What to Know

The setup process is different for first and second-generation Apple Pencils, so check which model you own.
Once paired, you can customize settings to use your Apple Pencil exactly how you'd like.

If you have a brand new Apple Pencil, you may be wondering how to connect your Apple Pencil to an iPad. When you pair an Apple Pencil with an iPad, you can draw, write, and perform many different gestures with it. In this article, we'll show you all about how to pair and set up an Apple Pencil with your iPad.

Is Your Apple Pencil Compatible with Your iPad?

Before you begin, make sure your Apple Pencil is compatible with your generation of iPad. If you're not sure what model of iPad you have, check out this article to find out.

Apple Pencil (2nd Generation)

If you have a second-generation Apple Pencil, you can connect it to the following iPad models:

iPad mini (6th generation)
iPad Air (4th generation and later)
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)
iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)

Apple Pencil (1st Genertion)

If you have a first-generation Apple Pencil, you can connect it to the following iPad models:

iPad mini (5th gen)
iPad (6th gen and later)
iPad Air (3rd gen)
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd gen)
iPad Pro 10.5-inch
iPad Pro 9.7-inch

How to Set Up Apple Pencil (1st gen)

If you are sure your Apple Pencil is compatible with your iPad, it's time to pair the devices. To learn more about what you can do with your iPad and Apple Pencil, check out our Tip of the Day newsletter.

Remove the cap from the back end of your device and plug the Apple Pencil into your iPad's Lightning port. A notification will appear on the screen. Tap Pair.
You can now set up your Apple Pencil. Tap Settings.
Scroll down and tap on Apple Pencil.
Here, you can see how much charge your Apple Pencil has and adjust its settings.
Toggle Only Draw with Apple Pencil on if you'd rather navigate your device with your fingers and only use your Apple Pencil for drawing or writing.
Toggle Scribble on to convert any handwritten text in a text area to type.
Tap Try Scribble to practice writing in a text field and having it converted into type.
Tap Left Corner Swipe to turn taking screenshots or opening Quick Note with your Apple Pencil on or off. When turned on, this gesture will work even if you have Only Draw with Apple Pencil toggled on.
Tap Right Corner Swipe to turn taking screenshots or opening Quick Note with your Apple Pencil on or off. When turned on, this gesture will work even if you have Only Draw with Apple Pencil toggled on.

Now you know how to connect an Apple Pencil to your iPad!

How to Set Up Apple Pencil (2nd gen)

Connecting the second-generation Apple Pencil is easy, thanks to the magnetic connector located on the side of the iPad. Here's how to connect the Apple Pencil to your iPad.

Attach your Apple Pencil to the side of your iPad using the magnetic connector (all you should need to do is hold your Apple Pencil to the side of your iPad).
Tap Pair.
You can now set up your Apple Pencil. Tap Settings.
Scroll down and tap Apple Pencil.
Here, you can see how much charge your Apple Pencil has and adjust its settings.
Here. you can change the double-tap action.
Toggle Only Draw with Apple Pencil on if you'd rather navigate your device with your fingers and only use your Apple Pencil for drawing or writing.
Toggle Scribble on to convert any handwritten text in a text area to type.
Tap Try Scribble to practice writing in a text field and having it converted into type.
Tap Left Corner Swipe to turn opening screenshots or taking screenshots with your Apple Pencil on or off. When turned on, this gesture will work even if you have Only Draw with Apple Pencil toggled on.
Tap Right Corner Swipe to turn taking screenshots or opening Quick Note with your Apple Pencil on or off. When turned on, this gesture will work even if you have Only Draw with Apple Pencil toggled on.

Great job! Now you know how to set up Apple Pencils with your iPads! Sometimes even if you forget an Apple Pencil on your iPad, it will connect automatically when connected via magnet or plug. If you experience your Apple Pencil not pairing or Apple Pencil not working, read this. Another common issue can be your Apple Pencil tip needing replacement.

FAQ:

Why is my Apple Pencil not connecting to my iPad? The first thing you should try if your Apple Pencil won't pair is restarting your iPad. Also, check to make sure your Bluetooth has been enabled. Additionally, check to ensure you're using the right generation of Apple Pencil for your own iPad.
Can you connect Apple Pencil 1 to iPad Pro? Yes, but only certain models of the iPad Pro are compatible with the First Generation Apple Pencil. Those iPad models are iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd gen), iPad Pro 10.5-inch, and iPad Pro 9.7-inch. Later models must upgrade to the Second Generation Apple Pencil.
How do I activate an Apple Pencil? All you need to do to get your Apple Pencil to work again is attach it to the side magnetically or plug it into the bottom outlet. I tend to repair my Apple Pencil every time I use it out of habit.