How to fix your Apple Pencil not working issue

Labeling your Apple Pencil outright as intuitive, precise, or magical has no meaning if it’s not in sync with your iPad. Though Apple claims, pairing between your iPad Pro and Apple Pencil is quite robust, it might respond slightly differently at times. Worse, you may find your Apple Pencil not working at all. Here’s what you can do to troubleshoot it back to health.

How to fix your Apple Pencil not working issue

When it comes to making accessories work on its devices, without having to struggle much or navigate through a maze of settings or button layouts, Apple bears a good reputation. So, it can be quite frustrating to find your Apple Pencil not working as advertised. Fortunately, these issues are easy to fix.

Check your Apple Pencil Version
Reset connection
Replace the Apple Pencil tip
Make sure the Apple Pencil Battery is charged.
Use a workaround (risky)

Let us explore the above methods in a bit of detail!

How do I fix my Apple Pencil unresponsive?

If you notice Apple Pencil not responding in apps or disappearing from Notification Center’s battery menu, use these tips to troubleshoot it back to health.

1] Check your Apple Pencil version

The 1st Generation Apple Pencil is compatible with the following iPad models – iPad mini (5th generation), iPad (6th generation), iPad (7th generation), iPad (8th generation), iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad Pro 9.7-inch, iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation).

The 2nd Generation Apple Pencil is compatible with the following iPad models – iPad Air (4th generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation), iPad mini (6th generation).

So make sure the iPad model you are trying to pair your Apple pencil with is compatible with it.

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2] Reset connection

An Apple Pencil that’s stopped working is likely failing to establish a connection with your iPad. So, open your iPad’s Settings app first and check if the Bluetooth setting is enabled. Then,

Apple Pencil Info Icon

Under My Devices look for your Apple Pencil name. Tap the “i” icon adjacent to it.

Tap Forget this Device option.

Move onto the pairing process again.

3] Replace the Apple Pencil tip

If you scribble the pencil nib over a surface other than your iPad screen, it’s likely that the tip will come off sooner than later. So, as in every case, you’ll need to replace your old and worn-out Apple Pencil tip. It won’t take much effort but make sure it’s fastened properly.

4] Make sure the Apple Pencil Battery is charged

The method to charge your Apple Pencil may vary from one iPad model to another. For example, if you have a first-generation Apple Pencil, simply plug it into your iPad’s Lightning connector or attach it to a USB with the Apple Pencil Charging Adapter. Meanwhile, you can charge the second-generation Apple Pencil, just by attaching it to the magnetic connector on your iPad.

5] Use a workaround (risky)

Although quite risky, some reports suggest that gentle warming of the Pencil like holding the pencil over a hot water radiator, just before charging can sometimes revive the dying Pencil battery. That said, you should use this method as the last resort when all other methods fail to work. Generally, the Apple Support team will generally replace an in-warranty Pencil without bothering you much.