Home » Guides » Apple Pencil Not Working Fix (2023)

Apple Pencil Not Working? Here’s How to Fix It (2023)

Are you wondering why your Apple Pencil is not working? Here's a simple guide on how to fix this problem.

If the Apple Pencil is not working properly or will not charge, here is the solution to all these common problems. Even if it is made to work in an automatic way, sometimes Apple Pencil can create issues for users, especially if you consider that it does not have power or reset button. So, how do you reset your Apple Pencil if it will not charge? And how do you turn it off and on again? Here is a guide to all possible Apple Pencil Stylus problems.

How to fix Apple Pencil Not Working (2023)

fix apple pencil not working

If the Apple Pencil stops working suddenly, 99 times out of 10 it is the battery’s fault. You can immediately put it in charge, and you will see that everything will return to normal. For solving the problem with Apple Pencil 2, just clip it to the magnetic connector in the center of the top of the iPad. And for the Apple Pencil of the first generation, you will have to take advantage of the Lightning connector. You can check the charge status of the Apple Pencil in the Control Center. But first, check that Bluetooth is ON.

Intermittent Operation

If the Bluetooth connection and battery are okay, the intermittent operation could be synonymous with a worn, or badly locked tip. Make sure it is firm and in good condition;

Sometimes, Apple Pencil works in fits and starts, and this can be due to the worn tip. Replacing the Apple Pencil tip is super easy, follow the steps below:

  • Unscrew the old tip from the stylus like a small light bulb
    Screw in the new one
    That’s it, you have now replaced the Apple Pencil tip.

On Amazon, there are original spare parts and other compatible ones available at much cheaper prices.

Apple Pencil Won’t Connect

Sometimes the Apple Pencil will not connect properly, and it’s not the stylus to blame it as it is the tablet. To fix, restart the iPad as usual, or perform a hard reset like this.

Hard reset of an iPad with Touch ID:

  • Press and hold the Power button and the Home button at the same time.
  • Release the buttons when the Apple logo appears.

Hard reset of an iPad with Face ID:

  • Press and hold the Volume Up button.
  • Press and hold the Volume Down button.
  • Press and hold the Power button.
  • Release the button when the Apple logo appears.

Remember that, while the pairing with Apple Pencil 2 is completely automatic, the same cannot be said of the first generation. In the latter case, connect the Apple Pencil to the Lightning connector on the iPad and when the pop-up appears, tap the Pair item. Once the Apple Pencil has been paired, it remains paired until the iPad is restarted, the “Airplane” mode is activated or the pairing procedure is repeated with another iPad. This is perfectly normal and expected by Apple. To use it, it will be necessary to pair it again.

Apple Pencil Won’t Charge

If Apple Pencil isn’t charging properly, unpair it from the iPad by following these steps:

  • Open Settings on the iPad and tap Bluetooth.
  • Locate the Apple Pencil with the connected devices and touch the small “i” in the blue circle to its right.
  • Tap Forget This Device.

Then connect Apple Pencil to iPad (connecting via Lightning in the case of the first generation, or magnetic coupling for the second). Wait for the pairing message and then press ok, then wait at least 10-15 minutes before charging begins.

Reset Apple Pencil

If none of the previous solutions worked for you, just reset your Apple Pencil, here are the steps:

  • Open Settings on the iPad and tap Bluetooth.
  • Locate the Apple Pencil among the connected devices and touch the small “i” in the blue circle to its right.
  • Tap Forget This Device.
  • Carry out the pairing procedure again by connecting Apple Pencil to the iPad (in the case of the first generation), or by placing it on the magnetic coupling side (for the second generation).

That is everything you need to know about how to fix Apple Pencil not working issues. In the meantime, do not forget to check out our other guides on How to Use Apple AirTags to Track Dogs, and How to Transfer Data from Android to iPhone.