Apple Pencil Not Working? Top 4 Easy Fixes

The Apple Pencil is a staple feature of iPads making it possible for users to draw, sketch, and write with extreme precision. To make things even better, Apple is continuously updating iPads with new features for the Apple Pencil. In fact, iPadOS 14 introduced the ability to scribble in the address bar and enable spotlight search. On the downside of things, it can be difficult to start using an iPad without a stylus after you get used to it.

Is your Apple Pencil not working anymore? If that is the case, then you don’t need to worry because there are multiple methods to fix the problem. Today we are going to show you exactly what you need to do in order to repair your Apple Pencil and avoid having to visit Apple’s GeniusBar where you would probably spend a small fortune on repairs.

Apple Pencil Not Working – Top 4 Fixes

Fix Apple Pencil Not Working

#1 Check the Battery

This might come as a surprise, but the main reason why the stylus stops working is when there is not enough battery power. Since the stylus runs for days on end on a single charge, it’s quite easy to forget to charge it. Connect the Apple Pencil to your iPad and access the Batteries Widget that is located on the Home Screen. This will show you the battery percentage.

#2 Turn On Bluetooth

Another common issue that causes the stylus to stop working is forgetting to turn on the Bluetooth. Open the Settings app on your iPad and make sure that the Bluetooth toggle is turned on. The next step is to check if the stylus is paired and connected.

#3 Reboot the iPad

If you followed the previous fixing methods and your Apple Pencil is still not working, then you might want to reboot the iPad. Connectivity problems can happen randomly and rebooting the iPad will revert all settings to default. Open the Settings app, access the General panel, and select the Shut Down option.

#4 Check for Compatibility

If your stylus didn’t work from the first moment that you tried to connect it to the iPad, then you might have a compatibility problem. Check out the list below:

Apple Pencil (1st Generation) Compatible iPads

  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st or 2nd generation)
  • iPad Pro 10.5-inch
  • iPad Pro 9.7-inch
  • iPad Air (3rd generation)
  • iPad (7th generation)
  • iPad (6th generation)
  • iPad mini (5th generation)

Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) Compatible iPads

  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation) and later
  • iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation) and later

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