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How do I fix an unresponsive Apple Pencil?

Steps to take if your Apple Pencil is unresponsive while using Astropad Studio.

Updated over 2 months ago

Quick answer

📋 Most common fix:

  • Charge your Apple Pencil for 10 minutes (plug into iPad for Pencil 1, attach to side for Pencil 2)

  • Still not working? Try restarting Bluetooth or re-pairing your Pencil

🔋 First step: Check your battery

If Apple Pencil is acting unresponsive, it's most likely out of battery. Try charging your pencil:

  • Apple Pencil 1: Plug into your iPad

  • Apple Pencil 2 & Pro: Place on the side of your iPad

  • Apple Pencil USB-C: Plug into your iPad using the pencil's cable + adapter.

Let it charge for about 10 minutes, then try using it again.

📶 If the problem still persists...

You may need to re-establish a connection with your iPad:

  1. On your iPad, try turning Bluetooth off and on - this can restart the connection

  2. Check that your Apple Pencil's tip is securely tightened

🔄 If all else fails...

You'll likely need to charge your Pencil and force it to re-pair with the iPad:

  1. Let the Apple Pencil charge for at least one hour using the charging instructions above

  2. Remove Pencil from Bluetooth settings: Go to Bluetooth settings on your iPad and tap "Forget This Device" next to your Pencil

  3. Re-pair your Pencil: Plug it into your iPad (or attach to side) with Bluetooth enabled, and follow the pairing dialog that appears

  4. Test it out: Give it a try in Astropad again once it's successfully paired

❌ Still not working?

We recommend contacting Apple Support for additional help with your Apple Pencil.

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