How to connect Apple Pencil

First, your Apple Pencil must be compatible with your iPad. Here is Apple’s definitive compatibility list:

Apple Pencil compatibility - Apple Support

Other than stated compatibility, Apple Pencils are not interchangeable.

The iPad User Guide is a rich source of information about your iPad, iPadOS and associated accessories. Here is a direct link to the section of the Guide that describes the pairing process for each of the available Apple Pencils. Each of the Pencil's has its own associated link from this page:

Apple Pencil compatibility with iPad models - Apple Support

The solution depends on which Apple Pencil you have.

Apple Pencil (1st generation):

Remove the cap and plug the Pencil directly into the iPad’s Lightning port.

When the Pair button appears, tap it.

Make sure Bluetooth is enabled (Settings → Bluetooth).

Apple Pencil (2nd generation):

Attach the Pencil magnetically to the side of the iPad.

Pairing should start automatically.

If it doesn’t, turn Bluetooth off and on again, then reattach the Pencil.

If it still won’t connect:

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• Charge the Apple Pencil for at least 10–15 minutes
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• Restart the iPad
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• Go to Settings → Bluetooth, forget the Apple Pencil, then reconnect
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• Update iPadOS to the latest version
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If none of the above works, the Pencil battery may be deeply discharged or faulty, which can prevent pairing.

[Edited by Moderator]