How to Connect Apple Pencil to iPad [Expert Guide]

Apple Pencils have been around since 2015 and are one of the most helpful accessories that any iPad owner can invest in. Once paired with your iPad, you can use your Apple Pencil to draw, write, select, and even perform multiple types of gestures.

In this guide, we teach you how to check if your device and accessory are compatible, how you can pair the two, and also how you can disconnect them.

 Is Your Apple Pencil Compatible With Your iPad? 

As of this writing, there are two generations of Apple Pencils and multiple iPad models that have been released. In order to successfully pair the two and have them work efficiently, you first have to check if they are compatible with one another.

1st Gen Apple Pencil 

For those with a first generation Apple Pencil, the following iPad models are compatible with your accessory:

• iPad mini (5th gen)
• iPad (6th gen and later)
• iPad Air (3rd gen)
• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd gen)
• iPad Pro 10.5-inch

• iPad Pro 9.7-inch

2nd Gen Apple Pencil 

For those with a second generation Apple Pencil, the following iPad models are compatible with your accessory:

• iPad mini (6th generation)
• iPad Air (4th generation and later)
• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)

• iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)

How to connect and pair an Apple Pencil (1st Gen) with your iPad? 

If you have a 1st generation Apple Pencil and any of the compatible iPad models listed above, here is a an easy guide to pair the two:

Step 1: Remove the cap from the back end of your device.

Step 2: Plug the Apple Pencil into your iPad model’s Lightning connector port.

Step 3: A Bluetooth Pairing Request will appear on your screen. Select “Pair” once it displays. Now that your devices are connected via Bluetooth, you can start pairing them together.

Step 4: Go to “Settings”.

Step 5: Scroll down the menu until you find “Apple Pencil”, and select it.

Step 6: In this section, you can gain access to the Apple Pencil’s data, assigned gestures, language, and even how much battery life it has left.

Step 7: Toggle on “Only Draw With Apple Pencil” if you wish to use your device with your fingers, and only get to use your Apple Pencil when you are drawing or writing. If you want to use the Apple Pencil even when navigating your device, then leave this toggle off.

Step 8: Toggle on “Scribble” if you prefer to automatically convert any handwritten text scribbled within a text area into type.

Step 9: You may even select “Try Scribble” if you wish to practice writing within a text field first, and seeing it convert into type.

Step 10: Next up, select “Left Corner Swipe”. Here, you can assign an action you want performed when you swipe your Apple Pencil from the bottom left corner. You have the choice between starting a “Quick Note” or taking a “Screenshot”.

Similarly, you also have the option to just leave this blank and have no action performed with this gesture. It is important to note that no matter what option you choose, the gesture will still apply even if you have “Only Draw with Apple Pencil” toggled on.

Step 11: Lastly, select “Right Corner Swipe” to set up the same thing above except this time, the action will be performed if you swipe your Apple Pencil from the bottom right hand corner.

How to connect and pair an Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) with your iPad? 

If you have a 2nd generation Apple Pencil and any of the compatible iPad models listed above, it should be even easier to connect the two due to the magnetic connector built into the side of the newer iPad models.

Here is an easy guide to connecting and pairing the two:

Step 1: Take your 2nd gen Apple Pencil and attach it to the side of your iPad by means of the magnetic connector. This should be as easy as holding your Apple Pencil next to the side of your iPad and releasing once you feel it getting pulled.

Step 2: A Bluetooth Pairing Request will appear on your screen. Select “Pair” once it displays. Now that your devices are connected via Bluetooth, you can start pairing them together.

Step 4: Go to “Settings”.

Step 5: Scroll down the menu until you find “Apple Pencil”, and select that option.

Step 6: Once selected, you can get an in depth look into the Apple Pencil’s data, assigned gestures, language, and even how much battery life it has left.

Step 7: Unlike the 1st generation Apple Pencils, you can find all sorts of setting options for the “Double Tap” action, including:

• Switch between current tool and eraser
• Switch between current tool and last used
• Show colour palette
• Show ink attributes

• Off

Step 8: Toggle the “Only Draw With Apple Pencil” button if you prefer to use your iPad with your fingers, and only get to use your Apple Pencil when you are drawing or writing. If you want to use the Apple Pencil even when navigating your device, then leave this toggle off.

Step 9: Toggle on “Scribble” if you want to automatically convert any of your handwritten texts scribbled within a text area into type.

Step 10: You may opt to “Try Scribble” if you wish to practice writing within a text field first, and seeing it convert into type.

Step 11: Just like the 1st gen option, select “Left Corner Swipe”. Here, you can assign an action you want performed when you swipe your Apple Pencil from the bottom left corner. You have the choice between starting a “Quick Note” or taking a “Screenshot”.

You still have the option to leave this section blank and have no action triggered one the gesture is performed. It is important to note that no matter what option you choose, the gesture will still apply even if you have “Only Draw with Apple Pencil” toggled on.

Step 12: Lastly, select “Right Corner Swipe” to set up the same thing above except this time, the action will be performed if you swipe your Apple Pencil from the bottom right hand corner.

How to disconnect your Apple Pencil from your iPad? 

No matter the generation, your Apple Pencil will automatically disconnect from your iPad should you decide to pair it with a different iPad model. Similarly, they will also disconnect if you pair a new Apple Pencil with your iPad.

However, should you need to unpair the two manually, there are three easy steps to do so:

Step 1: Select “Settings” and tap on “Bluetooth”

Step 2: Under “My Devices”, you will find a list of devices that you have previously paired with that specific iPad model. Select the “Info” button located on the right hand side of the “Apple Pencil”.

Step 3: Once a pop-up displays, click “Forget” to successfully disconnect them.

How To Troubleshoot An Apple Pencil That Won’t Connect? 

Technology can be tricky and sometimes, things don’t work out as smoothly as we hoped for even after following the instructions properly. If either generation of Apple Pencils do not connect, first try checking if your Bluetooth is on.

If the Bluetooth is on but won’t pair, find your iPad under “My Devices” and tap the “Info” icon beside it. If it is there, click “Forget this Device” and repeat the steps above to try again.

If you cannot find it under “My Devices”, try rebooting your iPad. If this persists, perhaps you have a faulty Apple Pencil and still need to contact Apple Support to have it sorted out.

You’re All Set 

As you can see, whether you have a 1st generation Apple Pencil or the newer model, the process of connecting it to your iPad and pairing the two together is very similar. With the exception of varying actions, the two practically work the same way.

Ensure that you keep your devices well maintained by repairing your iPad when needed and keeping it up to date. This way, you can fully utilise its features and efficiently operate it with different accessories.