If you just picked up an Apple Pencil and want to use it with your iPad, you’ll need to connect the devices first. The method for pairing an Apple Pencil to an iPad is different depending on which Pencil you own. Show
Once you connect the Apple Pencil to your iPad, you can take advantage of the handy features. You can jot down handwritten notes, use the Scribble feature, write inside of text boxes, and much more. Table of Contents
Make Sure Your Model Is CompatibleThere are two Apple Pencil models currently and each only works with specific iPad models. To make sure that your devices can connect, review this list of Apple Pencils and iPads. Apple Pencil, 1st Generation
Apple Pencil, 2nd Generation
Not sure which iPad model you own? Take a look at our guide to find out. RELATED: Which iPad Model Do I Own? Connect a 1st Generation Apple PencilRemove the cap from your Apple Pencil and plug it into the Lightning connector (charging port) on your iPad. It should automatically connect, and you should see a message asking if you want to pair the Pencil with your iPad. Select “Pair.” Connect a 2nd Generation Apple PencilPairing the 2nd generation Apple Pencil is even easier. Attach the Pencil to the magnetic connector on the long side of the iPad. You’ll see a picture of the Apple Pencil on the screen. Tap “Connect” to pair it with your iPad. Reconnect Your Apple PencilIn some cases, your Apple Pencil can become disconnected from your iPad. For instance, if you restart your iPad, enter Airplane Mode, or pair the Pencil with a different iPad. If this occurs, simply follow the same process as above to reconnect the Apple Pencil with your iPad. RELATED: What Does Airplane Mode Do, and Is It Really Necessary? TroubleshootingIf you’re having trouble connecting the Apple Pencil with your iPad, here are a few things to try.
The Apple Pencil is great tool for both working and playing on your iPad. From annotating screenshots to coloring pictures, make the most of how these devices work together. And be sure to check the battery level on the Apple Pencil occasionally so you can continue using it without interruption. As of March 2019, all current iPad models support Apple Pencil with either the first or second-generation, and your best iPad truly can't be the best iPad if you don't use an Apple Pencil. Whether you're starting with an entry-level iPad, taking your iPad Air everywhere you go, running professional programs on an iPad Pro, or scrolling through Apple News+ on an iPad mini, you can use one of the two generations of Apple Pencil. It has full pressure sensitivity for dynamic line thickness, tilt control for shading, palm rejection for full sketching, and works as a simple stylus if you don't want to touch your screen. To take full advantage of everything you can do with the Apple Pencil, you'll need to know how to use some of the fun little extras on your best iPad (opens in new tab). Here's our complete guide to Apple Pencil, whether you're an artist, note-taker, or professional graphics editor. Here's how to use Apple Pencil to its fullest abilities! Meet the Apple PencilIf you've previously used a stylus on the iPad or other graphics tablets, you'll find some aspects of the Apple Pencil familiar — and others very different. Here's a crash course in all things Apple Pencil for you! Apple Pencil (1st Generation) works with: Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) works with: How to tell the differenceAs mentioned in our Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) review, you can typically notice the difference between the two generations of Apple Pencil pretty quickly. If you're concerned about whether you're selecting the correct generation Apple Pencil, the most distinguishing difference is that the 1st-generation Apple Pencil has a silver band around the top. Apple Pencil (2nd-Generation) does not. Before you get started, make sure you know which generation Apple Pencil you have. Where there are differences in the two (like pairing and charging), we've included sections for each generation separately. How to pair your Apple Pencil with your iPadBefore you can start using your Apple Pencil, you'll need to pair it to your iPad or iPad Pro. The first and second-generation iPad Pro pair differently, so be sure you know your generation before starting. How to pair the first-generation Apple Pencil
How to pair the second-generation Apple Pencil
You can now use your Apple Pencil with your iPad or iPad Pro! If you want to move your Pencil to a different iPad, follow the same steps above with the new one. How to check the Apple Pencil battery levelThe Apple Pencil doesn't have a physical charge indicator or LED light on its cylindrical body; instead, you can check its current battery life on your currently-paired iPad or iPad Pro. How to check your Apple Pencil (first generation) battery level
How to check the Apple Pencil (second generation) battery levelThe second-generation Apple Pencil is even easier to check. You can follow the steps above for the first-generation Apple Pencil, or you can simply place it on the magnetic charging strip on the iPad Pro (or remove and then place it back down again if it's currently connected to the magnetic charging strip). A notification will pop up, telling you your current battery percentage. How to charge Apple PencilWhen your Apple Pencil hits 20%, 10%, and 5%, respectively, it will give you a charge warning (you can also check your current battery status at any time by bringing up Notification Center). How to charge the first-generation Apple Pencil(Image credit: Luke Filipowicz / iMore)
How to charge the first-generation Apple Pencil using the Lightning adapter
How to charge the second-generation Apple Pencil(Image credit: Luke Filipowicz / iMore)For the second-generation Apple Pencil, Apple made it much easier to charge. There's only one way. Just place the Apple Pencil on the side of the iPad that has the magnetic strip, and you'll be charging right away. How to unpair your Apple Pencil from your iPadYour Apple Pencil will automatically unpair from your iPad or iPad Pro if you pair it with a different iPad or you pair a different Apple Pencil with your iPad. You can also manually unpair if the need arises.
