Why do I need to reconnect my apple pencil every time I restart my iPad 10th generation?

It is not convenient to walk around with a cable and adaptor. Mine was disconnected without even powering off. Is this going to be addressed? Is there a single adapter that can be used instead of the 2 female ends and a usb-c cable.

Posted on Apr 15, 2023 6:58 PM

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1 reply

Apr 16, 2023 4:35 AM in response to brentfromwalnut creek

A forced-restart - or a full shutdown - of the iPad will require the Apple Pencil to be re-paired with the host iPad.


Unless you don’t intend to use your iPad for many days, there is neither need nor technical benefit to fully shut-down the iPad; while sleeping, the iPad can continue to perform background housekeeping - including responding to notifications and alerts etc - while consuming minimal battery power. A sleeping iPad can easily sustain a week or more without requiring recharge.


A forced-restart should only be required if the iPad, or an App, has stalled and cannot be individually force-closed from the Task Switcher page. As such, a restart should be a similarly rare occurrence.


The only method by which a first generation Apple Pencil can be paired with iPad is via direct connection to the host iPad with a suitable cable/adapter. For compatible iPads with a Lightning cable, the Pencil can plug directly into the iPad. For iPad10, with a USB-C port, the USB-C charging cable and Lightning Adapter must be used.


For iPad models that support the second generation Apple Pencil, pairing and charging is accomplished via the iPad’s dedicated charging dock - this both greatly simplifying the re-pairing process - and eliminates reliance upon a charging cable for the Pencil as required/used with an iPad10.


In summary, the iPad10 only supports the first generation Apple Pencil - and, technically, this combination is entirely reliant upon a charging cable and adapter to pair the Pencil with the host iPad. The Pencil must be re-paired with the iPad if the iPad is force-restarted - or is fully shut-down/switched-off. There is no workaround.


If this limitation is troublesome, you might consider replacement of your iPad and Pencil. These models of iPad support the second generation Pencil:

  • iPad mini (6th generation)
  • iPad Air (4th generation and later)
  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)
  • iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)



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Why do I need to reconnect my apple pencil every time I restart my iPad 10th generation?

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