What to Know

• First generation: Plug the Apple Pencil into iPad Lightning port>tapPair Apple Pencil.
• USB-C: Plug in USB-C connector >Tap to Connect.
• Second generation and Pencil Pro: Attach the Apple Pencil to the magnetic connector on the side of your iPad.

This article explains how to pair your Apple Pencil with your iPad. We include Apple Pencil compatibility information because not all Apple Pencils work with all iPads.

How to Pair Your Apple Pencil With Your iPad, iPad Air, and iPad Pro

The first-generation and USB-C Apple Pencil models plug into the iPad via a LightningorUSB-C adapter. To pair yours, follow these steps:

1. Turn on the iPad and unlock it.

   You must have Bluetooth turned on for your iPad. If you don't, a dialog box prompts you to turn it on. TapTurn On when promptedor go toSettings > Bluetoothand turn it on.

2. Uncap the first-generation or USB-C Apple Pencil and plug it into the iPad.

3. TapPair or Connect, orTap to Connect, depending on your Apple Pencil generation and iPadOS version. The Apple Pencil is ready to use.

   

How to Connect Apple Pencil to iPad Without Plugging In

The second-generation Apple Pencil andApple Pencil Proattach magnetically to the top of the iPad.

To automatically connect either of these models to your compatible iPad, position the Apple Pencil on the wide side of your iPad-with the magnetic strip. You'll feel it snap to the iPad.

Apple Pencil Compatibility

To understand which Apple Pencil models are compatible with your iPad, consult the quick-glance information below.

Apple Pencil (1st generation)

The first-generation Apple Pencil works with the following iPads:

• iPad mini (5th generation)
• iPad Air (3rd generation)
  
• iPad (6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th generations)
• iPad Pro 12.9 inch (1st and 2nd generations)
• iPad Pro 10.5 inch
• iPad Pro 9.7 inch

Apple Pencil (2nd generation)

The second-generation Apple Pencil works with:

• iPad mini (6th generation)
• iPad Pro 12.9 inch (3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generations)
• iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generations)
• iPad Air (4th and 5th generations)

Apple Pencil (USB-C)

The USB-C Apple Pencil works with:

• iPad mini (6th generation)
• iPad (10th generation)
• iPad Air (4th and 5th generations)
• iPad Air 11-inch (M2)
• iPad Air 13-inch (M2)
• iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generations)
• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generations)
• iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
• iPad Pro 13-inch (M4)

Apple Pencil Pro

The Apple Pencil Pro works with:

• iPad Air 11-inch (M2)
• iPad Air 13-inch (M2)
• iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
• iPad Pro 13-inch (M4)
  

How Apple Pencil Is Different

The capacitive tip on a stylus interacts with a touchscreen device in the same way that our fingertips register on the screen while our fingernails do not. So, how does the Apple Pencil work with the iPad and iPad Pro?

The iPad's screen is designed with sensors that can detect the Apple Pencil. The pencil itself communicates to the iPad using Bluetooth, which allows the iPad to register how hard the Apple Pencil is pressing and adjust accordingly. As a result, apps that support the pencil create darker marks when you press the pencil harder against the screen.

The Apple Pencil can also detect when it's held at an angle, allowing the artist to turn a precise line into an eloquent brushstroke without the need to change to a new tool. This feature allows more freedom while working with the Apple Pencil.