My Apple Pencil 1st gen is fully charged and connected but isn't working.

My 1st Gen Apple pencil is completely charged and it says it is connected but it only works sometimes. I need to press pretty hard to make it work and even then it sometimes stops working. What should I do?

iPad, iPadOS 17

Posted on Sep 24, 2023 6:51 AM

Reply
Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Sep 24, 2023 7:03 AM

Clearly the Apple Pencil has successfully paired with the iPad. Inconsistent drawing will either be due to a problem with the Pencil itself, or its interaction with the iPad screen.


Ensure that the user-replaceable Pencil tip is snugly screwed into the body of the Apple Pencil; when fitted correctly you should see a tiny gap, of about the thickness of a sheet of paper, between the tip and pencil body. If slightly loosened, or overtightened, the Pencil may not work properly, if at all.


Be aware that if your iPad screen has ever been replaced by anyone other than Apple, the screen will not be properly calibrated; this situation is known to cause issues with the Pencil. Also, if the Pencil has been dropped onto its tip, or if the tip has been subjected to unnecessary force, the transducer element that its located beneath the replaceable plastic tip may have been damaged; a damaged Pencil cannot be repaired - only replaced.


If you need assistance, the technicians at the Genius Bar of your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) will be able to fully test and assess your iPad and Apple Pencil:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

1 reply
Question marked as Best reply

Sep 24, 2023 7:03 AM in response to Zukith

Clearly the Apple Pencil has successfully paired with the iPad. Inconsistent drawing will either be due to a problem with the Pencil itself, or its interaction with the iPad screen.


Ensure that the user-replaceable Pencil tip is snugly screwed into the body of the Apple Pencil; when fitted correctly you should see a tiny gap, of about the thickness of a sheet of paper, between the tip and pencil body. If slightly loosened, or overtightened, the Pencil may not work properly, if at all.


Be aware that if your iPad screen has ever been replaced by anyone other than Apple, the screen will not be properly calibrated; this situation is known to cause issues with the Pencil. Also, if the Pencil has been dropped onto its tip, or if the tip has been subjected to unnecessary force, the transducer element that its located beneath the replaceable plastic tip may have been damaged; a damaged Pencil cannot be repaired - only replaced.


If you need assistance, the technicians at the Genius Bar of your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) will be able to fully test and assess your iPad and Apple Pencil:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

My Apple Pencil 1st gen is fully charged and connected but isn't working.

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.