12 Fixes Apple Pencil Not Working

As a devoted Windows expert, I’ve been exploring the world of Apple devices as well. One of the most fascinating gadgets that caught my attention is the Apple Pencil. The seamless and precise experience it offers for drawing and note-taking has been nothing short of impressive. But what happens when your Apple Pencil suddenly stops working? Fret not, my fellow tech enthusiasts, for I’ve encountered this problem myself and have tried-and-tested these 9 fixes to get it back in action.

Table of Contents

1. Check the Battery Level

Your Apple Pencil might not be working due to low battery levels. To check the battery level, head to the widgets section on your iPad (swipe right on the home screen), and look for the ‘Batteries’ widget. If you don’t see it, tap ‘Edit’ at the bottom of the widgets page and add the ‘Batteries’ widget.

If the battery level is low, simply charge your Apple Pencil by connecting it to the iPad or using the charging adapter provided with the Pencil.

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2. Examine the Pencil Tip

A damaged or loosely connected Pencil tip can affect the functionality of your Apple Pencil. To examine the Pencil tip:

Hold the Apple Pencil firmly and gently twist the tip counterclockwise to unscrew it.
Remove the tip and carefully inspect it for any visible damage, such as cracks, dents, or excessive wear.
If the tip is damaged, purchase a replacement tip from the Apple Store or an authorized retailer.
To reattach the tip, place it on the Pencil’s opening and twist it clockwise until it is tightly secured.
Test your Apple Pencil on the iPad to see if the issue is resolved.

3. Restart Your iPad

Restarting your iPad can help resolve minor software glitches that might be causing issues with your Apple Pencil.

Press and hold the Power button on your iPad until the ‘Slide to power off’ slider appears on the screen.
Swipe the slider to the right to power off your iPad.
Wait for at least 30 seconds before pressing and holding the Power button again.
Release the Power button when the Apple logo appears on the screen.
Once your iPad has restarted, test your Apple Pencil to see if the issue is resolved.

4. Re-pair the Apple Pencil

Disconnecting and reconnecting your Apple Pencil can resolve connectivity issues.

Open the ‘Settings’ app on your iPad.
Tap ‘Bluetooth.’
Locate your Apple Pencil in the list of devices and tap the ‘i’ icon next to it.
Tap ‘Forget This Device’ and confirm by tapping ‘Forget Device.’
Plug your Apple Pencil into your iPad’s charging port and wait for the pairing request to appear on the screen.
Tap ‘Pair’ to reconnect your Apple Pencil to the iPad.
Test your Apple Pencil to see if the issue is resolved.

5. Update Your iPad’s Software

Updating your iPad’s software can resolve compatibility issues with your Apple Pencil.

Connect your iPad to Wi-Fi and ensure it is charged or connected to a power source.
Open the ‘Settings’ app on your iPad.
Tap ‘General.’
Tap ‘Software Update.’ If an update is available, a description of the update and the ‘Download and Install’ button will appear.
Tap ‘Download and Install’ and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process.
Once the update is complete, test your Apple Pencil to see if the issue is resolved.

6. Reset All Settings

Resetting all settings on your iPad can help resolve issues by restoring the settings to their default values.

Open the ‘Settings’ app on your iPad.
Tap ‘General.’
Scroll down and tap ‘Reset.’
Tap ‘Reset All Settings.’
Enter your passcode if prompted and confirm by tapping ‘Reset All Settings’ again.
After your iPad has reset, test your Apple Pencil to see if the issue is resolved.

7. Restore Your iPad

Restoring your iPad to factory settings can help resolve persistent issues, but it will erase all data and settings. Make sure you have a backup before proceeding.

Connect your iPad to a computer using a USB cable.
Open iTunes on your computer (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later).
Select your iPad from the list of devices.
Click ‘Restore iPad’ in the Summary pane.
Confirm your decision and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the restoration process.
Once your iPad has been restored, test your Apple Pencil to see if the issue is resolved.

8. Check for Physical Damage

Physical damage to your Apple Pencil can cause it to malfunction or stop working altogether.

Carefully inspect the entire body of your Apple Pencil for visible damage, such as cracks, dents, or bent parts.
Check the charging connector at the end of the Pencil for any signs of damage or debris that might prevent it from charging properly.
If you notice any physical damage, it is likely the cause of the issue, and you may need to contact Apple Support for a repair or replacement.

9. Contact Apple Support

If none of the fixes listed above have resolved the issue with your Apple Pencil, it’s time to contact Apple Support for further assistance.

Visit the Apple Support website (https://support.apple.com/apple-pencil).
Select the appropriate option under “Select a topic” to describe the issue you’re experiencing with your Apple Pencil.
Follow the on-screen instructions to either chat with a support representative, schedule a call, or find an authorized service provider.
If necessary, the Apple Support representative will guide you through the process of sending your Apple Pencil in for repair or replacement.

Remember to provide as much detail as possible about the issue you’re experiencing and the steps you’ve taken to resolve it. This information will help the support representative diagnose the problem more accurately and provide the most effective solution

10. Check iPad Cover/Case Interference

Sometimes, an iPad’s protective cover or case may unintentionally interfere with the connectivity of the Apple Pencil. This usually happens if the case or cover is too thick, too bulky, or not designed with Apple Pencil usage in mind. The magnetic strip that holds the Apple Pencil in place may be obscured, or the case may prevent the Pencil from fully attaching to the iPad’s side.

To check if this is the issue, remove the iPad’s cover or case and try using the Apple Pencil again. If the Pencil works without issues once the case is removed, it may be a clear sign that the case is causing the interference. In this case, consider purchasing a case that’s designed to be compatible with the Apple Pencil, ideally one that leaves the magnetic connector on the side of the iPad exposed.

11. Clean Apple Pencil’s Connector

The Apple Pencil connects and charges via a magnetic connector located on its side (for the 2nd generation) or a Lightning connector at the end of the Pencil (for the 1st generation). Over time, dust, grime, or other debris may accumulate on the connector, which can interfere with the Pencil’s ability to charge or maintain a stable connection with the iPad.

To clean the connector, gently wipe the area with a soft, slightly damp lint-free cloth. Be careful not to use excessive water or harsh cleaning products, as they can damage the Pencil. After cleaning, dry the Pencil thoroughly before trying to connect or charge it again. Remember to also clean the corresponding charging area on the iPad.

12. Check for iOS Compatibility

Apple regularly updates its operating system, iOS (or iPadOS for iPads), and some of these updates may include changes that affect the functionality of the Apple Pencil. This means that, occasionally, older versions of iOS may not fully support the Apple Pencil, especially if you’re using a newer model of the Pencil.

To check this, go to the “Settings” app on your iPad, then tap on “General”, and then “About”. Look for the “Software Version” field, which will tell you which version of iOS you’re currently running. Compare this to the system requirements for your specific model of Apple Pencil, which can be found on Apple’s official website or in the product’s manual.

If your iPad’s iOS version is older than the required version for your Apple Pencil, you’ll need to update your iPad. To do this, go to “Settings”, then “General”, and then tap on “Software Update”. If an update is available, you can download and install it from this screen. Remember, it’s a good idea to back up your iPad before performing any major updates, just in case something goes wrong during the process.

Conclusion

An Apple Pencil that stops working can be quite frustrating, especially when you rely on it for your daily tasks. Thankfully, the fixes I’ve shared above should help you resolve most issues and get your Pencil back up and running in no time. Remember, it’s essential to keep your iPad and Apple Pencil updated and well-maintained to ensure a seamless experience. If all else fails, don’t hesitate to reach out to Apple Support for assistance.