Why can I not pair my Apple Pencil 2nd generation to my iPad Pro?

Okay, I suggest that you un-pair/remove the Apple Pencil from your iPad setup:

Settings > Bluetooth - select “i” icon for the Apple Pencil, then select Forget this Device.

After removing the Apple Pencil, close the Settings App, then force-restart the iPad:

• On an iPad with a Home button: Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.
• On an iPad with Face ID: Press and quickly release the volume up button, press and quickly release the volume down button, then press and hold the top button. When the Apple logo appears, release the button.

After restart, connect the Pencil to the iPad and re-pair.

Okay, so the Apple Pencil is believed to be good. So, standard diagnostic steps are required - restart, reset, restore.

Assuming you followed the forced-restart without improvement, you’ll need to reset your iPad. First, ensure you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup - then:

Settings > General > Reset All Settings

The reset should not delete any data - but may resolve the problem. If still no improvement, you should fully reset the iPad:

Settings > General > Erase All Content & Settings

After the reset, you have the option of restoring your data from backup. For expediency of testing, I recommend that you defer restoring your data until you have established that your Pencil is working normally.

If the problem remains unresolved, you’ll need to restore the iPad to factory settings. This process will both erase/reset the iPad and install a fresh copy of iPadOS. Again, you’ll have the option of restoring your data - but again, it is recommended that you first confirm normal operation prior to restoring your data from backup.

One of the simplest cures is to check if the Apple Pencil tip needs to be screwed on tighter. If the tip unscrews a little it doesn't make the connection with the screen.

When it's connected to the side of your iPad, what does it show for battery percentage?

Restore to Factory Settings:

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201252

I strongly suspect that you Pencil has a fault. The only definitive test would be to substitute your Apple Pencil for a known-good device.

Apple Support may be able to offer further guidance. The Contact Support link is at top-right of this page.

If you followed our earlier exchanges, you’ll recall that you confirmed that it was previously working. Whilst we can’t preclude failure of the Pencil (perhaps unlikely, noting that you confirmed BT pairing) we have to work with what we’ve got - unless you have another iPad with which to independently test your Apple Pencil...

Unlike the First Gen’ Apple Pencil, with a physical connection with which basic communication can be verified, the second Gen’ Pencil has no direct interface connection. Testing options are therefore very limited.

Can you confirm the model of iPad Pro - and whether or not this Apple Pencil has ever been successfully used with this iPad?

Not quite the information that was asked, but by deduction, we now know that you have a 2018 iPad Pro 12.9”.

Have you updated to the current version of iPadOS - at time of writing, this being iPadOS 13.4.1?

When it works, it’s great, but for some reason the Bluetooth pairing between your iPad Pro and your Apple Pencil isn’t quite as robust as you might like. If your iPad Pro restarts you may need to re-pair the Pencil, for example. Apple Pencil doesn’t hold onto power very long – in my experience I’ve usually had to charge it up after not using it for a few days.

[Link Edited by Moderator]

I’ve already provided a detailed set of directions in an attempt to help your resolve this. However, if you’d rather ignore them, that’s entirely up to you.

Alternatively, you could contact Apple Support - who will likely take you through similar steps. You’ll find the Contact Support link at top-right of this page.

You focus explicitly upon Notes & Notability. This might suggest that the Pencil works correctly with other Apps?

Does the pencil work for basic interaction - opening apps, swiping between screens, etc?

~Lyssa