How to Add Your Apple Pencil to Find My So You Can Track It

Adding your Apple Pencil to Find My takes three steps in Settings

You can add a second-generation Apple Pencil or Apple Pencil Pro to Find My through your iPad's Settings app. The process is straightforward: pair the pencil to your device first, then enable Find My for it. Once it's set up, you'll be able to see its location on a map if you lose it, just like you would with an iPhone or AirPods.

First-generation Apple Pencils cannot be added to Find My — only the second-generation and Pro models support this feature. If you have an older pencil, this guide won't explore to your device.

Key Takeaways

Only Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and Apple Pencil Pro can be tracked through Find My; the original Apple Pencil does not support this feature.
Your Apple Pencil must be paired with your iPad before you can enable Find My for it.
Find My for Apple Pencil works only when your pencil is within Bluetooth range of your iPad or another Apple device signed into your iCloud account.
If your pencil's battery is completely dead, Find My cannot locate it until the battery has enough charge to power Bluetooth.

Pair your Apple Pencil to your iPad first

Before you can add your pencil to Find My, it needs to be paired with your iPad. For the second-generation Apple Pencil, hold it near the iPad's side where the magnetic connector is located. The pencil will snap to the side magnetically and begin pairing automatically — you'll see a pairing prompt on your screen.

For the Apple Pencil Pro, the pairing process is the same: hold it near the iPad's side and let it attach magnetically. Tap "Pair" when the prompt appears on your screen. Once pairing is complete, your pencil will show up in your iPad's Bluetooth settings and be ready for the next step.

Enable Find My in Settings

Open the Settings app on your iPad and tap "Find My" near the top of the menu. You'll see options for "Find My iPhone" and "Find My network." Tap "Find My network" to expand that section.

Look for your Apple Pencil in the list of devices. Tap it, then toggle the switch next to "Find My network" to the on position. The switch will turn green when it's active. Your pencil is now added to Find My and will report its location whenever it's in range of your iPad or another Apple device on your iCloud account.

What happens when your pencil is out of range

Find My uses Bluetooth to locate your Apple Pencil, which means it only works when the pencil is within about 30 feet of your iPad or another Apple device signed into your iCloud account. If your pencil is farther away than that, Find My cannot pinpoint its location.

If your pencil's battery is completely drained, Find My will show its last known location but cannot track it in real time. Once the battery charges enough to power Bluetooth again, it will resume reporting its position. You can check your pencil's battery level in the Bluetooth settings on your iPad — look for your pencil's name in the list of connected devices.

Finding your pencil on the map

To locate your Apple Pencil, open the Find My app on your iPad or iPhone. Tap the "Devices" tab at the bottom of the screen. Your Apple Pencil will appear in the list if it's within Bluetooth range and powered on. Tap its name to see its location on a map.

If your pencil is nearby but you can't see it, the Find My app can play a sound to help you locate it. Tap your pencil's name in the Devices list, then tap "Play Sound." Your pencil will emit a tone that gets louder as you move closer to it. This feature works only if the pencil has enough battery power and is within Bluetooth range.

Troubleshooting when Find My isn't working

If your Apple Pencil doesn't appear in Find My or stops showing its location, first check that Bluetooth is turned on in your iPad's Settings. Go to Settings, tap "Bluetooth," and make sure the toggle is green. Your pencil must be paired and connected to your iPad for Find My to work.

Next, verify that Find My is actually enabled for your pencil. Return to Settings, tap "Find My," then "Find My network," and confirm the toggle next to your pencil's name is on. If you've recently updated your iPad's operating system, unpair your pencil and pair it again — this sometimes fixes Find My detection issues. Hold your pencil near the magnetic connector until it pairs, then enable Find My again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I track my Apple Pencil if it's in another room?

Only if another Apple device signed into your iCloud account is in that room. Find My relies on Bluetooth, which has a range of about 30 feet. If your iPad is in the living room and your pencil is in the bedroom with no other Apple devices nearby, Find My cannot locate it.

What if my Apple Pencil battery is dead?

Find My will display the pencil's last known location, but it cannot track it in real time. Once the battery charges enough to power Bluetooth, the pencil will resume reporting its position. You can check the battery level in your iPad's Bluetooth settings.

Does Find My work for the original Apple Pencil?

No. Only the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and Apple Pencil Pro support Find My. If you have the first-generation Apple Pencil, this feature is not available for your device.

Can I see my Apple Pencil's location from my iPhone?

Yes, if your iPhone is signed into the same iCloud account as your iPad. Open Find My on your iPhone, tap "Devices," and your Apple Pencil will appear in the list if it's within Bluetooth range of your iPad or another Apple device on your account.

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.