Connecting your Apple Pencil to your iPad Pro is a simple and quick process. First, make sure your Apple Pencil is charged and your iPad Pro is turned on. Then, attach the Apple Pencil to the side of the iPad Pro. The devices should pair automatically. If this doesnโt work, check your Bluetooth settings and ensure that Bluetooth is enabled.
How to Connect Apple Pencil to iPad Pro
In this section, Iโll walk you through the exact steps to connect your Apple Pencil to your iPad Pro. This will help ensure you get the most out of your Apple devices.
Step 1: Ensure Your Apple Pencil is Charged
Make sure your Apple Pencil has some battery life before attempting to pair it with your iPad Pro.
Charging your Apple Pencil is easy. Simply connect it to the side of your iPad Pro if itโs a newer model, or use the Lightning connector if you have an older model. A fully charged Apple Pencil ensures a smooth pairing process.
Step 2: Turn on Your iPad Pro
Ensure your iPad Pro is turned on and ready for pairing.
Itโs essential for your iPad Pro to be on and active. If your iPad Pro is asleep or off, it wonโt detect the Apple Pencil. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen or press the power button to wake it up.
Step 3: Attach the Apple Pencil to the iPad Pro
Attach your Apple Pencil to the side of the iPad Pro where the magnetic connector is located.
The newer Apple Pencil models (2nd generation) have a flat edge that magnetically snaps to the side of the iPad Pro. This connection point is also used for charging and pairing.
Step 4: Wait for the Pairing Notification
A notification will pop up on your iPad Pro screen, asking if you want to pair with the Apple Pencil.
This pop-up will usually appear within a few seconds. If it doesnโt, ensure the Apple Pencil is properly attached and that Bluetooth is enabled on your iPad Pro.
Step 5: Tap โPairโ on Your iPad Pro
Tap the โPairโ button that appears on the pop-up notification on your iPad Pro.
Once you tap โPair,โ your Apple Pencil should connect to your iPad Pro, and youโre good to go! If the connection fails, try detaching and reattaching the Apple Pencil.
Once these steps are completed, your Apple Pencil should be fully connected to your iPad Pro, allowing you to draw, write, and navigate with ease.
Tips for Connecting Apple Pencil to iPad Pro
- Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your iPad Pro.
- Keep your Apple Pencil and iPad Pro charged.
- Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe the magnetic connectors if you are having trouble connecting.
- Restart your iPad Pro if the Apple Pencil fails to connect.
- Always keep your iPad Pro software up-to-date for the best performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check my Apple Pencilโs battery level?
Swipe down from the top right of the screen to open the Control Center. You will see the battery widget displaying the battery levels of your connected devices, including your Apple Pencil.
Can I use my Apple Pencil with any iPad?
No, the Apple Pencil is only compatible with certain iPad models. Check Appleโs website or your iPadโs user guide to see if your model is compatible.
What should I do if my Apple Pencil isnโt working?
Ensure the Apple Pencil is charged and properly connected. Check for any software updates and restart your iPad Pro. If it still doesnโt work, unpair and re-pair the Apple Pencil.
How do I unpair my Apple Pencil?
Go to the Settings app, tap on โBluetooth,โ find your Apple Pencil in the list of devices, and tap the โiโ icon next to it. Then, tap โForget This Device.โ
How do I charge my Apple Pencil?
For the 1st generation Apple Pencil, remove the cap and plug it into the Lightning port on your iPad Pro. For the 2nd generation, simply attach it to the side of your iPad Pro.
Steps Summary
- Ensure your Apple Pencil is charged.
- Turn on your iPad Pro.
- Attach the Apple Pencil to the iPad Pro.
- Wait for the pairing notification.
- Tap โPairโ on your iPad Pro.
Conclusion
Connecting your Apple Pencil to your iPad Pro is a straightforward process that enhances your deviceโs functionality. This seamless connection allows for an interactive and productive experience, making your tasks easier and more enjoyable. Whether youโre doodling, taking notes, or navigating through your apps, the Apple Pencil adds a layer of precision and efficiency to your workflow.
If you ever encounter issues, donโt panic! Follow the simple steps and tips provided in this guide. Always keep your devices updated and charged. If all else fails, a quick restart can work wonders. Now that you know how to connect your Apple Pencil to your iPad Pro, youโre ready to unlock its full potential. Happy drawing and note-taking!

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelorโs and Masterโs degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.