You’ve been trying to write something in the Notes app on your iPad, but it won’t respond to your Apple Pencil.Swiping, tapping, and scribbling on your device does nothing, and you can’t figure out why.Here’s how to fix an Apple Pencil 2nd Generation that won’t work in Notes!
Apple decided to make their 2nd Generation Apple Pencil model completely wireless. While features like its magnetic charging and storage system can be very convenient, it makes diagnosing a problem a little more complicated.
Until you start troubleshooting, we won’t know for sure whether your Apple Pencil or iPad is the reason that you can use your Apple Pencil with Notes.
Don’t panic! There are plenty of easy steps you can take today that will help you find and fix this problem!
1
Reset Network Settings On Your iPad
Tracking down an issue in your iPad’s Bluetooth, VPN, or Wi-Fi settings can be incredibly difficult. Rather than trying to finding it, we’ll completely reset all of the network settings to attempt to erase the corrupt file or setting causing your iPad’s problem.
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap General.
- Scroll down and tap Transfer Or Reset iPad.
- Tap Reset.
- Tap Reset Network Settings.
- Enter your iPad passcode.
- Tap Reset when the confirmation alert appears.
- Your iPad will reset network settings and restart.
2
Purchase New Apple Pencil Tips
Apple Pencil tips are not invincible. In fact, they’re made to be replaced.
If you find that the tip of your Apple Pencil is wearing out or damaged, don’t panic! Replacing an Apple Pencil tip is a pretty affordable fix, and it doesn’t take too much time either.
- Purchase a new Apple Pencil tip. Amazon sells them in packs of four for pretty cheap.
- Grab your current Apple Pencil tip between two fingers and slowly unscrew it from your Apple Pencil’s base.
- Pick up your replacement tip.
- Twist your new Apple Pencil tip clockwise until it attaches to the Apple Pencil base securely.
3
Pair Apple Pencil 2nd Generation To Your iPad
Before you can start performing actions on your iPad using your Apple Pencil 2nd Generation, you need to pair each device to the other. This process is a little different compared to the Apple Pencil 1st Generation, but the steps are all quick and easy!
If you previously unpaired your Apple Pencil from your iPad, you can reconnect them with the following steps as well!
- Using the Apple Pencil 2nd Generation’s built-in magnet, attach it to the right side of your iPad.
- Wait for the prompt to pair your Apple Pencil to the iPad.
- Select Pair.
- Detach your Apple Pencil. You should be able to use it now!
4
Forget Your Apple Pencil As A Bluetooth Device
One reason an Apple Pencil might stop working normally could be that its Bluetooth connection is experiencing an interference. Like any other Bluetooth connection, removing the Apple Pencil from your iPad’s Bluetooth network can give both devices a chance to form a fresh connection.
- Open Settings on your iPad.
- Open the Bluetooth tab.
- Locate your Apple Pencil in your iPad’s list of Bluetooth devices.
- Select the blue “i” icon for more information.
- Select Forget This Device.
5
Clean Your Apple Pencil 2nd Generation
If your Apple Pencil 2nd Generation isn’t working how it should be, you might want to take a few minutes to clean it. Even if it doesn’t resolve the issue completely, taking the time to wipe down your Apple Pencil will never hurt!
Before you start the cleaning process, read through all of these steps carefully. There are some fragile components to the Apple Pencil you don’t want to damage accidentally.
- Use a lightly damp microfiber cloth to clean your Apple Pencil.
- Starting from just behind the tip, lightly wipe down the length of your Apple Pencil base.
- Avoid coming in contact with the tip, or the gap between the tip and the base.
6
Charge Your Apple Pencil 2nd Generation
One common reason an Apple Pencil 2nd Generation stops working normally is that it ran out of battery. If you have your iPad on hand, you should be able to charge your Apple Pencil without any extra equipment.
- Identify the side of your iPad that features volume buttons.
- Attach your Apple Pencil 2nd Generation to this side of your iPad magnetically.
- When you connect your Apple Pencil to your iPad, your iPad should briefly display the Apple Pencil’s charging status.
7
Make Sure The Tip Is On All The Way
The tip of the Apple Pencil is not permanently secured to the Apple Pencil’s base. In fact, an Apple Pencil tip is designed to be removed and replaced easily.
If your Apple Pencil isn’t working properly, it’s possible that the tip has come loose from the rest of the device. Making sure that the Apple Pencil tip is fully secured is a quick and easy troubleshooting step for a wide array of malfunctions!
- Carefully grab the tip of your Apple Pencil with two of your fingers.
- Twist the tip clockwise slowly to see if it twists. If you try to turn the tip clockwise and it doesn’t move, it is fully attached to the Apple Pencil’s base.
- If the tip does begin to turn when you try to twist it, continue twisting until it is screwed in place securely.
8
Make Sure Your iPad Is Compatible With Apple Pencil 2nd Generation
Unfortunately, the Apple Pencil 2nd Generation is only compatible with a small number of iPad models.
If you’re experiencing a problem with your Apple Pencil 2nd Generation’s connectivity, it is possible that the issue stems from the fact that your iPad is not designed to work with your Apple Pencil.
- Make sure you have an Apple Pencil 2nd Generation. If your Apple Pencil has flat sides, instead of a perfectly round structure, you can be sure your device is from the 2nd Generation.
- Check which iPad model you have. Visit Apple’s iPad identification page to know which features to look for to figure out your iPad’s generation and series.
- Visit Apple’s Apple Pencil compatibility page to find out if your iPad and Apple Pencil are designed to work together.
9
Turn On Bluetooth On Your iPad
Bluetooth gives your iPad the ability to connect to Bluetooth devices such as headphones (including Apple AirPods), speakers, keyboards, and more.
- Open the Settings app on your iPad.
- Tap Bluetooth.
- Tap the switch next Bluetooth. You’ll know the switch is on when it is green and positioned to the right.
The Notes app is one of the most convenient places to jot down new ideas.With the Apple Pencil, users have more freedom on their iPad than ever before.