Sometimes Apple Pencil stops charging at 25% or lower. Other times it doesn’t charge at all. Many users can’t pair Apple Pencil to their iPad and some were even told:
This accessory or cable is not certified.
What’s going on!?
If your Apple Pencil isn’t working, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together this troubleshooting guide to show you how to fix it. Or if it can’t be fixed, we’ll tell you how to get a replacement.
Apple released the first-generation Apple Pencil in 2015 alongside the iPad Pro. It’s completely cylindrical with a removable cap on one end that reveals a lightning connector.
The second-generation Apple Pencil — or Apple Pencil 2 — came out in 2018 with the 11- and 12.9-inch iPad Pro. It’s flat on one edge without a lightning connector and magnetizes to the edge of your iPad.
Which iPad do I have?
Find out your iPad model in the settings.
The naming structure for iPads has always been confused. But never more so than now with such a range of different models available.
If your iPad model isn’t on these lists — it doesn’t work with any Apple Pencil.
Step 2: Pair your Apple Pencil and iPad
Although it’s pretty intuitive, you still may need to pair your Apple Pencil with your iPad.
You’ve probably already done this once. But you need to pair Apple Pencil again whenever you restart your iPad, turn on Airplane Mode, or pair with a different Apple Pencil.
How do I pair a first-generation Apple Pencil?
Uncap and plug in your Apple Pencil to pair it.
Remove the cap on the end of your Apple Pencil and plug its lightning connector into the port on your iPad. Ensure the Apple Pencil goes all the way in — if it doesn’t, carefully clear any lint out of your iPad’s lightning port using an antistatic brush.
You should see a Pair button appear on the iPad screen, tap it.
How do I pair a second-generation Apple Pencil?
Connect your Apple Pencil using its magnetic edge.
Magnetize the Apple Pencil to the edge of your iPad Pro. Ensure the Apple Pencil is centered on the right side of your iPad Pro — the side with the volume buttons.
You should see a Connect button appear on the iPad Pro screen, tap it.
Step 3: Charge your Apple Pencil for 15 minutes
Charge your first- or second-generation Apple Pencil for at least 15 minutes.
Although Apple Pencil usually needs only 15 seconds of charge for 30 minutes of use, if the battery is completely dead it needs much longer to turn on.
How do I charge a first-generation Apple Pencil?
Charge your Apple Pencil using the lightning connector.
Remove the cap on the end of your Apple Pencil and plug its lightning connector into the port on your iPad. Ensure the Apple Pencil goes all the way in — if it doesn’t, carefully clear any lint out of your iPad’s lightning port using an antistatic brush.
Or use the lightning adapter that came with your Apple Pencil to charge it using a USB power adapter and a lightning cable.
How do I charge a second-generation Apple Pencil?
On your iPad Pro, go to Settings > Bluetooth and make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
Turn Bluetooth on from your iPad settings.
Then magnetize the Apple Pencil to the edge of your iPad Pro. Ensure the Apple Pencil in centered on the right side of your iPad Pro — the side with the volume buttons.
How do I see how much charge my Apple Pencil has?
Check how much charge your Apple Pencil has from the Today View on your iPad.
From the home screen, swipe from left to right to access the Today View. Or from within an app, pull down from the top of the screen to access Notification Center and then swipe from left to right.
See how much charge your Apple Pencil has in the Today View.
If you don’t see your Apple Pencil charge level in the Today View, tap Edit at the bottom of the page. This shows you a list of available widgets, you need to add the Batteries widget.
Step 4: Restart your iPad or iPad Pro
Restart your iPad to fix a range of issues.
You should always restart your device when something isn’t working properly. This tried and tested troubleshooting technique has stood the test of time because it works.
Restart your iPad or iPad Pro by holding the Sleep/Wake button andeither volume button until it prompts you to slide to power off.
Allow 30 seconds for your iPad to power off completely before pressing the Sleep/Wake or Power button to turn it on again.
Step 5: Forget Apple Pencil on Bluetooth and connect it again
You can essentially reset your Apple Pencil by removing it from your iPad’s Bluetooth devices, restarting your iPad, and then pairing the Apple Pencil again.
How do I remove Apple Pencil from my iPad’s Bluetooth?
On your iPad or iPad Pro, go to Settings > Bluetooth.
Find your Apple Pencil under My Devices and tap the blue i button.
Tap Forget This Device.
Forget your Apple Pencil from the Bluetooth settings on your iPad.
Step 6: Update your iPad or iPad Pro to the latest software
Back when the first Apple Pencil was released, iOS 9.2 struggled to recognize how much charge it had. Similar issues arose when iOS 11.2 came out and many users got the message:
This accessory or cable is not certified.
Look for iOS updates if your Apple Pencil isn’t working.
These software problems aren’t too common. But when they do crop up, all you can do is wait for the next update.
If your Apple Pencil is not working as expected, check your iPad or iPad Pro is updated to the latest software.
Step 7: Tighten or replace the tip on your Apple Pencil
When your Apple Pencil stops working consistently, it could be because the tip is loose. This can lead to intermittent lines or skipping when you draw.
Try to tighten the tip of your Apple Pencil by twisting it clockwise.
If you have a first-generation Apple Pencil, replace the tip with the spare one that came with it. Do this by unscrewing the original tip in an anticlockwise direction — but make sure you don’t lose it — then screw the replacement tip in.
Step 8: Contact Apple Support for more help or a replacement
At this point, it looks like there’s a hardware problem with your Apple Pencil. Sometimes the battery has completely died and can’t hold a charge anymore, other times your Apple Pencil may simply be faulty.
Either way, you’re probably looking for a replacement.
Otherwise, you can get an out-of-warranty battery service or replacement from Apple for the following costs:
Battery Service: $29
First-generation Apple Pencil replacement: $79
Second-generation Apple Pencil replacement: $109
If your Apple Pencil is covered by AppleCare+, you only need to pay the $29 excess.
Contact Apple Support through their website to arrange a repair or replacement of your Apple Pencil. Click the iPad button and search for ‘Help with Apple Pencil’. Then choose to start a phone call or chat session with Apple Support.
Dan writes tutorials and troubleshooting guides to help people make the most of their technology. Before becoming a writer, he earned a BSc in Sound Technology, supervised repairs at an Apple Store, and even taught English in China.
My 2018 pencil died completely (for reasons unknown) so went in to the Apple store, where I was told that it was too ‘old’ to bother with because it was out of warranty, and that I might as well get a new one. Since when is an Apple item that is only 2 years old considered “too old” to bother with? I ended up buying a new pencil, but am still annoyed that there was nothing they would do about the old one.
Try these quick tips if your Apple Pencil isn’t working, or keep reading for the full guide.
My 2018 pencil died completely (for reasons unknown) so went in to the Apple store, where I was told that it was too ‘old’ to bother with because it was out of warranty, and that I might as well get a new one. Since when is an Apple item that is only 2 years old considered “too old” to bother with? I ended up buying a new pencil, but am still annoyed that there was nothing they would do about the old one.
After trying all, including restart of ipad pro 2020, I still cannot toggle apple pencil 2 to previous instrument, only to eraser or palet.