To re-pair the first-generation Apple Pencil, simply plug it back into the Lightning port on your iPad. To re-pair the second-generation Apple Pencil, simply place it on the magnetic charging strip of your iPad again. You don't have to engage a special menu or complicated per-app pairing process to use Apple Pencil: Once you've paired it to your iPad or iPad Pro, you're ready to draw, write, sketch, or navigate in any app you choose — just put the Pencil's pen nib to the iPad's glass screen and get to it! The Apple Pencil doesn't have an eraserUnlike Wacom's patented styluses, the Apple Pencil doesn't offer an eraser nib: All your primary interactions with the iPad's screen happen through the Pencil's white nib on the first-generation Apple Pencil, and with the white nib or a double-tap on the flat side of the second-generation Apple Pencil. That's not to say the Pencil doesn't have a few tricks up its sleeve, however: It's completely pressure- and tilt-sensitive, which means you can press harder against the screen to get a thicker line or tilt your Pencil against the screen to virtually "shade" in a drawing or draw calligraphic letters. How to change functions on the second-generation Apple PencilThe second-generation Apple Pencil has the added benefit of one additional function, which is accessed by double-tapping the flat side of the Apple Pencil near the nib. In most circumstances, this will trigger the eraser feature of an app. Use the Apple Pencil to navigate your iPad(Image credit: iMore)Whether you have RSI issues or just like being able to use a stylus on your tablet in between drawing or writing sessions, the Apple Pencil supports basic navigational tapping and swiping within iOS. Because multitouch gestures and the Pencil are recognized separately by the iPad's operating system, it may not be supported for advanced gesture-based navigation (like multi-finger operations) in separate apps. Best Apple Pencil AccessoriesThe Apple Pencil is quickly becoming a necessary companion for iPad users, but an often-lost one. Between its slim cylindrical white body and the removable magnetic cap, it's not hard to lose one or the other to couch cushions or forgetful minds. On the bright side, there are dozens of great Apple Pencil accessories to help keep your Pencil (and cap) safe, secure, and ready to sketch. Additionally, you can add style and protection simultaneously with the best cases for Apple Pencil 2. Apple Pencil (1st Generation) $71 (opens in new tab)at Newegg (opens in new tab)$94.99 (opens in new tab)at Amazon (opens in new tab)$99 (opens in new tab)at Apple (opens in new tab)Still a good buy While it may not be quite as fancy as the newer version, it's still the only version of Apple Pencil you can use with most iPads. If you want to experiment with drawing apps or just have an amazing stylus to use with your iPad, there's no reason not to pick one up. Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) $128.99 (opens in new tab)at Amazon (opens in new tab)$129 (opens in new tab)at Best Buy (opens in new tab)$129.99 (opens in new tab)at Verizon Wireless (opens in new tab)The absolute best With a much more elegant magnetic charging solution, better pressure sensitivity, and overall better performance, the Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) is the ultimate stylus for the iPad Pro and iPad Air 4. Why isn't my Apple Pencil pairing to my iPad?Turn Bluetooth Off And Back On
Your iPad uses Bluetooth to pair to your Apple Pencil. Occasionally, small connectivity issues can prevent your Apple Pencil and iPad from pairing. Quickly turning Bluetooth off and back on can sometimes fix the problem. Open Settings and tap Bluetooth.
|