Key Takeaways
- The Apple Pencil is suitable with completely different iPad fashions, and the pairing course of varies between every technology.
 - The first technology Apple Pencil is suitable with Lightning-equipped iPads, whereas the 2nd technology connects by way of Bluetooth and affords further options.
 - The USB-C Apple Pencil is suitable with iPads which have a USB-C port, however doesn’t supply wi-fi charging or stress sensitivity just like the 2nd technology mannequin.
 
In the case of must-own iPad equipment, the Apple Pencil is on the prime of the listing for a lot of customers, and for good cause. It extends the performance of Apple’s pill virtually like no different product, opening up a whole class of apps that individuals would not be capable to use with no stylus. In case you simply purchased your self an Apple Pencil or plan to buy one quickly, this information will take you thru all the things it’s worthwhile to learn about pairing your Apple Pencil and iPad with each other.
 
Apple Pencil (USB-C) vs Apple Pencil (2nd Generation): What’s the difference?
There are two Apple Pencil generations, and we examine each by way of specs, charging, compatibility, really feel, worth, and extra.
Apple Pencil Compatibility Record
In case you do not but personal an Apple Pencil, it is best to first seek the advice of the compatibility lists under. Relying on the age of your iPad, the 2nd technology or USB-C fashions might not work together with your pill. Furthermore, the pairing course of is barely completely 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 Era
Apple/ Pocket-lint
Because the oldest stylus in Apple’s secure, the first technology Apple Pencil is suitable with Lightning-equipped iPads. With Apple phasing out the port in favor of USB-C, no new iPads are anticipated to assist the first technology mannequin shifting 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 Era
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Whereas it is just a few years outdated now, the 2nd technology Pencil stays Apple’s flagship stylus.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 might cost wirelessly when it is magnetically connected to them. It additionally affords stress sensitivity and a double faucet characteristic that permits customers to change 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 suitable with each iPad that includes a USB-C port, and might connect to these tablets magnetically. Nevertheless, it doesn’t supply wi-fi charging or stress sensitivity, making it a funds different to the 2nd technology mannequin. Functionally, the method of pairing the USB-C mannequin can also be barely completely 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 shedding some others,
The next iPads are suitable 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 listing above, the tenth technology iPad is suitable with each the first technology and USB-C Apple Pencil fashions. In case you’re shopping for a stylus to be used completely with the tenth technology iPad, the USB-C mannequin is your finest wager; 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.
 
In case 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 aspect 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 unique method of charging, all of them use Bluetooth to hook up with an iPad. In case you’re experiencing pairing points, you’ll have turned off Bluetooth. To show it on once more:
- Open the Settings app.
 - Choose Bluetooth.
 - Faucet the Bluetooth toggle on.
 
Make sure that the Apple Pencil is charged
I do know what you are considering, as apparent as this suggestion sounds, oftentimes a useless battery can forestall pairing. Cost your Apple Pencil to at the least 50% earlier than trying to attach it with an iPad.
Clear the Lightning connector, if wanted
In some situations, filth and dirt on the Lightning connector of the first technology Apple Pencil may cause pairing points. In case 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 absolutely dry.
Contact Apple Help
If not one of the above recommendation works, your Apple Pencil might have service or substitute. You must contact Apple Help, 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 cause, you want to disconnect an Apple Pencil out of your iPad, observe these steps:
- Open the Settings app in your iPad.
 - Choose Bluetooth.
 - Faucet the blue “i” icon subsequent to the Apple Pencil.
 - Faucet Neglect This Machine.
 
Trending Merchandise

 
 
 
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                    