When Apple Pencil won’t pair with iPad, verify compatibility, charge it, toggle Bluetooth, re-pair, and clean the tip or connector.
If your stylus refuses to connect, the cause usually falls into four buckets: the wrong Pencil for the iPad, low charge, a stale Bluetooth link, or a blocked connector. This guide starts with a quick match-up chart, then walks through fixes for Apple Pencil USB-C, 1st-gen, 2nd-gen, and Pencil Pro.
Quick Compatibility And Pairing Methods
Match the Pencil model with the right iPad and pairing path. A mismatch blocks pairing every time. Use this table as your first filter. For full details, check Apple’s compatibility page.
| Pencil Model | How It Pairs | Works With |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Pencil (1st gen) | Plug into iPad’s Lightning port; on 10th-gen iPad use Apple USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter; tap Pair. | iPad 6th–9th gen, iPad 10th gen (with adapter), iPad Air 3, iPad mini 5, iPad Pro 9.7/10.5/12.9 1st–2nd. |
| Apple Pencil (2nd gen) | Attach to the right edge magnet; wait for the sheet; tap Pair. | iPad Pro 11-inch 1st–4th, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd–6th, iPad Air 4–5, iPad mini 6. |
| Apple Pencil (USB-C) | Plug the Pencil’s USB-C directly into the iPad’s USB-C port; tap “Tap to Connect.” | USB-C iPads that list USB-C Pencil support, including iPad 10th gen and many Air/Pro models. |
| Apple Pencil Pro | Snap to the right edge; follow the on-screen prompt. | iPad Pro (M4) and iPad Air (M2) models that support Pencil Pro. |
If you see no prompt after attaching or plugging in, double-check that list and the pairing method for your exact model. Keep the iPad awake and unlocked while you try.
Apple Pencil Not Pairing With iPad: Quick Checks
Run this sequence; many pairing failures clear in a minute or two.
- Charge both devices. Plug the Pencil in to the iPad (USB-C or Lightning) or snap it on the magnetic edge. Give it a minute so the pairing banner can show.
- Toggle Bluetooth off and on. Go to Settings > Bluetooth, turn it off, wait ten seconds, then turn it back on.
- Forget and re-pair. In Bluetooth, tap the info icon next to Apple Pencil, choose Forget This Device, then reconnect using the correct method for your model.
- Wake and unlock the iPad. Pair prompts often fail on a locked screen.
- Clean the connector. Wipe the USB-C or Lightning end with a dry lint-free cloth; remove dust from the iPad port; for 2nd-gen, clean the magnetic rail.
- Restart the iPad. A quick reboot refreshes the Bluetooth stack and power management.
Model-Specific Fixes That Work
Apple Pencil (USB-C)
Slide open the cap to reveal the USB-C plug. Connect it directly to the iPad’s USB-C port; skip any cable during pairing. When the prompt shows “Tap to Connect,” confirm, then unplug. If no prompt appears, leave it connected for one minute to charge, then try again. Apple’s pairing steps live here: USB-C Pencil guide.
Apple Pencil (1st Generation)
Uncap the Pencil and plug it into the iPad’s Lightning port. Tap Pair when asked. Using a 10th-gen iPad? Use Apple’s USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter between the Pencil and a USB-C cable to pair and charge. If the banner never appears, reseat the connection and try a known-good cable. Full steps here: 1st-gen pairing.
Apple Pencil (2nd Generation)
Attach the Pencil to the right edge. The magnetic rail must fully align; slide the barrel until the sheet appears, then confirm. Case magnets can block the rail; remove the case during pairing. If pairing drops after sleep, reattach for a few seconds to wake and re-link.
Apple Pencil Pro
Pair on the magnetic rail like the 2nd-gen model. Pencil Pro requires the newest iPad Pro (M4) or iPad Air (M2). If you upgraded the tablet and a prior Pencil no longer pairs, you likely need Pencil Pro or the USB-C model, based on the new iPad’s spec page.
Why Pairing Fails And How To Fix Each Cause
Wrong Pencil For The iPad
Each Pencil generation speaks to a specific set of iPads. A 2nd-gen Pencil won’t pair with Lightning-only iPads, and a 1st-gen Pencil won’t pair with magnetic-only iPads. Match the official list, then retry pairing using the correct method.
Low Pencil Charge
A near-empty battery can block the prompt. Keep the Pencil plugged in or docked for at least one minute, then reconnect to trigger the banner. You can check charge in the Batteries widget after pairing; before pairing, rely on a timed charge.
