How to turn on your Apple Pencil

💡 Need to know

• No power button: Apple Pencil turns on automatically when paired.
• Dead battery = no response: Charge it first if nothing happens.
• Bluetooth required: Your iPad must have Bluetooth enabled to connect.
• Pairing depends on model: Different Apple Pencil versions connect differently.

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You've just unboxed your first Apple Pencil®. How exciting! Now you can draw pictures and take notes on your iPad® when you're on the go. There's only one problem—you can't figure out how to turn it on. Does Apple Pencil have a power button?

Count on Asurion Experts for straightforward advice on your favorite tech. Our tech tips and guides cover smart home devices, PCs, Apple® products, and more. Here's how to turn on Apple Pencil so you can start enjoying all the benefits of your iPad.

Pair your Apple Pencil with your iPad

Not sure how to connect an Apple Pencil to an iPad? Follow these steps to pair the two devices together:

1. Determine which Apple Pencil you have:
   • Apple Pencil Pro: Displays the Apple Pencil Pro logo on its side
   • Apple Pencil (USB-C): Displays the Apple Pencil logo and includes a removable cap with a USB-C connector
   • Apple Pencil (2nd generation): Displays the Apple Pencil logo and attaches magnetically
   • Apple Pencil (1st generation): Includes a removable cap with a Lightning connector
2. Pair your Apple Pencil based on its model type.
   • Apple Pencil Pro / Apple Pencil (2nd generation): Enable Bluetooth in Settings > Bluetooth. Place it on the magnetic connector.
   • Apple Pencil (USB-C): Enable Bluetooth, connect using the adapter and cable, then tap Tap to Connect.
   • Apple Pencil (1st generation): Enable Bluetooth, plug into Lightning port, and tap Pair Apple Pencil.

Your Apple Pencil stays paired to your iPad until you disable Bluetooth® or restart your device. Pairing the Apple Pencil with another iPad will also end the connection.

Know that Apple Pencil compatibility with iPad varies. Check your iPad user manual to determine which version of Apple Pencil works with your device.

Charge an Apple Pencil that won't wake up

Like other tech devices, the Apple Pencil has a fixed battery life. When the battery runs out, your Apple Pencil will appear unresponsive. Recharging your device can bring it back to life.

You can check the battery level by navigating to Settings > Apple Pencil. Recharge the device if the battery is low.

Recharging Apple Pencil Pro or Apple Pencil (2nd generation)

Verify Bluetooth is on (Settings > Bluetooth), then attach the Pencil to the magnetic charging strip. Remove any case that may block the connection.

Recharging Apple Pencil (1st generation) or Apple Pencil (USB-C)

Remove the cap and connect it to your iPad or adapter. Tap Charge Apple Pencil when prompted. You can also charge it using a power adapter and cable.

Fix an Apple Pencil that still won't connect

If your Apple Pencil is not connecting, pairing, or charging, try these fixes.

Restart the iPad and recheck Bluetooth

Turn your iPad off and back on. Then go to Settings > Bluetooth to make sure it's enabled.

Forget and re-pair your Apple Pencil

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Bluetooth > Apple Pencil
3. Tap Info > Forget this Device

Then reconnect it to start fresh.

Check iPad compatibility

Make sure your Apple Pencil model works with your iPad. Newer Pencils work with newer iPads, while older models are limited to earlier versions.

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FAQ

How do I get my Apple Pencil to turn on?

Make sure your iPad is on and Bluetooth is enabled. The Apple Pencil connects automatically when paired.

How do you wake up a dead Apple Pencil?

Charge it using your iPad’s magnetic connector or adapter. A drained battery is the most common cause.