iPad Notes app tool palette does not have a pencil with an "A" on it?

The Apple support page says that to have your handwriting automatically converted to text in Notes, open the tool palette and select the pen with an "A" on it. I see a pen, but there's no "A" and my handwriting does not convert. I have an iPad Mini (5th Gen) and an Apple Pencil 1. Thx!

iPad mini 5, iPadOS 15

Posted on Sep 24, 2021 1:07 PM

Similar questions

iPad gen 2 notes - not showing options for drawing/writing Hello, I have an iPad mini gen 2, iOS 12.4.6, and I'm trying to get it to work so that I can draw in notes. I know it doesn't support that apple pencil, however everything I've seen says that when you create a new note, there should be a toolbar on top of where the keypad is with various symbols like the 'tick in the circle', the 'squiggly line', 'camera' etc. However, when my keyboard comes up, none of these appear. It's the same for new notes, old notes etc. My friend has an iPad mini gen 4, and hers shows the options, even though the apple pencil isn't supported on that version either. Does anyone know why, or how I can get it to work?
1302 1
Notes on new iPad mini missing advertised features I am missing the “A” pencil in notes on my iPad mini and am unable to convert handwriting to text. Is there a special version of notes that I need to have for this feature? All of the videos I watched had it as a regular feature but my notes is different.
668 1
Only Apple Pencil or finger drawing is available for new Notes on iPad Only Apple Pencil or finger drawing is available for new notes. No keyboard. [Re-Titled by Moderator]
887 13

1 reply

Arandel Author

Level 1

94 points

Sep 24, 2021 1:13 PM in response to Arandel

Ok, I restarted my ipad and now the "A" pen appears.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

iPad Notes app tool palette does not have a pencil with an "A" on it?

Welcome to Apple Support Community

A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.

Learn more Sign up