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Apple Pencil-- how can you tell if its dead?

Haven't plugged in the pencil since Christmas-- just beginning to get fired up to use it...and it won't work.

Nothing. Charged it by plugging directly into lightning port-- my iPad pro sees it-- but it won't pair. I chose "forget this device" to start over--but that didn't work either. It lists as trying to pair-- then doesn't. Screen says, "Pairing Unsuccessful" -- took too long.


Is the battery even charged? Is there a way to tell?


Thanks.

iPad Pro 12.9-inch Wi-Fi, Cellular, iOS 10.2

Posted on Jul 20, 2017 10:43 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 15, 2018 4:15 PM

Same dead battery as everyone else. was 3 months out of warrantee when it would no longer charge. I went the apple store as others have. I was told the only thing they could do was sell me a replacement for $80. I called apple support twice and got the same answer. Sorry Apple, but NO deal. I'm not going to drop $80 or $100 every year to replace something that should last several years easy.

I did find a program under iPad out of warrantee service, a $29 pencil battery replacement program. When I questioned one of the reps why I was never offered that option, he got all irate and basically told me, "sure I can send you the box and label to send in, but you'll probably waste the $29 because it may not be the battery".

I am pretty blown away that Apple would treat their customers like this. There is an obvious issue with the battery, as so many users have had early failures. I think that if you are not using and charging the pencil everyday, the battery will run down and destroy itself because of the "always On" condition of the pencil. Casual users beware!

Too bad Apple couldn't have some kind of power switch on the pencil?

7 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 15, 2018 4:15 PM in response to buglegirl101

Same dead battery as everyone else. was 3 months out of warrantee when it would no longer charge. I went the apple store as others have. I was told the only thing they could do was sell me a replacement for $80. I called apple support twice and got the same answer. Sorry Apple, but NO deal. I'm not going to drop $80 or $100 every year to replace something that should last several years easy.

I did find a program under iPad out of warrantee service, a $29 pencil battery replacement program. When I questioned one of the reps why I was never offered that option, he got all irate and basically told me, "sure I can send you the box and label to send in, but you'll probably waste the $29 because it may not be the battery".

I am pretty blown away that Apple would treat their customers like this. There is an obvious issue with the battery, as so many users have had early failures. I think that if you are not using and charging the pencil everyday, the battery will run down and destroy itself because of the "always On" condition of the pencil. Casual users beware!

Too bad Apple couldn't have some kind of power switch on the pencil?

Jul 21, 2017 6:28 AM in response to buglegirl101

Hi there, buglegirl101!


Thanks for reaching out to the Apple Support Communities! It sounds like you are having issues pairing your Apple Pencil to your iPad Pro. Check out this article with steps to follow to Use Apple Pencil with iPad Pro . Specifically:

If your Apple Pencil won't pair with your iPad Pro

  1. Restart your iPad Pro, then try to pair again.
  2. Go to Settings > Bluetooth and make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
  3. On the same screen, look under My Devices for your Apple Pencil. If you see it, tap User uploaded file. Then tap Forget this Device.
    User uploaded file
  4. Plug your Apple Pencil into your iPad Pro and tap the Pair button when it appears after a few seconds.
  5. If you don't see the Pair button, wait for one minute while your Apple Pencil charges. Then unplug your Apple Pencil, plug it back in, and wait until you see the Pair button.
  6. If you still don’t see the Pair button, contact Apple Support.


The good news is the article has steps you can take if you continue having the issue after restarting the iPad Pro.


Have a great day!

Jul 21, 2017 1:15 PM in response to i_rina

Thank you for your step by step guide.


I had actually already done that-- an, when it didn't work, was trying to find out if there was a way to tell if the pencil is even charged? I've read several posts mentioning different problems, from charging to just plain 'broke'.

I can't imagine its broken, because I only used it for a few hours.

I'm just trying to rule out or in something that will help.


The battery widget on my iPad does work, and every other bluetooth device is recognized...but not the pencil, even when I plug it in. I'm thinking I need to make a trip to the Apple Store-- 100 miles away;(


Thanks for your post, tho.


Apple is the best!

Jan 10, 2018 2:20 PM in response to buglegirl101

My apple pencil is dead. Never used it. I charged it for 3 days and it still will not work. It does not show up on the battery meter on the iPad Pro. I was barely able to synch it. Now, admittedly, I didn't try to use the pencil for about 6 months. I took it to the Apple store in San Diego (Fashion Valley) and the manager said it wasn't the battery. What a bone head.

Jan 15, 2018 6:37 PM in response to elorent

Just another of many reasons why I have always disliked the Apple Pencil.

Been using an Adonit Pixel stylus with my 1st gen ] iPad Pro from day one I purchased back in Nov. 2015.

This stylus has continued to work great with all of its compatible apps and I have not had any issues with it since I purchased this.

I have never like anything about the Apple Pencil. Just another reason why I won’t ever own one.

Much of its design gestalt seems rushed and not very well thought out!

Apple Pencil-- how can you tell if its dead?

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