Apple Pencil - Compatibility with iPad, Pairing, Troubleshooting, Pencil Storage and General Tips
Apple Pencil Compatibility
Here is Apple’s definitive compatibility list for Apple Pencil and iPad:
Apple Pencil compatibility - Apple Support
Different models of Apple Pencil use different pairing and charging interfaces - and can only be used with and iPad that has appropriate internal hardware. All recent models of iPad and iPad Pro support either one or possibly two different models of Apple Pencil...
The first generation Apple Pencil uses the physical Lightning port of the Pencil and host iPad for both pairing and charging the Pencil. The first generation Pencil can also be charged using an inline charging adapter and the iPad’s Power Adapter. This pencil can only be used with compatible iPad models that have a Lightning connector - with the sole exception of the tenth generation iPad (a.k.a., iPad10), requiring a special adapter to connect the Pencil with this iPad's USB-C port. Other iPad models that feature a USB-C port lack any means by which to pair with a first generation Pencil.
The second generation Pencil can only be used with specific iPad models that have the magnetic/inductive dock that is exclusively designed for the Pencil. Pencil charging is automatically controlled via the iPad's magnetic dock.
While the new Apple Pencil Pro is similar to the second generation Pencil, due to a redesign of the inductive charging system, the Apple Pencil Pro is only compatible with the iPad Pro M4 and iPad Air M2. This Pencil is not compatible with any other model of iPad.
The USB-C Pencil can be used with any model of iPad that features a USB-C port. This Pencil is both paired with the host iPad and charged using a wired USB-C connection.
The Apple Pencils have differences in available features:
Pairing
These support pages may be helpful with pairing of an Apple Pencil - and use of the Pencil with a compatible iPad:
Connect Apple Pencil with your iPad - Apple Support
Charge your Apple Pencil and check the battery - Apple Support
If you experience difficulties with pairing, this is one of the better third-party troubleshooting guides:
https://appletoolbox.com/apple-pencil-not-working-heres-our-troubleshooting-guide/
General Tips & Troubleshooting
1) The Apple Pencil tip is a consumable item - that should be replaced as soon as any wear becomes visible. Never use a Pencil whose tip has worn to the extent that any part of the metal transducer (located beneath the replaceable Pencil tip) is visible - as you may damage both the pencil and iPad screen. Replacement Pencil tips are available for purchase from Apple.
2) Ensure that the user-replaceable Pencil tip is snugly screwed into the body of the Apple Pencil; when correctly fitted you should see a tiny gap (about the thickness of a sheet of paper) between the tip and pencil body. If the tip is slightly loosened, or overtightened, the Pencil may not work properly, if at all.
3) While Apple Pencils are relatively robust, treat them with care. The transducer element (located beneath the replaceable Pencil tip) can suffer damage from impact or excessive lateral force to the tip - such as might occur if the Pencil is dropped onto a hard surface. If the transducer beneath the plastic tip is distorted or damaged, the Pencil will require replacement. Repair of an Apple Pencil is not possible.
4) Be aware that if a Pencil has been set-aside for an extended period, unused and uncharged, the tiny Pencil battery can be damaged through deep discharge. In common with all Li-ion batteries, they must always have some level of charge.
The tiny internal Li-ion battery is susceptible to permanent/irreversible damage through being left discharged for long periods. Even some “new” pencils can exhibit signs of failure out-of-the-box if they are “old stock”.
It is essential that if you have an Apple Pencil that you charge it regularly - whether used or not - so as to protect the battery from deep-discharge. Do not allow a pencil to remain in low-charge state for any period of time - as the internal battery will fail, rendering the Pencil useless. Unless properly prepared for storage, setting aside an unused Pencil for extended periods is a recipe for premature death of the Pencil battery.
If the Apple Pencil will not pair or charge, its battery may be failing. Gentle warming of the Pencil (such as placing on a hot water radiator), prior to attempting charging of the Pencil, can sometimes resurrect a seemingly dead Pencil battery. If the Pencil battery fails, the only remedy is to replace the entire Pencil; the battery is not a serviceable item.
5) The second generation Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil Pro are charged by the host iPad using inductive charging. It is generally recommended that these Pencils should be kept docked with the host iPad when not in active use - as this ensures that the tiny internal Pencil battery is kept optimally charged when not in use. Charging will only occur when the battery requires charge from the iPad, optimal charge being entirely automatic.
Keeping the Pencil separated from the iPad when unused risks allowing its battery to fully discharge and suffer irreversible damage. An otherwise healthy Apple Pencil will suffer no negative consequences from being docked with its host iPad for extended periods.
6) If an Apple Pencil fails within its one-year warranty, you should look to having it replaced by your retailer or at an Apple Store.
Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple
Pencil Storage
If a Pencil must be set aside for storage, you must ensure that it is properly placed in its low-power hibernation/shipping state prior to storage - as otherwise its electronics will remain active until the battery is exhausted; disturbance or movement will fully re-awaken the Pencil and its BTLE radio, draining the Pencil battery. If not properly prepared and the Pencil battery is allowed to fully discharge, the battery may be irreversibly damaged - and the Pencil become scrap.
To place an Apple Pencil in its hibernation state, you must follow a very specific sequence of steps:
1) Ensure that the Pencil is fully charged.
2) On the host iPad with which the Pencil is paired, open Bluetooth settings; the Pencil status should show the Pencil as Connected:
Settings > Bluetooth
3) On the host iPad, temporarily fully turn-off Bluetooth:
Settings > Bluetooth - set to OFF
4) Set aside the Pencil somewhere that it will not be disturbed. Any movement will re-awaken the Pencil - and prevent the Pencil from fully shutting down. Leave the Pencil undisturbed for at least an hour.
5) You can re-enable Bluetooth on the iPad; as the Bluetooth connection has been severed, the Pencil will show its status as Not Connected.
Should you choose to do so, you can remove the Pencil from the list of paired Bluetooth devices; simply tap the corresponding blue “i” icon, then tap Forget This Device.
Provided that the Pencil remains undisturbed as directed, it will eventually fall into its low-power shipping state. A healthy Pencil will retain its charge in this state for several months. Pairing the Pencil with an iPad will recover the Pencil from hibernation.