A Quick-and-Dirty Primer on How to Connect an Apple Pencil to Your iPad

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If you frequently use your iPad as a notepad, sketchbook, canvas, or any other pen-and-paper alternative, getting an Apple Pencil is a no-brainer. This iPad-only accessory is equipped with tilt and pressure sensitivity across all its iterations, allowing the user to write, draw, shade with it as they would with a regular writing instrument.

During Apple's "Let Loose" event on May 7, the brand introduced the new Apple Pencil Pro to its lineup. The updated stylus includes a gyroscope in its barrel for easily producing more calligraphic lines, a squeeze feature that lets the user toggle between different tools and palettes, and Find My location sharing, so you won't lose the small, slim device between your couch cushions.

However, there's one important feature they didn't change, which is how to connect an Apple Pencil to an iPad. And thank goodness, because after upgrading the 2nd-generation Apple Pencil in 2018 with the ability to magnetically attach, charge, and pair with the iPad, regressing to a wired pairing process (a la Apple Pencil USB-C) would've been a bummer.

Just note that, as of now, the Apple Pencil Pro can only be used with the new M2 iPad Air and M4 OLED iPad Pro models. If you have an older iPad model, you can still invest in a 2nd-generation Apple Pencil and pair it the same way you would with an Apple Pencil Pro. Here's how to connect an Apple Pencil to your iPad, no matter which iteration of the stylus you have.

How to Connect the Apple Pencil Pro (or 2nd-Generation Apple Pencil) to Your iPad

1. Position the iPad horizontally. Look for the black bar on one of its long sides. Hold the flat side of your Apple Pencil near this black bar, and it will magnetically attach.

2. You should see a notification at the top of your iPad screen that says "Apple Pencil," along with its current battery level.

3. Your Apple Pencil is now connected and charging. After dislodging your Apple Pencil from the magnetic bar, it will stay paired to the device until you manually unpair it (see instructions for that further below).

How to Connect the USB-C Apple Pencil to Your iPad

1. Plug a USB-C-to-USB-C cable into your iPad.

2. Slide up the cap of the USB-C Apple Pencil and plug in the other end of the cable.

3. You should see a notification at the top of your iPad screen that says "Apple Pencil," along with its current battery level. Once you see this, you can disconnect the USB-C cable from your Apple Pencil and close its cap.

4. Your Apple Pencil is now connected and can be charged via USB-C cable or the magnetic bar on the side of your iPad. It will stay paired to the device until you manually unpair it (see instructions for that further below).

How to Connect the 1st-Generation Apple Pencil to Your iPad

Before you begin, you'll want to check which generation iPad you have. If you have a 10th-generation iPad (the one with a USB-C port instead of a Lightning charger port), you'll need a Lightning-to-USB-C adapter to connect your Apple Pencil. This isn't necessary if you have an older iPad model.

1. Remove the cap of your Apple Pencil, which reveals the Lightning charger. Depending on your iPad model, either plug it into a Lightning-to-USB-C adapter or directly into your iPad.

2. Tap the "Pair" button when it pops up on the screen.

3. Once you've paired, you can disconnect the Apple Pencil from the Lightning port or adapter. It will stay paired to the device until you manually unpair it (see instructions for that below).

How to Disconnect the Apple Pencil From Your iPad

1. Open Settings on your iPad, and select the Bluetooth menu.

2. Under the "My Devices" list, find your Apple Pencil, tap on the icon next to it, then tap "Forget This Device."

3. When the pop-up appears, confirm by selecting "Forget Device." Your Apple Pencil is now disconnected from your iPad.

Pencil Pro

Pencil (2nd Generation)

Pencil (USB-C)

Pencil (1st Generation)

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