If you use an Apple iPad, I’m sure you’re already familiar with the loads of opportunities in terms of its features and usability. Whether work or play, Apple iPads offer tons of useful functionality. An even better way to use your Apple iPad is to pair it with an Apple Pencil, especially if you lean towards the artistic side.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to connect Apple Pencil to iPad if you own both devices. If you’ve not already purchased an Apple Pencil but plan to do so soon, you’ll also find out which options are best suited to your iPad. So, keep reading this guide to find out all you need to know to successfully connect Apple Pencil to iPad.
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Which Apple Pencil is Compatible With Your iPad?
You’re in luck if you came across this article before purchasing your Apple Pencil. I say this because you might need to purchase either the first or second generation Apple Pencil, depending on the model of your iPad.
Check out the list below to find out the most compatible Apple Pencil model for your iPad. This way, you’ll have little to no issues when you want to connect Apple Pencil to iPad.
1st Generation Apple Pencil
Below are the iPad models that are compatible with 1st generation Apple Pencils:
- iPad 6th to 8th generation
- iPad mini (5th generation)
- iPad Air (3rd generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st or 2nd generation)
- iPad Pro 10.5-inch
- iPad Pro 9.7-inch
So if you own any of these models, you’ll easily be able to connect Apple Pencil to iPad if you buy or already own a 1st generation Apple Pencil.
2nd Generation Apple Pencil
For 2nd generation iPencils, you’ll be able to easily connect Apple Pencil to iPad if you own any of these devices:
- iPad Air (4th generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation) and later
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation) and later
Keeping this in mind, move on to the instructions in the next section to connect Apple Pencil to iPad.
How to Connect Apple Pencil to iPad
Now that you know which iPencil works for which iPad model, below are the instructions you’ll need to connect Apple Pencil to iPad depending on the models you own for both devices.
Apple Pencil 1st Generation
If you own a 1st generation iPencil, here’s what you need to connect Apple Pencil to iPad. Note that the 1st generation Apple Pencil depends on a lightning connector, so follow the instructions below:
- Remove the back cap from your Apple Pencil to reveal the lightning output.
- Connect the Apple Pencil to your iPad’s lightning connector. Don’t forget that it’s the same one you use to charge your iPad.
- A pop-up box indicating a Bluetooth pairing request will appear. Tap Pair once, and you’re done!
As long as you don’t reboot your iPad, place it in Airplane mode, or link it to another iPad, the Apple Pencil will stay plugged in. To reconnect both devices if any of that happens, just repeat the steps to connect Apple Pencil to iPad.
Apple Pencil 2nd Generation
If you’re using the more recent and feature-rich 2nd generation iPencil, you’ll find it even easier to connect Apple Pencil to iPad.
In place of the lightning connector we used in the previous steps for 1st generation iPencils, this time, you’ll need to use the iPad’s magnetic connector. Follow these steps to connect Apple Pencil to iPad:
- Take the Apple Pencil and fasten it to the iPad’s side. It will stick because of the magnetic connector on the board.
- You’ll see an Apple Pencil overlay and a prompt to attach it to your iPad. You only need to press Connect to finish!
- As you can see, it’s easy to connect Apple Pencil to iPad if your iPencil is 2nd generation. If it disconnects, don’t forget to repeat the above instructions to reconnect them.
If you encounter any problems when you try to connect Apple Pencil to iPad, below are some useful troubleshooting tips:
Charge your Apple Apple Pencil
If you forget to charge your Apple Pencil, you may experience issues when you try to connect it to your iPad. So, before starting the connection process, make sure the iPencil is at least 50% charged. You’ll be better able to connect Apple Pencil to iPad when you charge both devices properly.
Check your Bluetooth Connection
You’ll need constant Bluetooth connection for the Apple Pencil to work as it should and connect to your iPad. As such, make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your iPad before attempting to connect Apple Pencil to iPad.
By navigating to Settings > Bluetooth and switching it on, you can enable Bluetooth on your iPad. Repeat the steps to connect Apple Pencil to iPad after doing this.
Plug Through the Correct Outlet
Despite how easy it is to connect Apple Pencil to iPad, you may still face some issues sometimes. All in all, don’t try to force the Apple Pencil into the iPad if it won’t connect because a side is broken or it won’t go in all the way.
If you’ve done all you can but keep experiencing resistance when you try to connect Apple Pencil to iPad, take both devices to an Apple Store and ask the employees for assistance.
Summarily, it’s great when you can get the best of your Apple devices. Follow the instructions in this guide to easily connect Apple Pencil to iPad if the need ever arises. If you need other dedicated guides for iPad purchase or troubleshooting, check out this page.