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Using the Apple Pencil
The Apple Pencil is a great new pal for your iPad, but what exactly does it do? Our quickfire guide will you show you all the tips and tricks for using it.
The Apple Pencil makes your iPad feel more personal, more creative, and more fun to use. Whether you’re doodling, taking notes, or marking up a document, it adds a level of precision that’s hard to match.
Pairing your Apple Pencil
Pairing your Pencil will depend on the model you have, but both ways are quick and easy.
Apple Pencil (1st Generation)
This is the one with the little cap on the end.
- Take off the cap and plug the Pencil into your iPad’s lightning port
- Wait for a message to pop up and tap Pair
- After that, it’ll stay connected unless you restart your iPad, switch on Airplane Mode, or pair it with another iPad
- If your iPad uses USBC, you’ll need Apple’s USBC to Apple Pencil adapter to get it connected.
Apple Pencil (2nd Generation)
This is the one that snaps onto your iPad.
- Attach it to the magnetic strip on the side of your iPad
- Wait for a prompt to appear and tap Connect
- As long as it stays attached, it’ll stay paired and charged at the same time.
Compatible iPads
Before you buy an Apple Pencil, it’s worth making sure you’ve got the right one for your iPad. Apple split support between the two generations, so here’s a quick rundown.
1st Gen Apple Pencil works with:
- iPad (6th–9th gen)
- iPad Air (3rd gen)
- iPad mini (5th gen)
- iPad Pro 9.7", 10.5", and 12.9" (1st & 2nd gen)
2nd Gen Apple Pencil works with:
- iPad Pro 11" (all generations)
- iPad Pro 12.9" (3rd gen and later)
- iPad Air (4th gen and later)
- iPad mini (6th gen)
If you’re not sure which iPad you’ve got, head to Settings > General > About and check the model name.
Using your Apple Pencil’s features
Once you’re paired, you can start exploring what the Pencil can do. It’s designed to feel natural, so you don’t need to learn a whole new way of working.
Troubleshooting tips
If your Apple Pencil isn’t connecting or acting a bit off, there are a few simple checks you can try.
Make sure Bluetooth is turned on, restart your iPad and try pairing again.
For 1st gen models, check the connector for dust or damage.
For 2nd gen models, make sure it’s sitting properly on the magnetic strip.
A low battery can also cause issues, so give it a quick charge if it needs a boost.
The Apple Pencil is so much more than a little accessory to go with your iPad. Once you’ve paired it and tried out a few features, sketching, studying, and browsing will be easier than ever.
