Apple Pencil compatibility - Apple Support (2024)

FAQs

Why is my Apple Pencil saying not supported? ›

This alert might appear when your accessory is damaged, isn't Apple-certified or supported by your device, or your device has a damaged or dirty port.

If the Pair button doesn't appear, wait for one minute while your Apple Pencil charges. Then try connecting your Apple Pencil again and wait until the Pair button appears. If your Apple Pencil Pro or Apple Pencil (2nd generation) still won't pair, remove any cases or covers from the iPad, then try to pair again.

If your Apple Pencil is unresponsive, there are three ways to get it working properly with your iPad again: Charge Apple Pencil battery. Reestablish your Apple Pencil's connection with your iPad. Force re-pair your Apple Pencil with your iPad.

Go into iPad Settings > Bluetooth then tap on the small “i” beside the listing of your Apple Pencil there and choose Forget This Device. Then hard reboot the iPad, connect the Pencil and wait for the pairing prompt.

You can use Apple Pencil (1st generation) with these iPad models: iPad mini (5th generation) iPad (6th, 7th, 8th and 9th generation)

The 1st Gen Apple Pencil is 6.92 inches long, 0.35 inches thick, and weighs 0.73 ounces. The 2nd Gen pencil is 6.53 inches, making it closer to the height of an actual pen. Both pencils are the same width and weight. The Apple Pencil 1 is entirely round, whereas the Apple Pencil 2 has a flat edge.

Try unpairing the Pencil again in Settings > Bluetooth > Apple Pencil > Forget This Device, then hard reboot your iPad (instructions here), then re-pairing the Pencil again. Also check that the Pencil tip is firmly screwed on. Open the Actions menu (wrench icon) and go to Prefs > Gesture controls.

IF your Pencil EVER laid around unused for ANY prolonged period of time without being charged up and ready to use, then your Pencil battery may have failed and your Pencil maybe dead.

How long does an Apple Pencil last? ›

It depends on how you use it, I know someone who uses their Pencil every day and it lasted them two years. I just replaced mine after six months of often long-session daily use (in hindsight, probably should have replaced it a month prior).

You can attach Apple Pencil (2nd generation) to the magnetic connector on the right side of your compatible iPad to pair and charge it.

what do i do? If your Apple Pencil has been dropped onto a hard surface, despite having no visible physical damage the Pencil, the Pencil may have suffered internal [shock] damage from the impact. The tip transducer is a fragile component - and despite appearing to be intact, may have suffered irreversible damage.

If you find your Apple Pencil not working, it could be time to check your Bluetooth settings to make sure the Pencil's connected — and if not, then reconnect it. Alternatively, you can unpair your Apple Pencil and then re-pair it to your iPad; sometimes, that helps shake off a weird connection and fixes issues.

The key reason why the Apple Pencil is incompatible with iPhones lies in the difference in touchscreen technologies. iPhones use a capacitive touchscreen, designed for finger touch. This technology is sensitive to the electrical charge from your fingertips, making it highly responsive to gestures and taps.

A: Apple pencils will stop working if not consistently kept charged 5% or higher because the tiny lithium battery dies. You cannot let Apple pencils sit for long periods of time without charge.

Hold Apple Pencil up to 12 mm above the iPad display. Here are some examples of what you can do: Explore the tool palette: Hold Apple Pencil over the tool palette, then move over the tools such as the pencil, brush, eraser, and colors. Touch the tool, color, and options you want to use.