Apple Pencil 1st Generation Won't Write? Here's The Real Fix.

Colin Boyd

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

Apple Pencil is one of the most innovative virtual writing tools available. However, even powerful technology has the potential to malfunction. Today, I'll show you how to fix an Apple Pencil 1st Generation that won't write.

How Do I Know My Apple Pencil Is Broken?

The short answer? You don't. At least, you can't be sure whether your Apple Pencil is malfunctioning at all until you perform some troubleshooting.

To work normally, the Apple Pencil needs to connect to an iPad over Bluetooth. Since each of these devices rely on the other to make this combination work, both the iPad and the Apple Pencil could be the reason behind the malfunction.

In the steps listed below, we'll show you how to find the exact reason why your Apple Pencil won't right, and how to fix it!

How To Fix An Apple Pencil 1st Generation Not Writing

10 Steps Total
1.

Make Sure Your iPad Is Compatible With Apple Pencil (First Generation)

There are currently two generations of Apple Pencil, and a wide variety of iPad models. Unfortunately, neither Apple Pencil generation is compatible with every iPad.

If you're experiencing an issue with your Apple Pencil, the problem might be that your iPad is only designed to work with an Apple Pencil 2nd Generation. Checking the compatibility between your iPad and Apple Pencil can save you time and frustration trying to resolve a number of Apple Pencil malfunctions.

How Do I Make Sure My iPad Is Compatible With Apple Pencil (First Generation)?

  1. Make sure you have an Apple Pencil 1st Generation. If the shape of your Apple Pencil is perfectly round, you can be sure it's a 1st Generation model.
  2. Check your iPad model. Visit Apple's Identify your iPad model to learn how to identify what type of iPad you have.
  3. Visit Apple's Apple Pencil compatibility page to find out if your iPad should work with your Apple Pencil 1st Generation or not.
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2.

Turn On Bluetooth On Your iPad

Bluetooth gives your iPad the ability to connect to Bluetooth devices such as headphones (including Apple AirPods), speakers, keyboards, and more.

How Do I Turn On Bluetooth On My iPad?

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Bluetooth.
  3. Tap the switch next Bluetooth. You'll know the switch is on when it is green and positioned to the right.
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3.

Charge Your Apple Pencil 1st Generation

Unlike some other styluses, the Apple Pencil is powered by a battery. If your Apple Pencil suddenly stopped working, it's possible that it just needs to be charged!

Luckily, charging your Apple Pencil 1st Generation is simple, and there are a few options for how to do it!

How Do I Charge My Apple Pencil 1st Generation?

  1. Remove the cap from the back of your Apple Pencil 1st Generation.
  2. Plug the Lightning input on the back of your Apple Pencil into your iPad's Lightning Port.
  3. Your Apple Pencil will fast charge once it is plugged in to your iPad.
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4.

Charge Your Apple Pencil 1st Generation With A Lightning Cable

If your Apple Pencil was working normally one moment then stopped suddenly, its battery may have died! Luckily, you can charge your Apple Pencil 1st Generation with a standard Lightning Cable easily.

How Do I Charge My Apple Pencil 1st Generation With A Lightning Cable?

  1. Remove the cap from the back of your Apple Pencil 1st Generation.
  2. Apply the Apple Pencil Lightning Adaptor to the Lighting Input on the back of your Apple Pencil.
  3. Plug a Lightning Cable into any power source.
  4. Connect the Lightning Cable to the opposite side of the Apple Pencil Lightning Adaptor.
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5.

Make Sure The Tip Is On All The Way

The tip of the Apple Pencil is not permanently secured to the Apple Pencil's base. In fact, an Apple Pencil tip is designed to be removed and replaced easily.

If your Apple Pencil isn't working properly, it's possible that the tip has come loose from the rest of the device. Making sure that the Apple Pencil tip is fully secured is a quick and easy troubleshooting step for a wide array of malfunctions!

How Do I Make Sure The Tip Is On All The Way?

  1. Carefully grab the tip of your Apple Pencil with two of your fingers.
  2. Twist the tip clockwise slowly to see if it twists. If you try to turn the tip clockwise and it doesn't move, it is fully attached to the Apple Pencil's base.
  3. If the tip does begin to turn when you try to twist it, continue twisting until it is screwed in place securely.
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6.

