Cannot unpair Apple Pencil (1st Gen) as not discoverable in Bluetooth list

I recently found my iPad Pro 10.5. It was paired with a 1st Gen Apple Pencil. Needless to say both had not been used for some time so were completely without charge. The iPad has come back to life but the pencil not. I have read that the pencil should never be left to drain (did not know that!) so I want to buy a new pencil, however, I cannot unpair the first one as it is not appearing in my Bluetooth list to be able to 'forget this device'? So I'm a bit stuck. I do not want to wipe my entire back up and restore to factory settings just to unpair the pencil, but I cannot see how to unpair it?

I have toggled my Bluetooth button, I have done a hard reset, I have restored to back up (but of course that recognises I had a pencil!!)

Appreciate any help and advise. Help!

iPad Air 2, iOS 10

Posted on Oct 10, 2023 12:27 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 10, 2023 2:32 AM

If a Bluetooth device (such as your Pencil) is not listed within Bluetooth settings, it is not currently "paired" with your iPad - even if inactive.

Settings > Bluetooth > [My Devices]


Pairing (or re-pairing) of a compatible Apple Pencil is automatic.



Be aware that if your Pencil has been set-aside for an extended period, unused and uncharged, the Pencil battery may have been damaged through deep discharge. In common with all Li-ion batteries, they must always have some level of charge - being "maintained" through periodic charging.


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.


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

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3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 10, 2023 2:32 AM in response to Smiffwoz

If a Bluetooth device (such as your Pencil) is not listed within Bluetooth settings, it is not currently "paired" with your iPad - even if inactive.

Settings > Bluetooth > [My Devices]


Pairing (or re-pairing) of a compatible Apple Pencil is automatic.



Be aware that if your Pencil has been set-aside for an extended period, unused and uncharged, the Pencil battery may have been damaged through deep discharge. In common with all Li-ion batteries, they must always have some level of charge - being "maintained" through periodic charging.


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.


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

Oct 10, 2023 7:15 AM in response to Smiffwoz

I'm unable to replicate the issue that you describe with an iPad Pro 10.5" and a first generation Apple Pencil - and on this basis can only conclude that you have an unintended software issue.


Begin with a forced-restart of your iPad - as this will often clear an isolated software issue:


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.




If the problem persists after performing the restart, it may be necessary to reset your iPad settings. While this reset will not cause any loss of data, as a precaution, it is always wise to ensure that you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup before performing the reset:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support


When you are happy to proceed, you can perform the reset from iPad settings:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings


If the problem still doesn’t clear, the next step is to reset the iPad to factory settings:

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support


Otherwise, you would be best advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively and perhaps easier, you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed on your iPad, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044


You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to test and assess your iPad - and you can explore your available options:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

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Cannot unpair Apple Pencil (1st Gen) as not discoverable in Bluetooth list

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