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Pairing an Apple Pencil with an iPad has changed a lot throughout the years.
First, the Apple Pencil 1 paired to iPads directly through the Lightning port. Then came the second-generation Apple Pencil which offered seamless wireless pairing. So, you’d be right to assume that the new Apple Pencil 3 would pair to an iPad in the same way. Because that’s how design progression works.
But, with Apple’s new focus on affordability, the Apple Pencil 3 will NOT have wireless pairing and is instead connected to an iPad through USB-C. After all, Apple is calling it the Apple Pencil USB-C for a reason.
Thinking of purchasing an Apple Pencil? Unsure which one will pair with your iPad? Fear not, this easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide on how to pair your Apple Pencil to an iPad removes all generation-related confusion!
Apple Pencil Compatability
First off, you need to know which Apple Pencil your iPad is compatible with. This all depends on whether your iPad has a USB-C or Lightning charging port:
iPads compatible with Apple Pencil 1:
- iPad 6th generation
- iPad 7th generation
- iPad 8th generation
- iPad 9th generation
- iPad 10th generation
- iPad Mini 5th generation
- iPad Air 3rd generation
- iPad Pro 9.7 inch
- iPad Pro 10.5 inch
- iPad Pro 12.9 inch (1st and 2nd generations)
iPads compatible with Apple Pencil 2:
- iPad Mini 6th generation
- iPad Air 4th generation
- iPad Air 5th generation
- iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation and later
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd generation and later
iPads compatible with Apple Pencil 3:
- iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation or later
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd generation or later
- iPad Air 4th generation or later
- iPad mini 6th generation
How to Connect Apple Pencil 1
The Apple Pencil 1 is connected entirely through the lightning adapter on your iPad. Thankfully, this makes it a simple process:
- Remove the cap at the top of the pen, revealing the lightning connector.
2. Plug it into your iPad’s lightning port (at the bottom of your iPad)
3. Wait for the Bluetooth pairing prompt to appear on your iPad’s screen
4. Tap on ‘Pair’ and you’ll be good to go!
If you have a 10th-generation iPad, then you will need one of Apple’s Lighting to USB-C adapters. Thankfully, these rather annoying and frankly unnecessary bits of kit will be made irrelevant by the Apple Pencil USB-C.
How to Pair Apple Pencil 2
The Apple Pencil 2 pairs wirelessly to your iPad, so make sure your iPad’s Bluetooth is turned on.
- Place the pen onto the right side of your iPad as you look at the screen. The Pencil will magnetically attach.
- Wait until your iPad displays a virtual pop-up of your Apple Pencil. An option to connect your iPad to your Apple Pencil 2 will appear.
- Tap ‘Connect’ and you’re safe to start scribbling away!
How to Pair Apple Pencil 3
The new Apple Pencil 3’s new USB-C port is a step back in terms of pairing technology, seeing as there is no Bluetooth involved. However, it does remain a simple process.
- Slide back the cap at the rubber end of your Apple Pencil. This will reveal a USB-C port.
- Connect your Apple Pencil 3 to your iPad using a USB-C cable.
- Once the pop-up window appears asking you to pair, tap ‘Connect’ and be on your way!
What If Your Apple Pencil Is Not Connecting?
1. Low battery
Ensure you have charged your Apple Pen to 50% power before you try to pair to an iPad.
2. Bluetooth turned off
Another easy step to overlook, but it’s worth quickly checking your Bluetooth is on. Head to SETTINGS then BLUETOOTH to enable pairing.
2. Dirty charging port
If you are connecting using a Lightning port or a USB-C cable, then check that your iPad’s input port is clean of debris. You can clean this area using compressed air or a non-metallic implement like a wooden toothpick.
3. Damaged Connectors
If all else fails, then you may have a damaged or broken component. This could either be your iPad’s charging port or your Apple Pen’s connector. To test if it is your iPad, simply plug in a charging cable. If it starts charging, then the fault is with your Apple Pen. Unfortunately, Apple Pens cannot be repaired by Apple so you may have to purchase a new one from the Apple Store.
Apple Pencil USB-C Pairing Thoughts
Although the wireless pairing of the Apple Pencil 2 is beautifully easy and impressive, the Apple Pencil 3 is a smart move from Apple. Yes, we may lose a few seconds whilst we scramble around for a USB-C charger but the $79 price tag is very attractive.
Of course, you sacrifice pressure sensitivity and the double-tap tool change ability, but if you have no need for the former, a cheaper Apple Pen can only be good news. Keep an eye out for Mark’s review when the Apple Pencil 3 drops, or read his early thoughts now!