Purchase New Apple Pencil Tips

Apple Pencil tips are not invincible. In fact, they're made to be replaced.

If you find that the tip of your Apple Pencil is wearing out or damaged, don't panic! Replacing an Apple Pencil tip is a pretty affordable fix, and it doesn't take too much time either.

How Do I Purchase New Apple Pencil Tips?

  1. Purchase a new Apple Pencil tip. Amazon sells them in packs of four for pretty cheap.
  2. Grab your current Apple Pencil tip between two fingers and slowly unscrew it from your Apple Pencil's base.
  3. Pick up your replacement tip.
  4. Twist your new Apple Pencil tip clockwise until it attaches to the Apple Pencil base securely.
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7.

Clean Your Apple Pencil 1st Generation

A dirty Apple Pencil can cause problems for more than just your hygiene! Keeping your Apple Pencil 1st Generation clean will keep your device running normally, and helps minimize the likelihood of more serious issues.

If your Apple Pencil is malfunctioning, cleaning it is a great step to take early in the troubleshooting process. The Apple Pencil is pretty fragile, so read all of these steps fully before you begin!

How Do I Clean My Apple Pencil 1st Generation?

  1. Add a small amount of moisture to a lint-free or micofiber cloth.
  2. Lightly drag the cloth from one end of the Apple Pencil to the other, starting near the tip.
  3. Avoid wiping down the Apple Pencil tip.
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8.

Forget Your Apple Pencil As A Bluetooth Device

One reason an Apple Pencil might stop working normally could be that its Bluetooth connection is experiencing an interference. Like any other Bluetooth connection, removing the Apple Pencil from your iPad's Bluetooth network can give both devices a chance to form a fresh connection.

How Do I Forget My Apple Pencil As A Bluetooth Device?

  1. Open Settings on your iPad.
  2. Open the Bluetooth tab.
  3. Locate your Apple Pencil in your iPad's list of Bluetooth devices.
  4. Select the blue "i" icon for more information.
  5. Select Forget This Device.
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9.

Pair Apple Pencil 1st Generation To iPad

Before you can start using your Apple Pencil, you need to make sure that it pairs to your iPad properly.

The Apple Pencil 1st Generation pairs with iPads in a different way than most other Bluetooth devices. Don't worry, the process is still pretty simple.

Whether you're pairing for the first time, or you recently disconnected your Apple Pencil from your iPad, follow these steps to get your iPad set up with your Apple Pencil!

How Do I Pair Apple Pencil 1st Generation To iPad?

  1. Remove the cap from the back of your Apple Pencil.
  2. Wait for the Pair option to appear on your iPad, then select Pair.
  3. Once the devices pair, unplug your Apple Pencil and you're all set!
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10.

Reset Network Settings On Your iPad

Tracking down an issue in your iPad's Bluetooth, VPN, or Wi-Fi settings can be incredibly difficult. Rather than trying to finding it, we'll completely reset all of the network settings to attempt to erase the corrupt file or setting causing your iPad's problem.

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Scroll down and tap Transfer Or Reset iPad.
  4. Tap Reset.
  5. Tap Reset Network Settings.
  6. Enter your iPad passcode.
  7. Tap Reset when the confirmation alert appears.
  8. Your iPad will reset network settings and restart.
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All Is Write In The World

The Apple Pencil can serve a versatile role in your tech ecosystem. However, if your Apple Pencil 1st Generation won't write, it can become completely useless. Take your time with these troubleshooting steps, and you'll have it fixed in no time!

  1. Make Sure Your iPad Is Compatible With Apple Pencil (First Generation)
  2. Turn On Bluetooth On Your iPad
  3. Charge Your Apple Pencil 1st Generation
  4. Charge Your Apple Pencil 1st Generation With A Lightning Cable
  5. Make Sure The Tip Is On All The Way
  6. Purchase New Apple Pencil Tips
  7. Clean Your Apple Pencil 1st Generation
  8. Forget Your Apple Pencil As A Bluetooth Device
  9. Pair Apple Pencil 1st Generation To iPad
  10. Reset Network Settings On Your iPad

Applies To: Apple Pencil 1st Generation

AUTHOR

Colin Boyd

I'm Colin, the Creative Coordinator for Payette Forward.

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