The Apple Pencil is a fantastic accessory that can be used with iPads and works seamlessly with various apps. However, there may be instances when the apple pencil not working properly. Thankfully, there are several ways to resolve issues with an Apple Pencil. To provide some background, Apple introduced the first version of the Apple Pencil in 2015, followed by the second version in 2018. Both versions offer features such as palm rejection, tilt sensitivity, and low latency, which make them highly suitable for digital artists and creators.
It’s important to note that the Apple Pencil (1st generation) is compatible with iPads released before 2018, as well as a few models launched afterward, including the iPad Air (9th Gen) and iPad Mini (5th generation). On the other hand, the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) is compatible with the latest iPad Pro, iPad Mini (6th generation), and iPad Air (5th generation). The Apple Pencil (2nd generation) also offers exclusive features like touch gestures and inductive charging.
Possible Reasons Why Your Apple Pencil is Not Working Properly:
There are several possible reasons why your Apple Pencil may stop working. Here are a few common ones:
- Low Battery: One of the most common reasons is a low battery. If the Apple Pencil’s battery is drained, it will stop working. You can check the battery level by swiping down on the iPad’s screen to access the Control Center and looking for the Apple Pencil’s battery icon.
- Bluetooth Connection: The Apple Pencil relies on a Bluetooth connection to communicate with the iPad. If there is an issue with the Bluetooth connection, it may cause the Apple Pencil to stop working. Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your iPad. Try reconnecting the Apple Pencil.
- Pairing Issues: Sometimes, the Apple Pencil may need to be properly paired with the iPad. To resolve this, go to the Bluetooth settings on your iPad, locate the Apple Pencil in the list of available devices, and select “Forget This Device.” Then, follow the pairing instructions to reconnect the Apple Pencil.
- Software Updates: Outdated software on either the iPad or the Apple Pencil can cause compatibility issues and lead to the Apple Pencil needing to be fixed. Ensure your iPad and the Apple Pencil have the latest software updates installed.
- Physical Damage: If the Apple Pencil has suffered physical damage, such as a broken tip or a cracked body, it may stop working. Inspect the Apple Pencil for any visible damage and, if necessary, contact Apple Support for assistance.
How To Fix Your Apple Pencil
We have discussed the possible reasons for the Apple Pencil not working or connecting to the iPad. Let’s talk about the solutions.
Fix it: Is the Apple pencil not working? – Charge It
The first fix when your Apple Pencil is not connecting to your iPad is to charge it, as it can be the most common reason it is not working. Depending on the Pencil version, you can charge it by docking it into the iPad or attaching it to the edge of the iPad. You can also charge your Apple Pencil 1 via a lightning cable and USB connector.
Fix it: Is the Apple pencil not working? – Pair your Apple pencil again
Sometimes, you may encounter pairing issues that prevent your Apple Pencil from connecting to your iPad. Even if your Apple Pencil has enough battery charge, it might not function properly.
To resolve this, you can easily fix the issue by docking the Apple Pencil to your iPad or attaching it to the edge. Once you do this, the Apple Pencil should start working normally again. This problem often occurs due to pairing problems, so you’ll need to forget about your Apple Pencil as a Bluetooth device and reconnect it.
Here are the simple steps to follow:
- Open the iPad Settings.
- Tap on Bluetooth.
- Look for “My Devices” or a similar section.
- Locate your Apple Pencil in the list and tap the information (i) icon next to it.
- Choose the option to “Forget this Device.”
- Afterward, the Apple Pencil will appear in the list of Available Devices.
- Tap on it to reconnect it to your iPad.
Fix it: Is the Apple pencil not working? – Restart your iPad
If your Apple Pencil 2 is not connecting to your iPad, whether charged or paired via Bluetooth, you can try restarting it to resolve the issue. Why does this solution work?
Sometimes, there could be a small problem or error in the iOS system that prevents the Apple Pencil 2 from connecting to your iPad. Restarting your device might fix this issue. Here’s how you can reboot your iPad or iPad Pro:
- Hold down the sleep/wake button and one of the volume buttons simultaneously.
- Keep holding them until you see the “Slide To Power Off” option on your screen.
- Slide the power off slider to turn off your iPad completely.
- Once your iPad is powered off, press the Power button until you see the Apple logo and your device restarts.
Fix it: Is the Apple pencil not working? – Nib problems
The tip of your Apple Pencil, known as the nib, can affect how well you can draw on your iPad. If the nib of your Apple Pencil feels loose, you can simply tighten it. However, if the tip feels rough when you touch it or doesn’t glide smoothly on your iPad screen, it’s time to get a new one. You can also check if the metal part of the tip is exposed to know if it needs replacement.
If you have the first-generation Apple Pencil, it comes with one spare tip. However, the second-generation Apple Pencil doesn’t come with any extra nibs. Thankfully, you can purchase a pack of replacement Apple Pencil tips so that you always have a new nib ready when needed.
Final Thoughts
Encountering issues with your Apple Pencil can be frustrating, but with the help of these four simple methods, you can easily troubleshoot and resolve the problem. Whether it’s a loose nib, connectivity issues, or an unresponsive touch, following these steps will enable you to get your Apple Pencil back in working order quickly and effortlessly. Don’t let technical difficulties hinder your creative process – take advantage of these easy fixes and get back to enjoying a seamless drawing experience with your Apple Pencil.
