Apple Pencil does not connect – here’s how to solve the problem

iPads can be operated not only with the finger, but also with the Apple Pencil. This is a pen that is connected to the iPad via Bluetooth and enables particularly delicate work. It can be used to produce particularly thin lines, for example. The accessory is very popular, just like other cell phone pens. However, it doesn’t always work smoothly. Your Apple Pencil won’t connect to your iPad? Nothing works anymore? We’ll show you what that could be and how to solve the problem!

Are iPad and Pencil paired?

Especially with a new Pencil, it often happens that it does not connect with the iPad. However, this does not represent an error in this situation – an important step in the installation process was merely skipped. The two devices must first be paired before they can connect automatically. To do this, you first have to activate Bluetooth on the iPad. Then, take off the Pencil’s cap and push its back end into the iPad’s Lightning port. After a few seconds, a dialog box appears. Here you have the option to pair both devices.

It’s also important to note here whether you’re using a 1st or 2nd generation Apple Pencil. Not every Pencil is compatible with every iPad.

Is Bluetooth enabled on the iPad?

But even after that, there are some conditions that need to be met in order for the two devices to connect automatically. The most important condition: Bluetooth must be enabled. Since Pencil and iPad communicate via Bluetooth, no connection can be established without the corresponding signals. Therefore, if your Apple Pencil does not connect to your iPad, you should check if Bluetooth is enabled.

Is the Apple Pencil battery charged?

Is Bluetooth connectivity ensured and yet the Apple Pencil is not connecting to your iPad? It is possible that its battery is not sufficiently charged. You can check this by docking it to the Lightning port or the side of the iPad and going to the battery widget. This will tell you the current battery level. If the battery is empty, the pen is charged directly via the iPad. After a few minutes, it should be ready for use again.

Apple Pencil does not connect – other suggested solutions

If it’s not the battery either, some of the following tips and tricks may help get your Apple Pencil working again.

Restart iPad

Probably the most commonly heard advice in the tech industry: turn the device off and then back on. Many problems can be solved in this way – without knowing what they are due to in each individual case. Since the procedure is very simple, we can only advise you to restart your iPad. Experience has also shown that connection problems with the Apple Pencil can be solved well in this way.

Update the operating system

It is also possible that the connection problem is due to the fact that your iPad does not have the latest operating system installed. So check which iOS version you are using and update it if necessary.

Reset Apple Pencil

In some cases, the Apple Pencil is definitely recognized but cannot be used. In this case, the Pencil will be listed as a connected device in the Bluetooth settings. Press ignore here and then set up the pencil again. In many cases, it connects to the iPad without any problems afterwards.

Test with another iPad

If all this doesn’t help, the problem might be in the iPad. To check this, connect the Apple Pencil to another iPad. If everything works fine here, your iPad is the cause of the problem. If the Apple Pencil does not connect to the other iPad, it is the source of the problem. The tip of the pen is probably defective. You can have this replaced.

Summary: Apple Pencil does not connect

In conclusion, there are numerous causes for an Apple Pencil not connecting. It may not have been paired with the iPad yet, perhaps Bluetooth is turned off or the battery is dead. In some cases, the problem can also be solved by restarting the iPad or updating the operating system. Once you’ve ruled out all of these possibilities, you should test to see if the stylus works with another iPad. If it doesn’t, the tip of the Pencil is probably defective. You can have it replaced.