Apple Pencil to iPad 10th Generation

The basic pairing process

To connect an Apple Pencil to your iPad 10th generation, you charge it first, then hold it near the top of your iPad until a pairing prompt appears on your screen. Tap "Pair" when you see it. The whole process takes about 30 seconds and happens only once — after that, your Pencil connects automatically whenever it's nearby and your iPad is unlocked.

The iPad 10th generation works with the second-generation Apple Pencil only, not the original. If you have an older first-generation Pencil, it will not pair with this model. You can check which version you have by looking at the flat edge: second-generation Pencils have a flat side that runs the length of the barrel.

Your Pencil needs to have some battery charge before pairing will work. If it's completely dead, plug it into a USB-C power adapter for a few minutes first — the iPad 10th generation charges the Pencil through a USB-C port on the Pencil itself, not magnetically like some other iPad models.

Key Takeaways

The iPad 10th generation only works with the second-generation Apple Pencil, which has a flat edge running along its length.
Charge your Pencil using a USB-C adapter before attempting to pair it for the first time.
Hold the Pencil near the top of your iPad and tap "Pair" when the prompt appears on your screen.
After the first pairing, your Pencil connects automatically whenever your iPad is unlocked and the Pencil is nearby.
If pairing fails, restart your iPad and try again with the Pencil fully charged.

Where to charge your Apple Pencil

The second-generation Apple Pencil charges through a USB-C port located near the tip. Plug a USB-C cable (the same kind that charges your iPad 10th generation) into this port and connect it to any USB-C power adapter. A full charge takes about 15 to 20 minutes and gives you roughly 12 hours of drawing or writing time.

You do not need to charge it completely before pairing — even 10 percent battery is enough to complete the connection. However, a Pencil with very low battery may disconnect during pairing, so plugging it in for a few minutes first prevents frustration.

After pairing is complete, you can check your Pencil's battery level on your iPad. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to open Control Center, then look for the battery percentage listed under your Pencil's name. This tells you when it's time to charge again.

What to do if pairing fails

If the pairing prompt does not appear after holding your Pencil near the top of your iPad, first check that your Pencil is charged and that you have the second-generation model. Then restart your iPad: press and hold the top button and either volume button until the power-off slider appears, drag it to turn off your iPad, wait 10 seconds, then press the top button again to turn it back on.

Once your iPad restarts, unlock it and try pairing again. Hold the Pencil near the top of the screen — the prompt usually appears within a few seconds. If it still does not work, charge your Pencil for a full 20 minutes and try once more.

If you have already paired the Pencil before and it suddenly will not connect, the issue is usually a low battery or your iPad being locked. Charge the Pencil and unlock your iPad, then wait a few seconds. The connection should restore on its own without needing to pair again.

How to unpair your Apple Pencil

To disconnect your Pencil from your iPad, go to Settings on your iPad, then tap Bluetooth. Find your Apple Pencil in the list of connected devices and tap the information icon (a small circle with an "i" inside). Tap "Forget This Device" and confirm. Your Pencil is now unpaired.

You might unpair your Pencil if you want to use it with a different iPad, if it's misbehaving, or if you're troubleshooting a connection problem. Unpairing does not erase any of your drawings or notes — it only breaks the wireless connection between the Pencil and your iPad.

After unpairing, you can pair it again by following the same steps from the beginning: charge it, hold it near the top of your iPad, and tap "Pair" when the prompt appears.

Using your Pencil after pairing

Once your Apple Pencil is paired, you can use it in any app that supports it — Notes, Procreate, Adobe Fresco, and many others. The Pencil works when ready without any additional setup. Just unlock your iPad, open an app, and start drawing or writing.

Your Pencil will stay connected as long as your iPad is unlocked and the Pencil is within range (usually about 30 feet). When you lock your iPad or move the Pencil far away, the connection pauses. It reconnects automatically the next time you unlock your iPad and bring the Pencil close again.

If you notice the Pencil is not responding while you're using it, the battery may be low. Check the battery level in Control Center and charge it if needed. A Pencil with less than 5 percent battery may become unresponsive even though it still appears connected.

Charging habits that keep your Pencil working

The second-generation Apple Pencil battery lasts longest if you charge it regularly rather than letting it drain completely. Charge it every few days if you use it daily, or whenever the battery drops below 20 percent. This habit keeps the battery healthy over years of use.

Avoid leaving your Pencil uncharged for weeks at a time. Lithium batteries (the kind inside your Pencil) can lose the ability to hold a charge if they sit empty for too long. If you store your Pencil for more than a month, charge it to about 50 percent before putting it away, then charge it again before using it.

Keep your Pencil at room temperature while charging. Do not charge it in direct sunlight, in a hot car, or near a heat source. Extreme heat damages the battery and can shorten its lifespan significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a first-generation Apple Pencil with the iPad 10th generation?

No. The iPad 10th generation only works with the second-generation Apple Pencil. The first-generation Pencil uses a different connection method and will not pair with this model. You can identify the second-generation by the flat edge that runs along the barrel of the Pencil.

Why does my Pencil keep disconnecting from my iPad?

The most common cause is a low battery. Check the battery level in Control Center and charge your Pencil if it's below 20 percent. If the battery is fine, restart your iPad and try again. If disconnections continue, unpair the Pencil in Bluetooth settings and pair it fresh.

How long does it take to charge an Apple Pencil?

A full charge takes about 15 to 20 minutes using a USB-C power adapter. You do not need to wait for a full charge before using it — even 5 minutes of charging gives you enough battery to pair and use the Pencil for a short time.

Can I use my Apple Pencil with other iPads?

The second-generation Apple Pencil works with iPad Air (5th generation and later), iPad Pro (all sizes with USB-C), and iPad 10th generation. It will not work with older iPad models. If you want to use your Pencil with a different iPad, unpair it from your current iPad and pair it with the new one.

What should I do if my Pencil is lost or damaged?

If your Pencil is lost, you can purchase a replacement second-generation Apple Pencil from Apple or authorized retailers. If it's damaged but still charges, try unpairing and repairing it. If the USB-C port is damaged or the Pencil no longer holds a charge, replacement is the only option.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.