How to Pair Apple Pencil with iPad
Follow this guide to pair your Apple Pencil with your iPad. Supports Apple Pencil Pro, USB-C, 2nd Generation, and 1st Generation models.
- Confirm iPadOS compatibility. Ensure your iPad is running the latest version of iPadOS. Navigate to Settings > General > Software Update to confirm your device is up to date before attempting the pairing process.
- Enable Bluetooth on your iPad. Open the Settings app on your iPad. Select Bluetooth in the left-hand sidebar and ensure the toggle switch is set to the On position.
- Attach the Apple Pencil to the magnetic connector. For Apple Pencil Pro, 2nd Generation, or USB-C models, attach the flat side of the pencil to the magnetic connector on the right side of the iPad. If using an Apple Pencil (1st Generation), remove the cap and plug the Lightning connector into the iPad port, or use the provided USB-C adapter for newer iPad models.
- Confirm the pairing request. Watch for a Bluetooth Pairing Request dialog box to appear on your iPad screen. Tap the Pair button to establish the secure connection between the devices.
- Confirm successful connection. Once paired, your Apple Pencil will appear in the Bluetooth devices list under Settings. You can now use the Pencil to navigate iPadOS or open a sketching app to verify latency and pressure sensitivity.