How to Connect Apple Pencil to iPad

Learn how to pair Apple Pencil and set up the stylus with your iPad.

By Elisabeth Garry Mon, 12/06/2021

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 to an iPad, you can draw, write, and perform many different gestures with it. In this article, we'll show you all about how to set up an Apple Pencil.

Related: What iPad Do I Have? How to Identify Apple's Different iPad Models & Generations

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Is Your Apple Pencil Compatible with Your iPad?

Before you begin, make sure your Apple Pencil is compatible with your generation of iPad.

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)
  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation) and later
  • iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation) and later

Apple Pencil (1st generation)

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

  • iPad (9th generation)
  • iPad (8th generation)
  • iPad mini (5th generation)
  • iPad (7th generation)
  • iPad (6th generation)
  • iPad Air (3rd generation)
  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st or 2nd generation)
  • iPad Pro 10.5-inch
  • iPad Pro 9.7-inch

How to Set Up Apple Pencil

Once you know that 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.

  1. If you have a first-generation Apple Pencil, remove the cap from the back end of your device and plug the Apple Pencil into your iPad. Go to step 3.
  2. If you have a second-generation Apple Pencil, 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).
  3. Tap Pair.

    Tap Pair
     
  4. You can now disconnect your Apple Pencil.
  5. Tap Settings.

    Open Settings
     
  6. Scroll down and tap on Apple Pencil.

    Tap Apple Pencil
     
  7. Here, you can see how much charge your Apple Pencil has and adjust its settings.
  8. 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.

    Only Draw with Apple Pencil
     
  9. Toggle Scribble on to convert any handwritten text in a text area to type.

    Scribble
     
  10. Tap Try Scribble to practice writing in a text field and having it converted into type.

    Try Scribble
     
  11. Tap Left Corner Swipe to turn 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.

    Left Corner Swipe
     
  12. Tap Right Corner Swipe to toggle 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.

    Right Corner Swipe

Now your Apple Pencil should be all set up and ready to use!

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Topics

How-To
Apple Pencil
iPad
Styluses
Settings
Bluetooth
Scribble
Device Management

Author Details

Elisabeth Garry's picture

Author Details

Elisabeth Garry

Elisabeth Garry is a Feature Web Writer for iPhone Life. Formerly of Gartner and Software Advice, she has four years’ experience writing about technology for everyday users. As a former college writing instructor, she is passionate about effective, accessible communication, which is perhaps why she loves helping people make the best use of the strongest communication tools they have available: their iPhones. She has a degree in Russian Literature and Language from Reed College.

When she’s not writing for iPhone Life, she’s probably either reading (19th-century Russian literature or fantasy novels), writing fiction, or spending time with her adorable dog, Moosh.