The basic steps to pair your pen

Most iPad pens connect through Bluetooth, which means turning on the pen's Bluetooth mode and then selecting it from your iPad's settings. The exact steps depend on which pen you own — Apple Pencil, Logitech Crayon, or a third-party stylus — because each one pairs differently. Some pens pair automatically the moment you turn them on near your iPad, while others require you to hold a button or tap a menu option.

Before you start, make sure your iPad's Bluetooth is turned on. Go to Settings, tap Bluetooth, and toggle it on. Then follow the pairing steps for your specific pen model below.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple Pencil (1st generation) pairs by plugging into your iPad's charging port, while newer models pair through Bluetooth settings.
  • Logitech Crayon and most third-party pens require you to turn on Bluetooth on both devices and select the pen from your iPad's Bluetooth menu.
  • Some pens need a pairing button held for several seconds before they appear in your iPad's Bluetooth list.
  • Once paired, most pens reconnect automatically when you turn them on near your iPad.

Apple Pencil (1st generation)

The original Apple Pencil connects through the iPad's Lightning charging port at the bottom. Remove the cap from the pen, then insert it into the port — you will hear a small click when it seats properly. Your iPad will show a pairing prompt on screen asking you to confirm the connection. Tap "Pair" and wait a few seconds for the connection to complete.

Once paired, the pen will charge whenever it is inserted into the port. You can check the battery level by swiping down from the top-right corner of your screen to open Control Center, then looking for the Pencil battery indicator.

Apple Pencil (2nd generation and Pro)

The newer Apple Pencil models use Bluetooth instead of a physical connection. Turn on your iPad's Bluetooth in Settings, then hold the pen near the top edge of your iPad. A pairing card will appear on your screen within a few seconds. Tap "Pair" on the card to complete the connection.

These models charge wirelessly by attaching magnetically to the side of your iPad. The battery indicator appears in Control Center once paired. If pairing does not happen automatically, go to Settings, tap Bluetooth, and look for "Apple Pencil" in the list of available devices — tap it to pair manually.

Logitech Crayon

The Logitech Crayon pairs through Bluetooth. Turn on the Crayon by pressing the power button on the side of the pen for about three seconds until you see a light indicator. On your iPad, go to Settings, tap Bluetooth, and wait for "Logitech Crayon" to appear in the list of available devices. Tap it to pair.

The Crayon charges through a USB-C port at the end of the pen. Once paired, it will reconnect automatically whenever you turn it on near your iPad. If the pen does not appear in your Bluetooth list, try holding the power button for five seconds — some models require a longer press to enter pairing mode.

Third-party styluses and generic pens

Most third-party pens follow a similar Bluetooth pairing process, but the exact steps vary by brand. Check the pen's manual or the manufacturer's website for the specific pairing instructions, as some require holding a dedicated pairing button while others use a menu option in a companion app.

In general, turn on your iPad's Bluetooth, activate pairing mode on the pen (usually by holding a button for three to five seconds), then select the pen's name from your iPad's Bluetooth settings. Some pens may appear with a generic name like "Stylus" or "Pen" rather than a brand name, so check the manual if you are unsure which device to select.

Troubleshooting a pen that will not pair

If your pen does not appear in the Bluetooth list, restart both devices. Turn off your iPad completely by going to Settings, tapping General, scrolling to the bottom, and tapping Shut Down. Then power it back on. At the same time, turn off your pen and turn it back on, then try pairing again.

If the pen still does not show up, forget the device from your iPad's Bluetooth settings and try pairing from scratch. Go to Settings, tap Bluetooth, find the pen's name in the list, tap the info icon next to it, and select "Forget This Device." Then repeat the pairing steps for your pen model. If your pen has a low battery, charge it fully before attempting to pair — some pens will not enter pairing mode when the battery is critically low.

What to do after pairing is complete

Once your pen is paired, test it in a drawing app like Procreate, Adobe Fresco, or the built-in Notes app. Open one of these apps and draw a line on the screen to confirm the pen is responding. If the pen does not draw, go back to Settings and check that Bluetooth is still on and the pen is still listed as connected.

Most pens will stay paired even after you turn them off, so you will not need to pair again unless you reset your iPad, unpair the device manually, or pair the pen with a different iPad. If you plan to use the pen with multiple iPads, you will need to pair it with each one separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any stylus with any iPad?

No. Apple Pencil works only with certain iPad models — check Apple's website for your specific model. Third-party pens often work with a wider range of iPads, but compatibility still varies by brand and model. Always check the pen's packaging or the manufacturer's website to confirm it works with your iPad before purchasing.

Why does my pen keep disconnecting?

Bluetooth interference from other devices, a low battery on the pen, or distance from your iPad can cause disconnections. Try moving closer to your iPad, charging the pen fully, and turning off other Bluetooth devices nearby. If disconnections continue, forget the device and pair it again from scratch.

Do I need to pair my pen every time I use it?

No. Once paired, your pen will reconnect automatically when you turn it on near your iPad. You only need to pair once unless you reset your iPad, unpair the device, or pair the pen with a different device.

What if my iPad does not have Bluetooth?

All modern iPads have Bluetooth built in. If your iPad is very old (iPad 2 or earlier), it may not support Bluetooth pens. Check your iPad model in Settings under General, then About — if it is an iPad 3 or newer, Bluetooth is available.

Can I pair multiple pens to one iPad?

Yes. You can pair several pens to the same iPad through Bluetooth settings. However, only one pen can be active at a time — whichever one you turn on and use will be the active device. Switching between pens is as simple as turning off one and turning on another.