Apple Pencil 2nd Generation Not Staying Connected? The Real Fix!

Colin Boyd

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

The latest Apple Pencil features several cool improvements on the first generation, but it can still malfunction. One problem users experience occasionally is their Apple Pencil 2nd Generation not staying connected to their iPad. Today, I'll show you how to troubleshoot for this issue, and what to do when you identify the problem!

How Do My Apple Pencil And iPad Work Together?

The Apple Pencil 2nd Generation connects to iPad over Bluetooth. While the original Apple Pencil also featured a Lightning connector for charging and pairing, the more recent model is completely wireless.

For your Apple Pencil to work properly, you need to make sure your iPad has Bluetooth turned on and ready to pair.

If you're having trouble keeping these devices synced, keep reading for some tips!

Is My Apple Pencil Broken?

Since the connection between an Apple Pencil and iPad requires specific settings from both devices, it's impossible to tell which product is causing the dropped connection without running some tests.

In this article, we'll show you how to troubleshoot both the Apple Pencil and iPad, so you can figure out exactly which component is keeping your iPad from working.

How To Repair An Apple Pencil 2nd Generation Not Staying Connected

8 Steps Total
1.

Make Sure Your iPad Is Compatible With Apple Pencil 2nd Generation

Unfortunately, the Apple Pencil 2nd Generation is only compatible with a small number of iPad models.

If you're experiencing a problem with your Apple Pencil 2nd Generation's connectivity, it is possible that the issue stems from the fact that your iPad is not designed to work with your Apple Pencil.

How Do I Make Sure My iPad Is Compatible With Apple Pencil 2nd Generation?

  1. Make sure you have an Apple Pencil 2nd Generation. If your Apple Pencil has flat sides, instead of a perfectly round structure, you can be sure your device is from the 2nd Generation.
  2. Check which iPad model you have. Visit Apple's iPad identification page to know which features to look for to figure out your iPad's generation and series.
  3. Visit Apple's Apple Pencil compatibility page to find out if your iPad and Apple Pencil are designed to work together.
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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 2nd Generation

One common reason an Apple Pencil 2nd Generation stops working normally is that it ran out of battery. If you have your iPad on hand, you should be able to charge your Apple Pencil without any extra equipment.

How Do I Charge My Apple Pencil 2nd Generation?

  1. Identify the side of your iPad that features volume buttons.
  2. Attach your Apple Pencil 2nd Generation to this side of your iPad magnetically.
  3. When you connect your Apple Pencil to your iPad, your iPad should briefly display the Apple Pencil's charging status.
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4.

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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5.

Clean Your Apple Pencil 2nd Generation

If your Apple Pencil 2nd Generation isn't working how it should be, you might want to take a few minutes to clean it. Even if it doesn't resolve the issue completely, taking the time to wipe down your Apple Pencil will never hurt!

Before you start the cleaning process, read through all of these steps carefully. There are some fragile components to the Apple Pencil you don't want to damage accidentally.

How Do I Clean My Apple Pencil 2nd Generation?

  1. Use a lightly damp microfiber cloth to clean your Apple Pencil.
  2. Starting from just behind the tip, lightly wipe down the length of your Apple Pencil base.
  3. Avoid coming in contact with the tip, or the gap between the tip and the base.
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6.

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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7.

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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8.

Pair Apple Pencil 2nd Generation To Your iPad

Before you can start performing actions on your iPad using your Apple Pencil 2nd Generation, you need to pair each device to the other. This process is a little different compared to the Apple Pencil 1st Generation, but the steps are all quick and easy!

If you previously unpaired your Apple Pencil from your iPad, you can reconnect them with the following steps as well!

How Do I Pair Apple Pencil 2nd Generation To My iPad?

  1. Using the Apple Pencil 2nd Generation's built-in magnet, attach it to the right side of your iPad.
  2. Wait for the prompt to pair your Apple Pencil to the iPad.
  3. Select Pair.
  4. Detach your Apple Pencil. You should be able to use it now!
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Penciled In!

Whether you're an artist, a student, or a professional, the Apple Pencil could make your life easier. Of course, there's nothing easy about an Apple Pencil 2nd Generation not staying connected. Thankfully, there are plenty of simple fixes out there to get your Apple Pencil working good as new!

  1. Make Sure Your iPad Is Compatible With Apple Pencil 2nd Generation
  2. Turn On Bluetooth On Your iPad
  3. Charge Your Apple Pencil 2nd Generation
  4. Make Sure The Tip Is On All The Way
  5. Clean Your Apple Pencil 2nd Generation
  6. Reset Network Settings On Your iPad
  7. Forget Your Apple Pencil As A Bluetooth Device
  8. Pair Apple Pencil 2nd Generation To Your iPad

Applies To: Apple Pencil 2nd Generation

AUTHOR

Colin Boyd

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

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