How to Fix an Apple Pencil That’s Connected but Not Responding

Is your Apple Pencil showing as “connected” on your iPad, but not responding when you try to use it? This issue can be frustrating, especially when the Pencil appears fully charged and everything seems fine.

In this guide, I will walk you through the most effective steps to troubleshoot and resolve this problem so you can seamlessly use your Apple Pencil again.

Step 1: Check if Your Apple Pencil Tip is Well Screwed.

Sometimes, the simplest fixes can make a difference. If your Apple Pencil feels like it’s connected but still isn’t responding, check the tip to ensure it’s securely screwed on.

When the tip is even a little loose, it can prevent the Pencil from sensing pressure and responding correctly on your iPad.

Just give it a gentle twist to tighten it—don’t overdo it, as this could wear out the threads.

Once it’s snug, try using the Pencil again and see if it’s back to working smoothly.

Step 2: Turn On and Off Bluetooth

Refreshing the Bluetooth connection can help your Apple Pencil connect properly.

Head over to Settings > Bluetooth, then toggle Bluetooth off. Wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.

Once it’s back on, check if your Apple Pencil shows up as connected and see if it’s responding.

This simple reset often helps reestablish the connection and gets the Pencil working again.

Step 3: Forgot Apple Pencil in Bluetooth Settings

If toggling Bluetooth doesn’t solve the issue, try forgetting your Apple Pencil from the Bluetooth list and reconnecting it.

To do this, go to Settings > Bluetooth, find your Apple Pencil in the list of devices, and tap the i icon next to it.

Select Forget This Device and confirm.

Then, reconnect your Apple Pencil by attaching it to your iPad’s magnetic connector (for 2nd generation) or plugging it in (for 1st generation).

This step often helps reset the connection and clears out any glitches preventing it from responding.

Step 4: Force Restart Ipad

A Force restart can help resolve any lingering software issues that may be interfering with your Apple Pencil’s connection.

Here’s how to force restart your iPad:

1. For iPads with Face ID or without a Home button: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button, and then hold the Power button until the Apple logo appears.
2. For iPads with a Home button: Press and hold both the Home and Power buttons simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.

After your iPad restarts, reconnect your Apple Pencil and check if it’s responding as expected.

Step 5: Network Reset

If the previous steps haven’t solved the issue, try resetting your iPad’s network settings. Sometimes, Bluetooth or network configurations can cause connection problems, and resetting them can clear out any hidden conflicts.

Here’s how to reset your network settings:

Open the Settings app on your iPad.Go to General, then scroll down to Transfer or Reset iPad.

Tap Reset, and choose Reset Network Settings.Enter your passcode if prompted, and confirm the reset.

This process will erase saved network settings, including Wi-Fi passwords and VPN configurations. After the reset, reconnect to Wi-Fi and try pairing your Apple Pencil again.

Conclusion

After following all the steps in order, you should be able to connect and use your Apple Pencil.

However, if you’re still facing issues, I recommend taking your Apple Pencil and iPad to an Apple Store or a certified repair shop.

They can help identify the real cause of the problem, whether it’s a battery issue or potential hardware damage from a drop.

I hope this article has provided you with the knowledge to troubleshoot minor connectivity glitches on your own.

If the problem persists, the best approach would be to visit Apple for professional assistance.