Apple Pencil 2nd Gen not connecting to iPad Air

My Apple Pencil is not connecting to my iPad. I have a iPad Air and I have a 2nd gen Apple Pencil, and the first year I got it to was working fine and then it just stopped connecting. Whenever I put my Apple Pencil on to the side of the iPad, it will shows the pop up bubble that it is trying to connect but it’s not connected. I’ve updated my iPad to the most recent version, hard reset the iPad, forgot device, turned off and on my Bluetooth, and making sure the tip of the pencil is screwed on tight. I don’t know what else to do to fix this before I go to a professional to try and fix it.

iPad Air, iPadOS 26

Posted on Aug 1, 2026 12:11 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 1, 2026 2:57 AM

These support pages may be helpful with pairing and use of the Pencil with your iPad:

Connect Apple Pencil with your iPad - Apple Support

Charge your Apple Pencil and check the battery - Apple Support


If you continue to experience difficulties, here is one of the better troubleshooting guides:

https://appletoolbox.com/apple-pencil-not-working-heres-our-troubleshooting-guide/



As described, your Apple Pencil is exhibiting symptoms of a failing/failed battery - that will not reliably accept or hold any charge.


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. Never 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.


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

Aug 1, 2026 2:57 AM in response to Maro420

These support pages may be helpful with pairing and use of the Pencil with your iPad:

Connect Apple Pencil with your iPad - Apple Support

Charge your Apple Pencil and check the battery - Apple Support


If you continue to experience difficulties, here is one of the better troubleshooting guides:

https://appletoolbox.com/apple-pencil-not-working-heres-our-troubleshooting-guide/



As described, your Apple Pencil is exhibiting symptoms of a failing/failed battery - that will not reliably accept or hold any charge.


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. Never 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.


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




Apple Pencil 2nd Gen not connecting to iPad Air

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