How to Set Up Apple Pencil with iPad: A Step-by-Step Guide

To pair Apple Pencil with an iPad, first confirm the models are compatible. Apple Pencil Pro and 2nd generation pair on the magnetic connector; Apple Pencil (USB-C) pairs by cable; and 1st generation connects to Lightning or, with some USB-C iPads, through an adapter. Use the instructions for your model.

1. Check your Apple Pencil and iPad compatibility

Four Pencil models use different connection methods. Check both model names and generations before pairing; similar-looking Pencils can require different hardware.

See Apple’s full compatibility list. Find your iPad model in Settings > General > About.

2. Pair Apple Pencil Pro or Apple Pencil (2nd generation)

1. Confirm Bluetooth is on in Settings > Bluetooth.
2. Center the Pencil’s flat side on the magnetic connector along the iPad’s long side. Leave it attached to pair and charge.

3. Pair Apple Pencil (USB-C)

1. Slide open the end of Apple Pencil (USB-C) to reveal its port.
2. Connect one end of a USB-C charge cable to the Pencil and the other end to the compatible iPad.
3. When the pairing option appears, tap Tap to Connect. After pairing, you can unplug the cable; the Pencil stays paired until the iPad restarts, Bluetooth is turned off, or the Pencil is paired with another iPad.

Its magnetic edge is for storage; use a cable to pair or charge it.

4. Pair Apple Pencil (1st generation) with a Lightning iPad

1. Remove the Pencil’s cap and plug its Lightning connector into the iPad’s Lightning port.
2. When the pairing prompt appears, tap Pair, then unplug the Pencil when pairing is complete.

This direct plug-in method applies only to compatible iPads with a Lightning port.

5. Pair Apple Pencil (1st generation) with a USB-C iPad

1. Remove the cap and plug the Pencil into the USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter.
2. Connect a USB-C charge cable to the adapter, then connect the cable to the iPad.
3. Tap Pair when the prompt appears. Keep the Pencil connected until pairing finishes.

Use this adapter method with iPad (10th generation) and iPad (A16).

Apple Pencil (USB-C) and 1st generation remain paired until you restart the iPad, turn off Bluetooth, or pair the Pencil with another iPad. Pair again if any of those happen.

6. Test the Pencil and check its battery

Open Notes or a document’s Markup tools and draw a short line. If it appears as you move the Pencil, pairing is working. Check battery level in the Batteries widget or Settings > Apple Pencil.

7. Charge the Pencil with its matching method

Pro and 2nd generation charge on the iPad’s magnetic connector. USB-C charges through a cable connected to the Pencil; 1st generation charges through Lightning or its adapter-and-cable setup. If the battery is too low to pair, leave the Pencil connected for a minute and try again.

8. Troubleshoot a pairing problem

• Update iPadOS, confirm compatibility, and turn on Bluetooth.
• Reconnect using the right method, keep the Pencil attached or cabled, then restart the iPad and try again.
• If it appears under My Devices in Settings > Bluetooth, tap its info button, choose Forget This Device, then reconnect and pair.
• For Pro or 2nd generation, remove the case or cover and retry. If pairing still fails after charging, contact Apple Support.

For Apple’s full troubleshooting sequence, see If you can’t pair Apple Pencil with your iPad and its current connection guide.