Even though Apple Pencil never ceases to amaze, it too can malfunction. But most of the time, there is nothing to worry about. You can troubleshoot it at home by using the methods below.
If you are an Ipad stylus user, you cannot live without your Apple Pencil. The sublime experience of sketching on an Ipad pro is why we think Apple Pencil should never go out of order.
But alas, even the most crafty of Apple Devices can stop working. Out of the blue, you may find yourself in the middle of taking notes on your iPad screen, and your pen strokes would stop appearing. It might give you a nasty shock, and it becomes crucial to make it work once again.
However, 9 out of 10 Apple Pencil issues are not severe and can be resolved through DIY. We have compiled a list of 5 reasons why your Apple Pencil may have stopped doing your bidding and mentioned solutions to resolve them. There is almost always an easy fix to Apple Pencil issues, and some of these seem painfully obvious while others run a little deep.
Fortunately, by following our instructions below, you can resolve most of them without making a trip to the Apple support team.
Table of Contents
Restart Your Ipad
Restarting a device is one of the most common tips to resolve any Apple problems. But in Apple Pencil’s case, it is not your stylus that needs a restart. Instead, most of the time, your iPad is acting up, and you will need to restart it. This can be done by holding down the iPad’s power button and then swiping the slider that appears on the screen.
Another way to restart your iPad is by performing a “hard reset.” Here are some ways to do this:
Hard reset an iPad with Face ID.
- Hold and let go of the volume up button.
- Hold and let go of the volume down button.
- Press the power button.
- Release it when the Apple logo appears.
Hard reset an iPad with Touch ID.
- Press the power button and Home button together.
- Release them when the Apple logo appears
Recharge
In most cases, Apple Pencil stops responding because the battery is entirely out of juice. So, when you come across an irresponsive Apple Pencil, first ensure that your Pencil is charged.
Also, don’t forget to keep an eye on your Apple Pencil’s battery levels through the Battery widget, which can be found in the Notification Center on your device. If your Apple Pencil does not appear, wait for some time, so it charges up a little, and then looks for it again.
Pairing problems
Pairing problems are nothing new in the 21st century. So a big reason for your Apple pencil not working is that it is unpaired from your iPad. Please look at the iPad’s Bluetooth settings and check it out. Ensure that the Bluetooth is enabled, and then try to re pair your Apple Pencil again. This will take one minute. Here are the steps to do so:
- On your iPad and in the Settings app, tap the Bluetooth icon.
- In the connected devices list, look for your Apple Pencil and press the blue button next to its name.
- Tap Forget This Device and then tap OK.
- Then re pair apple pencils.
- For pairing the first-generation Apple Pencil, plug it into the iPad lightning port through the Lightning connector. This will generate prompt asking permission to pair.
- To pair a second-generation Apple Pencil, attach it to the magnetic connector, also known as iPad Pro’s charging strip.
Apple Pencil Tip Problems
Most of the time, the Apple Pencil stops working due to the deterioration of the Apple pencil tip (also known as the nib). Unfortunately, the quality of the nib does hinder your ability to doodle on your iPad. If the Apple Pencil’s nib is a little loose, tighten it all you need to do. However, if the nib doesn’t glide when you put your Pencil to your iPad or it feels rough, it’s time to replace it. It is a way to tell that your tip has exposed metal.
The good news is that the first-generation Apple Pencil offers one replacement tip. Unfortunately, however, the second-generation Apple Pencil doesn’t include any spare nibs. Fortunately, you can purchase Apple Pencil nibs separately. Thus, you will always be ready to replace it whenever the tip succumbs.
Compatibility problems
Another reason behind your Apple Pencil not working can be compatibility issues. For example, if your Pencil is charged, has a fresh nib, and is appropriately paired and is still not working, then in this case, it could be incompatible with the app in use.
Double-check to ensure that whichever drawing or writing apps you use to support your Apple Pencil, especially if they are paid apps. Sometimes there are glitches in the connection which can prevent your stylus from working correctly.
Beyond that, if the Pencil still doesn’t respond, it may not be compatible with your hardware, and you will have to check whether your iPad is compatible or not. There are 2 Apple Pencil models, and each works with specific iPads only. Here is a list of Ipads which each Apple Pencil is compatible:
- Apple Pencil 1:
- iPad Air (3rd generation)
- iPad mini (5th generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd generation)
- iPad Pro 10.5-inch
- iPad Pro 9.7-inch
- iPad (6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th generation)
- Apple Pencil 2:
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, and 5th generation)
- iPad Air (4th generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation)
- iPad mini (6th generation)
Contact a Pro
If all else fails, your Apple Pencil can still be salvaged by taking help from a pro. Yes, it’s time to contact Apple support online or pay them a visit at an Apple Store. You might be lucky if you still have a warranty left (both generations of Apple Pencils offer a 1-year warranty).
Hopefully, the support team will be able to diagnose and solve the Apple Pencil problem, and you will have it back in time and can resume your drawing or doodling. However, if, even after everything, you find your Apple Pencil not working, then it’s high time you replace it.
Last Few Apple Pencil Tips
We hope you get to the root of why your Apple Stylus is not working and can resolve it with these fixes in a timely fashion. However, there are some tips that you can apply to keep your Pencils working for a long time. Follow these and protect your Apple Pencils from Damage and malfunction:
- Keep the battery sufficiently charged.
- Don’t put too much pressure.
- Keep the Apple pencil covered when not in use.
Keep the points mentioned above in mind when using your Apple Pencil, and you will not see the day when it stops doodling and writing. Also, when in need, use the easy fixes and pass them on to your friends who share the love of Apple Devices.
