How to Connect an Apple Pencil to Your iPad

Pairing your Apple Pencil to your iPad

To connect an Apple Pencil to your iPad, turn on Bluetooth in your iPad's settings, then hold the Pencil's charging end near the iPad's top edge. A pairing prompt will appear on your screen within a few seconds — tap "Pair" and you're done. The whole process takes less than a minute.

The exact steps depend on which Apple Pencil model you own, because Apple makes three different versions with different charging methods. All three pair the same way through Bluetooth, but how you charge them and where you hold them during pairing varies.

Before you start, make sure your iPad has Bluetooth turned on. Go to Settings, tap Bluetooth, and toggle it on if it's off. Your iPad will then search for nearby devices automatically.

Key Takeaways

Apple Pencil (1st generation) pairs by holding its charging end near the top of your iPad until a pairing prompt appears.
Apple Pencil (2nd generation) pairs by holding its flat edge against the magnetic strip on the right side of your iPad.
Apple Pencil Pro pairs the same way as the 2nd generation, using the magnetic strip on the side of your iPad.
Once paired, your Pencil will reconnect automatically whenever Bluetooth is on, and you won't need to pair it again.
If pairing fails, restart your iPad and make sure Bluetooth is fully on before trying again.

Apple Pencil 1st Generation pairing steps

The original Apple Pencil has a removable cap on one end that covers a Lightning connector. To pair it, remove that cap and hold the Lightning end close to the charging port at the top of your iPad. Within a few seconds, a pairing dialog will pop up on your screen.

Tap the "Pair" button in that dialog. Your iPad will then ask whether you want to name your Pencil — you can skip this or give it a name if you own multiple Pencils. Once you confirm, the pairing is complete and your Pencil is ready to use.

After the first pairing, your 1st generation Pencil will reconnect automatically whenever you turn on Bluetooth and bring the Pencil near your iPad. You don't need to repeat the pairing process.

Apple Pencil 2nd Generation and Pro pairing steps

The 2nd generation Pencil and Apple Pencil Pro don't have removable caps or Lightning connectors. Instead, they charge wirelessly by attaching magnetically to the side of your iPad. To pair either one, hold the flat edge of the Pencil against the magnetic strip on the right side of your iPad (the side with the home button on older models, or the right edge on newer iPad Pros).

A pairing prompt will appear on your screen within a few seconds. Tap "Pair" to complete the connection. Like the 1st generation, these Pencils will reconnect automatically after the first pairing whenever Bluetooth is on.

The main difference between 2nd generation and Pro is that the Pro has additional features like squeeze gestures and a built-in find-my tracker, but the pairing process is identical.

Which iPad models work with each Pencil

Not every iPad works with every Apple Pencil. The 1st generation Pencil works with iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd generation), iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad (5th generation and later), and iPad Air 2. Check your iPad's model in Settings by going to General, then About, and looking at the "Model" line.

The 2nd generation Pencil works only with iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later) and iPad Pro 11-inch (all models). The Apple Pencil Pro also works with these same iPad Pro models, plus iPad Air (6th generation and later) and iPad (7th generation and later).

If you try to pair a Pencil that isn't compatible with your iPad, the pairing prompt simply won't appear. If that happens, your iPad model doesn't support that Pencil version.

Troubleshooting a failed pairing

If the pairing prompt doesn't appear after holding your Pencil in the correct position for 10 seconds, restart your iPad first. Hold down the power button until you see the "slide to power off" prompt (or on newer iPads, hold the power button and volume button together), then slide to turn it off. Wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on.

After your iPad restarts, make sure Bluetooth is on again by checking Settings. Then try pairing the Pencil once more, holding it in the correct position for the full 10 seconds. If the prompt still doesn't appear, try charging your Pencil — a low battery can sometimes prevent pairing, even though the Pencil will still write.

If pairing still fails after a restart and a full charge, unpair the Pencil from your iPad's Bluetooth settings and try again. Go to Settings, tap Bluetooth, find your Pencil in the list, tap the information icon next to it, and select "Forget This Device." Then repeat the pairing steps from the beginning.

What to do after pairing is complete

Once your Pencil is paired, it will appear in your iPad's Bluetooth settings with a battery percentage. You can check this anytime by opening Settings and tapping Bluetooth. The Pencil will stay connected as long as Bluetooth is on, even if you turn off the iPad's screen.

Your Pencil will automatically disconnect if you move it far away from your iPad or turn off Bluetooth. It will reconnect instantly when you bring it close again and Bluetooth is on. You won't need to pair it again unless you unpair it intentionally or reset your iPad.

If you own multiple Apple Pencils, you can pair more than one to the same iPad. Each one will appear separately in your Bluetooth settings, and you can switch between them by simply picking up whichever one you want to use.

Charging your Pencil after pairing

How you charge your Pencil depends on which model you own. The 1st generation charges by plugging its Lightning connector into an iPad or iPhone charger, or by attaching the included Lightning adapter to a USB power source. The 2nd generation and Pro charge by attaching magnetically to the side of your iPad — they draw power wirelessly while attached.

With 2nd generation and Pro, you don't need to remove the Pencil to charge it. You can leave it attached to your iPad's side while you work, and it will charge continuously. A full charge on any Apple Pencil lasts roughly 12 hours of active use.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. After the first pairing, your Pencil reconnects automatically whenever Bluetooth is on. You only pair once, unless you unpair it intentionally or reset your iPad to factory settings.

Can I use an Apple Pencil with an iPad that isn't an iPad Pro?

Yes, but only certain models. The 1st generation works with iPad (5th generation and later) and iPad Air 2. The 2nd generation and Pro work with iPad Air (6th generation and later) and iPad (7th generation and later). Check your iPad's exact model in Settings to confirm compatibility.

What if my Pencil won't pair even after restarting?

Make sure Bluetooth is fully on in Settings, and that your Pencil has enough battery to pair (even if it still writes). If it still won't pair, unpair it from Bluetooth settings by tapping "Forget This Device," then try pairing from scratch. If pairing still fails, your Pencil may have a hardware issue.

Can I pair my Apple Pencil to multiple iPads?

Yes. Your Pencil can be paired to more than one iPad, but it can only connect to one at a time. To switch which iPad it's connected to, turn off Bluetooth on the first iPad, then pair it to the second one.

Why does my Pencil keep disconnecting from my iPad?

This usually means Bluetooth is turning off or your Pencil is moving out of range. Check that Bluetooth is on in Settings and stays on. If it keeps disconnecting even when Bluetooth is on, try unpairing and repairing your Pencil, or restart your iPad.

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.