How to Connect a New Apple Pencil to Your iPad

The basic steps to pair your Apple Pencil

To connect a new Apple Pencil to your iPad, you turn on Bluetooth in your iPad's settings, remove the cap from the Apple Pencil, and hold it near the top of your iPad screen. A pairing prompt appears on your iPad within a few seconds — tap "Pair" and you're done. The whole process takes about 30 seconds.

The exact steps depend on which Apple Pencil model you have. Apple makes three versions: the original Apple Pencil (first generation), the Apple Pencil (second generation), and the Apple Pencil Pro. Each pairs slightly differently, and not every iPad works with every pencil. Knowing which model you have before you start saves frustration.

Your iPad must have Bluetooth turned on for pairing to work. Go to Settings > Bluetooth and toggle it on if it's off. You don't need to be connected to Wi-Fi, but Bluetooth must be active.

Key Takeaways

Apple Pencil pairing happens through Bluetooth, which you turn on in your iPad's Settings app under the Bluetooth menu.
The first-generation Apple Pencil pairs by removing its cap and holding it near the top of your iPad screen until a prompt appears.
The second-generation Apple Pencil pairs by holding it magnetically to the side of your iPad, which also charges it automatically.
The Apple Pencil Pro pairs the same way as the second generation but works only with iPad Pro models from 2024 onward.
If pairing fails, restart your iPad, forget the Pencil in Bluetooth settings, and try again from the beginning.

Pairing the first-generation Apple Pencil

The original Apple Pencil has a removable cap on one end and a Lightning connector underneath. To pair it, remove the cap and hold the pencil vertically near the top center of your iPad screen. Within a few seconds, a pairing dialog box appears on your screen asking you to confirm the connection. Tap "Pair."

After pairing, the first-generation Apple Pencil charges through the Lightning port on your iPad. You can plug it directly into your iPad's Lightning connector, or use the included Lightning adapter to charge it from a USB power source. The battery indicator appears in your iPad's notification center so you can see how much charge remains.

The first-generation Apple Pencil works with iPad (5th generation and later), iPad Air 2, iPad mini 4, and all iPad Pro models from 2015 onward. If you have an older iPad, this pencil won't pair with it.

Pairing the second-generation Apple Pencil

The second-generation Apple Pencil has a flat edge on one side and pairs differently than the first generation. Instead of removing a cap, you hold the pencil magnetically against the flat edge of your iPad — usually the right or left side, depending on your model. The pencil snaps into place magnetically and a pairing prompt appears on your screen. Tap "Pair."

When the second-generation pencil is attached magnetically to your iPad, it charges automatically. You don't need to plug it in separately. The battery percentage shows in your iPad's notification center, and the pencil charges whenever it's attached to the side of your iPad.

The second-generation Apple Pencil works with iPad Pro (2015 and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), and iPad (7th generation and later). It does not work with the first or second-generation iPad Air or the original iPad mini.

Pairing the Apple Pencil Pro

The Apple Pencil Pro looks similar to the second-generation pencil but has additional features like squeeze gestures and haptic feedback. It pairs the same way: hold it magnetically against the flat edge of your iPad until the pairing prompt appears, then tap "Pair." Charging also works the same way — the pencil charges when attached magnetically to your iPad.

The Apple Pencil Pro works only with iPad Pro models released in 2024 or later. It will not pair with older iPad Pro models, iPad Air, or standard iPad models, even if they support the second-generation pencil. If you have an older iPad Pro and want to upgrade your pencil, the second-generation Apple Pencil is your option.

What to do if pairing fails

If the pairing prompt doesn't appear after holding your pencil near your iPad, first check that Bluetooth is on. Go to Settings > Bluetooth and confirm the toggle is blue and switched to the right. If Bluetooth is already on, turn it off and back on again, then try pairing the pencil once more.

If that doesn't work, restart your iPad completely. Hold down the power button until you see "Slide to Power Off," then slide to shut it down. Wait 10 seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on. Once your iPad restarts, turn Bluetooth back on and try pairing again.

If your pencil has paired before but won't pair now, you may need to forget it first. Go to Settings > Bluetooth, find your Apple Pencil in the list of connected devices, tap the information icon next to it, and select "Forget This Device." Then try pairing it again from the beginning.

Checking your pencil model and iPad compatibility

To find out which Apple Pencil you have, look at the physical design. The first-generation pencil has a removable cap and a round body. The second-generation and Pro both have a flat edge, but the Pro is slightly heavier and has a matte finish instead of a glossy one. You can also check the original box or receipt if you still have it.

To find your iPad model, go to Settings > General > About. Look for the line that says "Model" — it will show something like "iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation)" or "iPad Air (5th generation)." Write down the full name and search for "Apple Pencil compatibility [your iPad model]" to confirm which pencils work with your device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an Apple Pencil with any iPad?

No. The first-generation Apple Pencil works with iPad (5th generation and later), iPad Air 2, iPad mini 4, and iPad Pro (2015 and later). The second-generation works with newer iPad Pro, iPad Air (3rd generation and later), and iPad (7th generation and later). The Apple Pencil Pro works only with iPad Pro models from 2024 onward. Check your iPad model in Settings > General > About before buying a pencil.

Why isn't my Apple Pencil showing up in Bluetooth settings?

Apple Pencils don't appear in your Bluetooth device list until you start the pairing process. Make sure Bluetooth is on, then hold your pencil near your iPad as described for your model. The pairing prompt should appear on your screen, not in the Bluetooth settings menu. If nothing happens after 30 seconds, restart your iPad and try again.

Does my Apple Pencil need to be fully charged before pairing?

No. Your pencil can pair even if the battery is very low. However, if the battery is completely dead, charge it first — either by plugging in the first-generation pencil or by attaching the second-generation or Pro magnetically to your iPad for a few minutes. Then try pairing again.

Can I pair two Apple Pencils to the same iPad?

Yes. You can pair multiple Apple Pencils to one iPad, but only one can be active at a time. When you pick up a different pencil, your iPad automatically switches to it. This is useful if you have a backup pencil or share your iPad with someone else who has their own pencil.

What if my Apple Pencil was paired to a different iPad?

Your Apple Pencil can pair with multiple iPads, but it connects to only one at a time. If it's currently paired to another iPad, you can still pair it to a new one — just hold it near the new iPad and tap "Pair" when the prompt appears. The pencil will disconnect from the old iPad and connect to the new one.

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.