The Apple Pencil is the best and most accurate stylus in the market. The device is impressive as it’s precise, has palm rejection, and offers pressure and tilt sensitivity. It is very helpful for the artists and note-takers working with either the sixth-gen iPad or an iPad Pro. There are two versions of Apple Pencil available, the original version was released in 2015, and the second generation was released in 2018. The second-generation Apple Pencil is sleeker, smaller, and compact compared to the original version. However, sometimes both models won’t work properly. It is because of some issues like not responding in apps or not turning on or disappearing from Notification Center’s battery menu, and more. Fortunately, all these problems can be resolved quickly. If you are worried about why is my Apple Pencil not working? Here is how to fix the problems.
Why is My Apple Pencil Not Working? Best Fixes
You can carry out the below fixes one by one after connecting Apple Pencil to iPad to make the pencil work as usual.
- Charge the Apple Pencil
- Tighten the nib
- Check the compatibility of the Apple Pencil
- Check the compatibility of the App
- Restart your iPad
- Check Bluetooth is on
- Re-Pair your Apple Pencil
- Contact Apple Support
Charge the Apple Pencil
Your Apple Pencil should have enough charge, and you can seamlessly use it. If your Apple Pencil is not turning on, it might be because of a low battery. So, before using the Apple Pencil, you should make sure that it is charged or check the battery level of your Apple Pencil.
Pull down the Notification Center on your iPad and look for your Apple Pencil under Batteries to check the battery level. If you don’t see the widget, ensure that you have your Apple Pencil set up with Bluetooth and select Batteries to appear in Today’s View. Alternatively, you can also check the battery level by selecting Settings >> Apple Pencil.
If the battery level is 0%, you need to charge the Apple Pencil. Usually, you get warning messages when the charge is low. And the Apple Pencil charges quickly in 10 to 15 minutes.
Tighten the Nib
Your Apple Pencil may not work if the nib is loose. So, you should make sure that the nib is tight. Turn the nib clockwise until it stops moving, and do it gently to tighten the nib. And also, Apple Pencil nibs wear out over time, so get the alternative nib in the box to solve your issues.
Check the Compatibility of Apple Pencil
Apple Pencil 1 and 2 are not compatible with all the models of iPads. So, check the version of your iPad and Apple Pencil and connect it properly.
Apple Pencil 1st Generation Compatible iPads
- iPad (6th and 7th generation)
- iPad Pro (9.7-inch, 10.5-inch, and 12.9-inch)
- Apple iPad Mini (5th generation)
- iPad Air (3rd generation)
Apple Pencil 2nd Generation Compatible iPads
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd and 4th generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch
Check the Compatibility of the App
You should know that not all apps support the Apple Pencil. So, check the app’s compatibility with Apple Pencil and start using it. To check your Apple Pencil is working, open any supported app like Notes and start checking.
Restart your iPad
When the Apple Pencil is not working, it is not only because of the Apple Pencil, but the problem can be with your iPad too. So, rebooting your iPad also can resolve your problem. Once you restart your iPad, the Apple Pencil should pair automatically if there aren’t any issues. You can turn on and off your iPad normally, or you can hard reset it if you want. Both ways are the best fixes.
Related: How to Fix Apple Pencil Not Connecting to iPad Issue
Check Bluetooth is On
The Bluetooth connection must be turned on with your iPad for the Apple Pencil to work. If your Apple pencil doesn’t show on the Battery widget, you should check whether both devices are connected. To check, do the following,
1. On your iPad, tap Settings.
2. Select Bluetooth and toggle the switch to turn on the Bluetooth.
3. Now, you should see the Apple Pencil in the My Devices section.
Re-Pair your Apple Pencil
When your Apple Pencil is not working, the next thing you have to do is to start pairing your Apple Pencil and iPad once again. Repairing also can make your Apple Pencil work.
1. Enable Bluetooth on your iPad by going to Settings >> Bluetooth.
2. Select the information icon ( i in the circle )next to Apple Pencil in the Bluetooth settings screen.
3. Choose to Forget This Device on the screen.
4. Select Forget Device on the screen for confirmation.
5. Now, place your Apple Pencil 2 near the iPad magnetically, uncap the Apple Pencil 1, and plug it into the lightning port of the iPad.
6. Then, a Bluetooth Pairing Request will appear, in that select Pair option or the Apple Pencil may pair automatically too. Go to Settings >> Bluetooth to see the Apple Pencil after repairing.
Contact Apple Support
If none of the fixes given above are not working, you can finally contact the Apple support team. You can call 1-800-MY-APPLE or visit the Apple support website and send a mail-in repair or replacement. If your Apple Pencil is damaged, you can visit the Apple Retail Store to repair it.
In Conclusion
So, these are the best fixes that you can use when your Apple Pencil is not working. Apple Pencil is the best gadget to work with. Hope you have found the solution you need with this article. Check out our blog for more cool tips and tricks for your Apple devices.