2nd Generation Apple Pencil Not Pairing? Here's The Fix!

Colin Boyd

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

The Apple Pencil 2nd Generation is the ultimate iPad accessory. However, the device is pretty much useless if it won't show up on iPad. Here's how to fix an Apple Pencil 2nd Generation not pairing.

How To Pair Your Apple Pencil 2nd Generation

Unlike the first Apple Pencil model, the Apple Pencil 2nd Generation does not feature a built-in Lightning connector. Instead, this device should pair when you attach it to the right side of your iPad (built in magnets hold it in place).

Shortly after you attach your Apple Pencil 2nd Generation, your iPad should prompt you to Pair the device. When this happens, select Pair.

If you still can't use your Apple Pencil after pairing, or your didn't receive the pop-up at all, check out our tips listed below!

Is The Problem My iPad Or My Apple Pencil?

Since the Apple Pencil 2nd Generation operates fully over Bluetooth, it's possible that the connection error could be caused by either your iPad or your Apple Pencil. To find out for sure, and to learn how to fix the problem when you find it, keep reading for some tips!

How To Fix An Apple Pencil 2nd Generation Not Pairing

7 Steps Total
1.

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.

How Do I Make Sure My iPad Is Compatible With Apple Pencil 2nd Generation?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Visit Apple's Apple Pencil compatibility page to find out if your iPad and Apple Pencil are designed to work together.
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2.

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.

How Do I Turn On Bluetooth On My iPad?

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Bluetooth.
  3. Tap the switch next Bluetooth. You'll know the switch is on when it is green and positioned to the right.
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3.

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!

How Do I Make Sure The Tip Is On All The Way?

  1. Carefully grab the tip of your Apple Pencil with two of your fingers.
  2. 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.
  3. If the tip does begin to turn when you try to twist it, continue twisting until it is screwed in place securely.
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4.

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.

How Do I Purchase New Apple Pencil Tips?

  1. Purchase a new Apple Pencil tip. Amazon sells them in packs of four for pretty cheap.
  2. Grab your current Apple Pencil tip between two fingers and slowly unscrew it from your Apple Pencil's base.
  3. Pick up your replacement tip.
  4. Twist your new Apple Pencil tip clockwise until it attaches to the Apple Pencil base securely.
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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.

How Do I Clean My Apple Pencil 2nd Generation?

  1. Use a lightly damp microfiber cloth to clean your Apple Pencil.
  2. Starting from just behind the tip, lightly wipe down the length of your Apple Pencil base.
  3. Avoid coming in contact with the tip, or the gap between the tip and the base.
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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.

How Do I Charge My Apple Pencil 2nd Generation?

  1. Identify the side of your iPad that features volume buttons.
  2. Attach your Apple Pencil 2nd Generation to this side of your iPad magnetically.
  3. When you connect your Apple Pencil to your iPad, your iPad should briefly display the Apple Pencil's charging status.
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7.

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.

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Scroll down and tap Transfer Or Reset iPad.
  4. Tap Reset.
  5. Tap Reset Network Settings.
  6. Enter your iPad passcode.
  7. Tap Reset when the confirmation alert appears.
  8. Your iPad will reset network settings and restart.
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Apple Pencil, Meet iPad

The latest Apple Pencil model makes using your iPad more convenient than ever. Whether you use it for drawing, writing, or navigating between apps, this device could make your technical ecosystem easier and more fun to use. If your Apple Pencil 2nd Generation is not pairing with your iPad, these tips will reconnect you in no time!

  1. Make Sure Your iPad Is Compatible With Apple Pencil 2nd Generation
  2. Turn On Bluetooth On Your iPad
  3. Make Sure The Tip Is On All The Way
  4. Purchase New Apple Pencil Tips
  5. Clean Your Apple Pencil 2nd Generation
  6. Charge Your Apple Pencil 2nd Generation
  7. Reset Network Settings On Your iPad

Applies To: Apple Pencil 2nd Generation

AUTHOR

Colin Boyd

I'm Colin, the Creative Coordinator for Payette Forward.

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Susan
Susan
9 months ago

I tried everything you suggested but it still won’t pair. I have an Apple Pencil 2nd generation and a brand new iPad Pro 12.9.

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