Also: 3 ways to take notes with an Apple Pencil But writing with the Apple Pencil is one thing, and pairing it to your iPad is another. In fact, with there now being two generations of Apple Pencils and a few too many iPad models, you’ll want to make sure you’re buying a compatible duo first and then know the deets for how to connect them together afterward.
Compatibility
The Apple Pencil (1st Gen) is compatible with the following iPad models:
iPad Mini (5th Gen)iPad (6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th Gen)iPad (10th Gen) with a dongleiPad Air (3rd Gen)iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd Gen)iPad Pro 10.5-inchiPad Pro 9.7-inch
The Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) is compatible with the following iPad models:
iPad Mini (6th Gen)iPad Air (4th Gen and later)iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Gen and later)iPad Pro 11-inch (1st Gen and later)
How to pair and charge the Apple Pencil (1st Gen)
How to pair and charge the Apple Pencil (2nd Gen)
With the newer Apple Pencil, the pairing process is simpler and (thankfully) more aesthetically pleasing. You can initiate the pairing by removing the cap with a flick and then plugging it into your iPad’s charging port. The same procedure goes when charging the accessory. Note: If you have a 10th Gen iPad with USB-C, the first-generation Apple Pencil is still compatible, but you will have to use a USB-C to lightning adapter and USB-C to USB-C charging cord to pair and charge. Review: iPad 2022 (10th Gen): A confusingly good iPad Unless you factory reset the iPad, the Apple Pencil will remain connected to the tablet and no longer require the setup process just mentioned.
Why is my Apple Pencil not pairing?
If you’re having difficulty pairing your Apple Pencil, your Bluetooth settings may not be turned on or your Pencil, or even iPad, may not be charged. Once the Apple Pencil magnetically attaches, the iPad should detect the accessory, give you a prompt to continue pairing, and show a brief how-to for how to write with it. The same procedure goes for charging. As long as your 2nd Gen Pencil is clipped onto the iPad’s right side magnetic strip – and your iPad has enough battery to distribute, of course – your Apple Pencil will automatically charge.
How do I pair my Apple Pencil 2nd Gen?
Make sure your Bluetooth is turned on in your iPad’s settings, then connect the pencil to the right side of the iPad’s magnetic connector strip. From there, your iPad should recognize your Apple Pencil.
What’s the difference between the 1st and 2nd gen Apple Pencil?
Besides compatibility, the differences between the 1st and 2nd-gen Apple Pencils come down to feel and functionality. The 2nd-gen Apple Pencil feels and writes more like a regular pencil, with flattened edges on the side to enhance the grip while serving as a touchpoint for controls. The 1st-gen Apple pencil is more rounded and comes with a removable cap for Lightning connectivity.
