Pencil Pro not connecting to iPad Pro 13-inch M4

As the Pencil works as expected with other iPads, it is reasonable to conclude that the Pencil itself if healthy.

If your iPad is not operating as expected, try a forced-restart - 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.

If the problem persists after performing the restart, it may be necessary to fully 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 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

Begin by "forgetting" the Pencil from Bluetooth settings:

Settings > Bluetooth > [My Devices] Apple Pencil - tap the blue "i" icon, then select Forget this Device

Once removed from Bluetooth Settings, re-pair the Pencil with the iPad.

If this doesn't resolve the problem, the next step is to reset your iPad's Network Settings:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset Network Settings

In many years, I have experienced just one occurrence of an Apple Pencil seemingly failing to reconnect after a full shutdown of the iPad. The fix was to pair the Pencil with a different compatible iPad - after which the Pencil would again pair with the original iPad when docked.

Apple Pencil Pro not connecting after shutdown (M4 iPad Pro, Tahoe)

Hi everyone,

I’m posting this mainly to compare notes rather than to complain, as I’m not sure whether what I’m seeing is expected behavior or a known issue.

I have a 13-inch M4 iPad Pro that has been working normally with Apple Pencil Pro since December 2024. The Pencil attaches magnetically and charges correctly, and when the system is running continuously, it works as expected.

However, I’ve noticed a pattern where, after a full shutdown or certain resets, the Pencil will attach (I’m not sure whether it is charging at that point) but remain listed as “Not Connected.” It does not register input in Notes or other apps, such as a jigsaw puzzle game. Bluetooth is on, and Wi-Fi is connected.

What makes this confusing is that once the Pencil enters this state, I have not found a reliable way to make it reconnect on my iPad. I’ve tried the usual non-destructive steps (restarting, reconnecting Wi-Fi, leaving the Pencil attached for an extended period, etc.) without success.

I did visit an Apple Store, where staff confirmed that the Pencil hardware itself is functioning correctly. They tested my Apple Pencil Pro on another device, where it worked normally, and advised that a replacement Pencil was not necessary.

I’m not trying to assign blame or suggest that anything is “broken,” but I’m curious whether anyone else has experienced something similar after Tahoe or recent updates—particularly situations where the Pencil works normally until a shutdown and then fails to reconnect. I’m also wondering whether this could be related to the Pencil’s battery or charging behavior.

If others have seen this and found a reliable workaround (or if this behavior is expected), I’d appreciate hearing about it.

Thanks in advance, and apologies if this has already been discussed elsewhere.