
Key Takeaways
- The Apple Pencil is appropriate with totally different iPad fashions, and the pairing course of varies between every technology.
- The first technology Apple Pencil is appropriate with Lightning-equipped iPads, whereas the 2nd technology connects through Bluetooth and presents further options.
- The USB-C Apple Pencil is appropriate with iPads which have a USB-C port, however doesn’t provide wi-fi charging or stress sensitivity just like the 2nd technology mannequin.
On the subject of must-own iPad equipment, the Apple Pencil is on the prime of the checklist for a lot of customers, and for good purpose. It extends the performance of Apple’s pill virtually like no different product, opening up a complete class of apps that folks would not be capable to use with out a stylus. When you simply purchased your self an Apple Pencil or plan to buy one quickly, this information will take you thru every little thing it’s worthwhile to learn about pairing your Apple Pencil and iPad with each other.

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Apple Pencil Compatibility Record
When you do not but personal an Apple Pencil, it is best to first seek the advice of the compatibility lists beneath. Relying on the age of your iPad, the 2nd technology or USB-C fashions might not work along with your pill. Furthermore, the pairing course of is barely totally different between every variant. However don’t fret, no matter Pencil mannequin your iPad helps, this information will clarify how pairing works.
Apple Pencil 1st Technology
Apple/ Pocket-lint
Because the oldest stylus in Apple’s secure, the first technology Apple Pencil is appropriate with Lightning-equipped iPads. With Apple phasing out the port in favor of USB-C, no new iPads are anticipated to help the first technology mannequin transferring ahead.
- iPad Professional 12.9-inch (2nd and 1st technology)
- iPad Professional 10.5-inch
- iPad Professional 9.7-inch
- iPad Air (third technology)
- iPad (tenth, ninth, eighth, seventh, and sixth technology)
- iPad mini (fifth technology)
Apple Pencil 2nd Technology
Apple/ Pocket-lint
Whereas it is just a few years outdated now, the 2nd technology Pencil stays Apple’s flagship stylus. It connects to newer iPads over Bluetooth, and may cost wirelessly when it is magnetically connected to them. It additionally presents stress sensitivity and a double faucet function that enables customers to modify between instruments in apps like Procreate.
- iPad Professional 12.9-inch (sixth, fifth, 4th, and third technology)
- iPad Professional 11-inch (4th, third, 2nd, and 1st technology)
- iPad Air (fifth and 4th technology)
- iPad mini (sixth technology)
Apple Pencil USB-C
Apple/ Pocket-lint
To not be confused with the 2nd technology mannequin, Apple introduced the USB-C Pencil on Oct. 17, 2023. It’s appropriate with each iPad that includes a USB-C port, and may connect to these tablets magnetically. Nevertheless, it doesn’t provide wi-fi charging or stress sensitivity, making it a price range various to the 2nd technology mannequin. Functionally, the method of pairing the USB-C mannequin can be barely totally different from its two siblings.

The USB-C Apple Pencil is the most affordable yet with a strange mishmash of features
The Apple Pencil now has a USB-C port and a few new options whereas dropping some others,
The next iPads are appropriate with the USB-C Apple Pencil:
- iPad Professional 12.9-inch (sixth, fifth, 4th, and third technology)
- iPad Professional 11-inch (4th, third, 2nd, and 1st technology)
- iPad Air (fifth and 4th technology)
- iPad (tenth technology)
- iPad mini (sixth technology)
As you may see from the checklist above, the tenth technology iPad is appropriate with each the first technology and USB-C Apple Pencil fashions. When you’re shopping for a stylus to be used completely with the tenth technology iPad, the USB-C mannequin is your finest guess; you will not have to additionally purchase an adapter to make use of the 2 collectively.
Find out how to pair a 1st technology Apple Pencil
- Take away the rear cap from the stylus to disclose the built-in Lightning port.
- Join the Apple Pencil to your iPad’s Lightning port.
- Faucet Pair when the Bluetooth Pairing Request popup seems.
When you want to pair a 1st technology Apple Pencil with a tenth technology iPad, you have to a USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter, which Apple sells for $9.
Find out how to pair a 2nd technology Apple Pencil
Pairing a 2nd technology Apple Pencil with an iPad couldn’t be easier:
- Connect the Apple Pencil to the facet of your iPad that has quantity buttons.
- Press Join when a immediate asking you if you would like to pair your iPad and Apple Pencil collectively seems.
Find out how to pair a USB-C Apple Pencil
- Slide open the rear finish of the Apple Pencil to disclose the built-in USB-C port.
- Join a USB-C cable between the Apple Pencil and your iPad.
- Choose Faucet to Join when prompted.
Troubleshooting recommendation for pairing and charging
In case your Apple Pencil and iPad aren’t pairing with each other, there are some things you are able to do to resolve the issue.
Guarantee Bluetooth is turned on
Though every model of the Apple Pencil has a distinct manner of charging, all of them use Bluetooth to connect with an iPad. When you’re experiencing pairing points, you will have turned off Bluetooth. To show it on once more:
- Open the Settings app.
- Choose Bluetooth.
- Faucet the Bluetooth toggle on.
Be sure that the Apple Pencil is charged
I do know what you are pondering, as apparent as this advice sounds, oftentimes a lifeless battery can forestall pairing. Cost your Apple Pencil to no less than 50% earlier than making an attempt to attach it with an iPad.
Clear the Lightning connector, if wanted
In some situations, dust and dirt on the Lightning connector of the first technology Apple Pencil could cause pairing points. When you discover the connector in your Apple Pencil is soiled, you may clear it with some isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab.
Pour a small quantity of the alcohol right into a container or bowl, dip the swab into the liquid after which gently use the swab to wipe down the Lightning connector. After you are finished, put aside the Apple Pencil for a couple of minutes to make sure it is totally dry.
Contact Apple Assist
If not one of the above recommendation works, your Apple Pencil may have service or alternative. It’s best to contact Apple Assist, both by visiting the corporate’s website or a local Apple Store.
Find out how to disconnect an Apple Pencil from an iPad
If, for no matter purpose, you want to disconnect an Apple Pencil out of your iPad, comply with these steps:
- Open the Settings app in your iPad.
- Choose Bluetooth.
- Faucet the blue “i” icon subsequent to the Apple Pencil.
- Faucet Overlook This Gadget.
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