Apple Pencil 1st Generation won't connect with my iPad Pro (9.7-in)

I just got a 1st gen Apple Pencil, which the Apple support pages say should be compatible with my iPad (Pro 9.7 in). When I plug it in directly to the iPad, it charges, seems to pair and the tutorial popped up. But when I unplug it, it’s no longer connected. It shows up on the Bluetooth device list, but when I tap to connect it, I get a message that says “Apple Pencil Not Connected. Plug in Apple Pencil to use it with this iPad.”


Pencil is fully charged, tip is new, software is up to date and I’ve tried restarting the iPad.


Do I have to keep it plugged in to use it with this iPad?




[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPad Pro, iPadOS 16

Posted on Feb 18, 2025 2:54 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 18, 2025 3:43 PM

Your Apple Pencil is exhibiting symptoms of a failing battery - that will not reliably accept or hold any charge. Try testing the Pencil with another compatible iPad; if the Pencil still doesn't work when disconnected from the host iPad, you have demonstrated that the problem is with the Pencil.


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.


You would be best advised to 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 Pencil. If a fault is identified, you’ll be in the best possible place to explore your available options:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 18, 2025 3:43 PM in response to kat_bird

Your Apple Pencil is exhibiting symptoms of a failing battery - that will not reliably accept or hold any charge. Try testing the Pencil with another compatible iPad; if the Pencil still doesn't work when disconnected from the host iPad, you have demonstrated that the problem is with the Pencil.


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.


You would be best advised to 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 Pencil. If a fault is identified, you’ll be in the best possible place to explore your available options:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

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Apple Pencil 1st Generation won't connect with my iPad Pro (9.7-in)

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