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Apple Pencil 2 stopped working with iPad OS 16.3.1

My Apple Pencil 2gen suddenly stopped working with the 11-inch iPad Pro I own. It happened right after the most recent OS update (16.3.1 atm).


The bubble „Apple Pencil” shows on top of the screen, but no battery charge percentage. No bluetooth connection, no battery status.


I’ve restarted the iPad a couple of times; same with Bluetooth and connectivity I general. No change.


Help.

iPad Pro, iPadOS 16

Posted on Mar 18, 2023 8:39 AM

Reply
Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Mar 18, 2023 9:02 AM

Begin by removing the Pencil from the iPad’s magnetic charging dock.


Next, remove the Pencil from Bluetooth settings:

Settings > Bluetooth > [My Devices] Apple Pencil - tap the blue “i” icon, then Forget This Device



Now force-restart your iPad:


Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

  1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
  2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
  3. Press and hold the top button.
  4. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.




Force restart iPad (models with the Home button)

Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.




After restart, pair your Pencil as normal:

Pair Apple Pencil with your iPad - Apple Support

3 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Mar 18, 2023 9:02 AM in response to Olchan

Begin by removing the Pencil from the iPad’s magnetic charging dock.


Next, remove the Pencil from Bluetooth settings:

Settings > Bluetooth > [My Devices] Apple Pencil - tap the blue “i” icon, then Forget This Device



Now force-restart your iPad:


Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

  1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
  2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
  3. Press and hold the top button.
  4. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.




Force restart iPad (models with the Home button)

Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.




After restart, pair your Pencil as normal:

Pair Apple Pencil with your iPad - Apple Support

Mar 18, 2023 9:46 AM in response to Olchan

If you continue to experience difficulties, here is one of the better troubleshooting guides:

https://appletoolbox.com/apple-pencil-not-working-heres-our-troubleshooting-guide/


Be aware that if your Pencil has been set-aside for an extended period, unused and uncharged, the Pencil battery may now be irretrievably 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. Setting aside an unused Pencil, for extended periods, is a recipe for premature death of the Pencil battery.


If the Pencil Battery has failed, the only remedy is to replace the Pencil. If the battery has failed and your pencil is 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


Gentle warming of the Pencil (such as placing on a hot water radiator), prior to attempting charging of the Pencil, can resurrect a Pencil battery.

Apple Pencil 2 stopped working with iPad OS 16.3.1

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