This is how you connect an Apple Pencil to an iPad

Pair Apple Pencil with your iPad

Thanks to the Apple Pencil, you can draw a lot more accurately on an iPad. The Apple Pencil also contains all kinds of technical gadgets to ensure that pressing hard on the screen or tilting the pencil gives a different effect while writing and drawing. But first you will have to pair the Apple Pencil. In this article, we’ll show you how this works, for both the first and second generation Apple Pencil.

Before you start, make sure Bluetooth is turned on!

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Link Apple Pencil to an iPad Pro

The Apple Pencil works with all iPad Pro models and recent iPads, but not iPhones. The way of pairing differs per model. Choose your desired Pencil and iPad model to learn how to pair them:

• Apple Pencil 2 (€149):
  • iPad Pro 2018 and newer
  • iPad Air 2020 and newer
  • iPad mini 2021 and newer
• Apple Pencil 1 (€119):
  • iPad Pro 2015-2017
  • iPad 2018 and newer
  • iPad Air 2019
  • iPad mini 2019

You can usually tell by the iPad which type of Pencil it works with. You need the Pencil 2 for the models with a flattened side. The only exception is the iPad 2022.

Also note that a special adapter (€10) is required for the iPad 2022, because this model no longer has a Lightning port.

The two generations of Apple Pencil can be distinguished from each other as follows. The Apple Pencil 2 has a flattened side and a matte finish and is made from a single piece of plastic. The Apple Pencil 1 is made of shiny white plastic, has a silver-colored ring and a detachable cap with Lightning connection.

Pair second generation Apple Pencil

Pairing the Apple Pencil 2 is very easy:

1. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your iPad.
2. Make sure the magnetic side of the iPad is uncovered. If necessary, remove the iPad from a case.
3. Place the Apple Pencil with the flat side against the magnetic side.
4. A message appears on the screen. Tap Connect.

You can charge the Apple Pencil 2 in the same way, by attaching it to the magnetic connector.

Pairing first generation Apple Pencil

Follow the steps below to pair the original Apple Pencil:

1. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your iPad.
2. Remove the cap from the back of the Apple Pencil.
3. Unlock the iPad and plug the Apple Pencil into the Lightning input (with the iPad 2022 you need an adapter for this.
4. A message will now appear on the screen. Tap Pair. Your Apple Pencil is now ready to use with the paired iPad Pro.

The Apple Pencil remains paired until you restart the iPad or pair it with another iPad. If you want to use it again, plug the Pencil back into the Lightning connector.

You can charge the Apple Pencil in the same way, by plugging it into the iPad’s Lightning input.

Unpair and use Apple Pencil on other iPad

You can only pair the Apple Pencil with one iPad at a time. Switching very quickly without first reconnecting is therefore not possible. If you want to use the Apple Pencil on another iPad, follow the same steps as for pairing. If you want to sell the Apple Pencil or no longer use it, you can disconnect it. You do this via the Bluetooth menu:

1. Open the Settings app and select Bluetooth.
2. Select the paired Apple Pencil on the right and tap the blue i.
3. Select Forget this device and confirm the disconnection.