Stale Bluetooth Record
If the Pencil shows under My Devices in Bluetooth but keeps failing, forget it, then connect again. This clears a bad token from an older pairing.
Obstructed Port Or Magnetic Rail
Lint in a USB-C or Lightning port breaks contact. Use a wooden toothpick or a soft brush to lift debris, then try again. For magnetic pairing, wipe the rail and the flat side of the Pencil so the inductive contacts touch clean metal.
Case Or Cover Interference
Thick shells or folios can shift the Pencil off the magnetic rail or keep the USB-C plug from seating fully. Remove the case for pairing and the first charge, then reinstall it and recheck.
iPad Needs A Reboot Or Update
Power cycle the iPad. If pairing still fails, install the latest iPadOS update, then repeat the pairing flow. Updates often include device connection fixes.
Clean, Charge, And Re-Pair: Step-By-Step
Work through this flow once, in order:
- Remove cases and covers.
- Clean connectors and the iPad port or rail.
- Plug in or dock the Pencil for one minute.
- Open Settings > Bluetooth and toggle it off, then on.
- Forget Apple Pencil if it appears under My Devices.
- Reconnect using the correct method for your Pencil.
- Watch for the pairing sheet and tap Pair or Tap to Connect.
- Test handwriting in Notes; if strokes skip, replace the tip.
When The Pair Button Doesn’t Appear
If the banner never shows, keep the Pencil connected for a minute to gather a base charge. Then unplug and reconnect. Try a different USB-C cable for the 1st-gen adapter path. For 2nd-gen and Pro, slide along the rail slowly to seat the contacts.
Deep Fixes For Persistent Pairing Problems
Reset Network Settings
Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This wipes old Bluetooth pairings and reboots radios. You will need to rejoin Wi-Fi later.
Unpair From Other iPads
A Pencil pairs with one iPad at a time. If you recently used it on another tablet, pair it back to that device, forget it there, then connect to the new one.
Replace A Worn Tip
A loose or worn nib can cause pairing prompts to appear but drawing to fail. Twist off the tip and install a fresh one snugly. Keep a spare in your kit.
Check For Damage
Look for a bent USB-C or Lightning plug, cracked barrel, or a loose magnetic strip. If you spot damage, contact Apple for service before trying again.
Feature Notes By Pencil Generation
Knowing what each model can do helps you verify that you paired the right one and set the right expectations.
1st Generation
Pairs by plug-in, charges over Lightning or via Apple’s adapter when used with USB-C iPads. Pressure sensitivity works in many drawing apps. No double-tap shortcut on the barrel.
2nd Generation
Pairs and charges magnetically on the right rail. Double-tap toggles tools in supported apps. Keep the flat edge clean for reliable charging and quick re-pair.
USB-C Model
Pops a “Tap to Connect” sheet when plugged directly into the iPad’s USB-C port. Supports hover on select iPads. It can attach magnetically for storage, but pairing and charging happen via USB-C.
Pencil Pro
Pairs on the rail like 2nd-gen, adds squeeze and barrel roll gestures. Works only with the newest compatible iPad Pro and iPad Air models.
Troubleshooting Matrix You Can Scan Fast
| Symptom | Fix | Where |
|---|---|---|
| No pairing prompt | Charge one minute; reconnect; for USB-C, plug Pencil straight into iPad; for 2nd-gen, reseat on rail. | USB-C port or magnetic edge |
| Pencil shows in Bluetooth but won’t connect | Forget device, toggle Bluetooth, re-pair. | Settings > Bluetooth |
| Pairs, then drops | Remove case, clean rail, recharge to 20%+, reboot iPad. | Rail and Settings |
| Skips or misses strokes | Replace tip; check app settings; test in Notes. | Hardware tip, Notes |
| Adapter path won’t pair on iPad 10th gen | Use Apple USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter; try a known-good cable. | USB-C adapter |
| New iPad won’t accept old Pencil | Verify model compatibility; buy the matching Pencil. | Apple compatibility page |
When To Contact Apple
If the Pencil never charges, if the plug is bent, or if the magnetic rail never holds a charge, book service. Battery wear can also block pairing on older units. Apple can test the Pencil and the iPad rail and replace parts when needed.
Sources And Official Guides
Pairing steps and compatibility come from Apple’s guides. Read Apple’s guides on pairing and charging for Apple Pencil USB-C and for the 1st-gen model, then confirm model fit with the full Apple Pencil compatibility list.