How-To

How to Pair Apple Pencil with iPad [2025]

December 3, 2025 ⋅ By Lexi Burgess
Apple Pencil hovering over iPad screen

Whether you’re setting up a new iPad or just unboxing an Apple Pencil, connecting the two should be quick and easy.

This guide walks you through how to connect every version of the Apple Pencil; including troubleshooting tips and how to disconnect when needed.

If you’ve previously connected your Apple Pencil but it’s suddenly unresponsive, check out our guide → How to fix an unresponsive Apple Pencil

What’s in this guide:

  • How to pair Apple Pencil (1st gen)
  • How to pair Apple Pencil (2nd gen)
  • How to pair Apple Pencil (USB-C)
  • How to pair Apple Pencil Pro
  • Troubleshooting tips
  • How to disconnect Apple Pencil
  • Can you connect your Apple Pencil without plugging it in?

Not sure what kind of Apple Pencil you have? Check the end of your Apple Pencil tip.

How to connect Apple Pencil (1st generation) to iPad

The original 1st-generation Apple Pencil uses a Lightning connector, so setup involves physically plugging it into your iPad. The 1st-gen Apple Pencil is only compatible with iPads that have a Lightning port or support the USB-C adapter. 

Here’s how to pair:

  1. Remove the cap on the back of your Apple Pencil to reveal the Lightning connector.
  2. Plug it directly into your iPad’s Lightning port. (Note: If you’re using a 10th-gen iPad (USB-C), you’ll need a USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter.)
  3. A Bluetooth pairing pop-up will appear on your iPad. Tap Pair.
  4. Once paired, unplug your Apple Pencil. It’s ready to use!
Apple Pencil Generation 1 plugged into the iPad
Image from PC Mag

How to connect Apple Pencil (2nd generation) to iPad

The 2nd-generation Apple Pencil is easier to pair. It uses magnets and wireless charging, with no cables or connectors needed.

Here’s how to pair:

  1. Turn on Bluetooth in your iPad’s settings.
  2. Find the flat edge of your Apple Pencil.
  3. Attach it to the magnetic side of your iPad (usually the right edge).
  4. A pairing notification will pop up; just tap Connect.

That’s it! Your Apple Pencil will stay paired and charge wirelessly when attached.

Overhead shot of an iPad on a table with the Apple Pencil Generation 2 connected to the side of the iPad
Image from 9to5 Mac

How to connect Apple Pencil (USB-C) to iPad

The USB-C Apple Pencil offers a cap-free, minimal design. It doesn’t plug directly into the iPad and instead uses a USB-C cable to connect and charge.

Here’s how to pair:

  1. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
  2. Slide open the cover on the back of the Apple Pencil to reveal the USB-C port.
  3. Use the included USB-C cable. Plug one end into your iPad’s USB-C port, and plug the other into the Apple Pencil.
  4. Wait for the pairing prompt on your iPad, then tap Connect.

Once paired, you can unplug it. Your iPad will remember the Pencil unless you restart or unpair it. It will remain connected via Bluetooth until you restart the iPad or unpair the device manually.

The Apple Pencil USB-C with a USB-C cable plugged into it resting on top of an iPad in a white case. The devices are on blue and white polka-dot fabric
Image from Creative Bloq

How to connect Apple Pencil Pro to iPad

The new Apple Pencil Pro works just like the 2nd-gen model when it comes to connecting; quick, wireless, and cable-free.

Here’s how to pair your Apple Pencil Pro:

  1. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
  2. Attach the flat edge of the Pencil Pro to the magnetic side of your iPad.
  3. Tap Connect when the pairing message appears.

Now you’re good to go! Your Pencil Pro will also charge wirelessly. 

An iPad charging an Apple Pencil Pro
Image from Apple

Trouble connecting your Apple Pencil? Try these tips

If your Apple Pencil isn’t connecting, here are a few quick fixes to try:

✅ Charge your Apple Pencil. Low battery is a common issue. Make sure your Apple Pencil is charged before pairing.

✅ Turn on Bluetooth. Double-check that Bluetooth is enabled in your iPad’s Settings.

✅ Check the connector ports. Look for visible damage or debris on your Pencil’s connector or the iPad port. Use a flashlight to inspect it, but don’t try to clean or repair anything internally. If you suspect damage, it’s best to visit an Apple Repair Center.

Still having trouble? Check out our guide → How to fix an unresponsive Apple Pencil

How to disconnect/ unpair your Apple Pencil

Need to unpair your Apple Pencil? It’s easy:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Go to Bluetooth.
  3. Find your Apple Pencil under “My Devices.”
  4. Tap the blue ⓘ icon next to it, then select Forget This Device.

You can reconnect your Pencil any time by repeating the original pairing steps. 

FAQ: Can you connect Apple Pencil without plugging it in?

Yes, if you’re using the 2nd-generation Apple Pencil or the Apple Pencil Pro. These models connect wirelessly using the magnetic strip on your iPad. Just snap the Apple Pencil to the magnetic edge, and a pairing prompt will appear. No cables or ports required. 

Rock Paper Pencil packaging and an iPad with a woman's face on the screen
Rock Paper Pencil is an iPad screen protector and Apple Pencil tip combo

Make your iPad feel like paper with Rock Paper Pencil

Once your Apple Pencil is connected, you can explore all the brilliant tech that iPads have to offer. If you’ve invested in an Apple Pencil, chances are that you want to take realistic handwritten notes or even create digital art. 

Rock Paper Pencil combines a ballpoint Apple Pencil tip and a reusable, matte screen protector. Together, they create the most realistic pen-on-paper feeling for iPad.

  • Ditch the slip: On its own, the iPad’s glass screen is a slippery surface that creates an inconsistent drag on your Apple Pencil.
  • Smoother, more precise strokes: Rock Paper Pencil adds subtle friction between your screen and Apple Pencil tip, giving you more control with each stroke output.
Shop Rock Paper Pencil →