How to connect Apple Pencil 2 to iPad

The Apple Pencil 2 is one of the easiest accessories to pair with your iPad, and if it doesn't work, there are a few troubleshooting tips you can try.

The Apple Pencil 2 is very easy to set up and use, provided, of course, it's paired with a compatible iPad. Common sense suggests that all modern iPads will work with a modern Apple Pencil, but unfortunately, that's not the case. The iPad 10, launching in October 2022, comes with several upgrades, including a shiny new design to match the iPad Air and Pro models, a USB-C port and a FaceTime camera in landscape orientation. Unfortunately, it only works with the first-generation Apple Pencil, and worse, it requires a dongle to connect and charge the stylus.

For those lucky enough not to have to deal with dongle freezes on the iPad 10, the Apple Pencil 2 is much easier to set up. All users need to do is place the flat edge of the Apple Pencil 2 over the magnetic connector on the right side of the compatible iPad. A pairing button should now appear on the screen - click it and it's now connected. It really is that easy - no need to search for a pairing button or dig through Bluetooth settings. For those who don't know, placing the Apple Pencil 2 on the magnetic connector is also the way to charge it.

Fix Pairing Issues With Apple Pencil 2

Once connected, The Apple Pencil 2 should remain paired until the iPad is restarted, enters airplane mode, or the Apple Pencil is paired with another iPad. If this happens, repeat the steps above to re-pair. In some cases, users may find that the Apple Pencil 2 cannot connect to the iPad, and there are several ways to fix this problem. The first thing to do is make sure the Apple Pencil 2 is properly positioned on the right edge of the iPad. Once the magnets are aligned, it should snap into place.

If this doesn't work, the next step is to restart the iPad and try pairing the Apple Pencil 2 again. Users can also open "Settings" on the iPad and tap "Bluetooth" to make sure it's turned on. It's also worth checking to see if the Apple Pencil 2 appears in the list of Bluetooth devices. If so, tap the device name, then tap Forget This Device. Now, place the Apple Pencil on the iPad's magnetic connector again and wait a few seconds. A pair button should appear on the screen. If the battery of the Apple Pencil 2 is low, the user You may have to wait a minute or two for it to charge before the pairing button reappears.

The Apple Pencil 2 is super easy to set up and use, and there are very few issues with charging or pairing the stylus. But if none of these methods seem to work, users should check to see if they have a compatible iPad before contacting Apple Support. Apple Pencil 2 works with fourth-generation iPad Air and later, first-generation iPad Pro 11-inch and later, third-generation iPad Pro 12.9-inch and later, and sixth-generation iPad mini. Older iPads, including models in the standard iPad lineup, will work with the first-generation Apple Pencil, which can be paired and charged via the Lightning connector. If the user owns any of these iPads, the Apple Pencil 2 cannot be used.

More: Can you use Apple Pencil with iPhone? Compatibility, explained