With the help of the Apple Pencil, navigating an iPad has become a lot easier. It provides a higher level of accuracy and finesse than a standard stylus. However, despite its greatness, some Apple Pencil users can be seen finding answers to questions like — why does my apple pencil keep disconnecting.
The Apple Pencil has a multitude of troubleshooting options if it keeps disconnecting. In most cases, they can be fixed without purchasing a new Apple Pencil or spending a lot of time re-connecting it. This guide will walk you through all the possible fixes for why does my apple pencil keep disconnecting.
Why does my Apple Pencil keep Disconnecting?
Why does my Apple Pencil keep disconnecting? Having an issue with the tip of your Apple Pencil can also cause it to disconnect. The Apple Pencil’s tip can suffer from various issues, including getting overly loose or worn out. You may simply re-tighten the tip of the Apple Pencil if it is loose to stop it from getting disconnected.
Why does my Apple Pencil keep Disconnecting: Reasons
Expect some hiccups and difficulties when you try to understand why does my Apple Pencil keep disconnecting. Troubleshooting does not only involve the Apple Pencil but also related technologies such as Bluetooth on your iPad that it uses to connect alongside many other functions.
The following are the most common reasons why does my Apple Pencil keep disconnecting.
Bluetooth Isn’t On
One of the most common reasons why does my Apple Pencil keep disconnecting is the Bluetooth activation. The Apple Pencil won’t be detected if Bluetooth is unintentionally switched off, which may happen to anyone. Scroll down into the Control Center (located in the newer iPadOS’ top right corner) or open the Settings app to verify that Bluetooth is enabled.
Issue With Bluetooth Connection
If your Apple Pencil keeps disconnecting, it might be because of Bluetooth difficulties. Try the following to solve the problem:
It’s essential to keep your iPad and Apple Pencil in close proximity. Make absolutely sure your iPad and Apple Pencil aren’t hindered in any way. Walls or metal items can disrupt the Bluetooth connection.
Your iPad and Apple Pencil may need a quick restart. You can restart your iPad by pressing and holding the Power button on your iPad until the slider shows up on its screen. After that, simply slide the slider towards the right to turn the device off. Wait 30 seconds after your iPad screen goes black, then hold down the Power button until the screen lights up with an Apple logo.
Make sure your iPad is running the latest version of iPadOS. The disconnection issue can also be resolved with a software update. Access the Software Update feature under Settings > General > About.
If you are still facing the disconnection issue with your Apple Pencil, there could be a significant problem with the hardware. You must take it to the nearest Apple Store to get it checked.
Apple Pencil Pairing
Why does my Apple Pencil keep disconnecting? The issue can also be resolved by re-pairing it with your iPad. Disconnecting and re-pairing your Apple Pencil may cure the problem.
To unpair your Apple Pencil, just go to Settings > Bluetooth > tap the “i” icon next to your Apple Pencil > tap Forget This Device option. After unpairing your Apple Pencil, wait for 30 seconds before attempting to pair it again with your iPad.
Also Read: Apple Pencil Not Connecting to iPad: We have the fix!
Apple Pencil Needs To Charge
Next, ensure that the battery in your Apple Pencil is fully charged before continuing. Your Apple Pencil will not be able to function until it achieves the desired level of battery charge. Low battery notifications appear when your Pencil’s battery is running low.
Remove the cap from your Apple Pencil, and then attach it to your iPad or iPad Pro’s Lightning connection to charge it. Or attach it to the side panel of your iPad if you have an Apple Pencil 2. After it’s done charging, check to see if it is still disconnecting like before.
Issues With Tip Of Apple Pencil
Another reason why my Apple Pencil keeps disconnecting could be issues with its tip. The Apple Pencil’s tip can suffer from various issues, including getting overly loose or worn out.
The tip of the Apple Pencil can often get loose. Just tighten it to restore its functionality. One of the early signs of a loose nib is that you can feel the tip wobble while working with your Apple Pencil. Just tighten the tip immediately to avoid further issues when you feel that the nib is loose.
Another reason is that the tip gradually wears down. Some screen protectors and the pressure you apply to the iPad’s surface might increase the likelihood of this happening more often. A new tip for your Apple Pencil may be purchased if the original is damaged or worn out.
Apple Pencil Keeps Disconnecting: How to Fix
Why does my Apple Pencil keep disconnecting? Follow the troubleshooting methods to fix the issue.
Charge the battery
The battery in your Apple Pencil may have discharged to the point that it can no longer retain a charge. Plugging it in for a few minutes may not be enough in this scenario. The Apple Pencil should be left to charge to 100%.
How to charge Apple Pencil 1
- Take the cap off the Apple Pencil.
- Insert the Pencil into your iPad’s lightning port.
- Wait for the charging notification to appear in the Notification Center Batteries widget.
- Wait until the Apple Pencil fully charges.
How to charge Apple Pencil 2
- Attach your Apple Pencil to the long side of the iPad. It will attach magnetically.
- Wait for the charging notification to appear in the Notification Center Batteries widget.
- Let it charge fully and then detach.
Check Apple Pencil Compatibility
You need to check if your Apple Pencil is compatible with the iPad you are trying to connect. Below are the compatible iPads for Apple Pencil 1 and Apple Pencil 2. Check and proceed accordingly.
Apple Pencil (1st gen) compatible iPads
- iPad (6th, 7th and 8th gen)
- iPad Air (3rd gen)
- iPad mini (5th gen)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd gen)
- iPad Pro 10.5-inch
- iPad Pro 9.7-inch
Apple Pencil (2nd gen) compatible iPads
- iPad mini (6th generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th and 5th gen)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation)
- iPad Air (4th and 5th generation)
Check the nib of Apple Pencil
The nib of the Apple Pencil often comes loose due to everyday use. However, if you notice the nib getting worn out, you’ll need to replace it with a new one included in the box. A loose connection implies you’ll have to re-tighten it for it to work seamlessly. It’s easy, and you shouldn’t put a lot of pressure while tightening it. Make sure it’s firmly attached.
Make sure Bluetooth is enabled
If Bluetooth is mistakenly disabled, the Apple Pencil won’t be able to communicate with the device. Swipe down into the Control Center (located in the newer iPadOS’ upper right corner) or open the Settings app to verify that Bluetooth is enabled.
- On your iPad, open the Settings menu.
- Tap the Bluetooth option.
- Turn on your iPad’s Bluetooth by toggling right. Your Apple Pencil will appear in the My Devices section when paired.
- If you cannot enable Bluetooth on your iPad, restart and try again.
Re-pair the Apple Pencil
Why does my Apple Pencil keep disconnecting? Try unpairing and re-pairing it with your iPad to get back to working properly.
How to pair Apple Pencil with iPad
- On your iPad, open Settings > Bluetooth.
- Tap the “i” icon next to Apple Pencil.
- Now, tap Forget This Device option and confirm your selection by tapping OK.
- Now, you can re-pair your Apple Pencil (1st gen) by plugging into your iPad or attaching it to the long magnetic side of your iPad for the Apple Pencil (2nd gen).
Clean iPad and Apple Pencil
If your Apple Pencil is covered with dust or other materials, it may hinder the performance of your Apple Pencil. For optimal performance, it is important to wipe the iPad screen and the nib of your Apple Pencil regularly.
Use a microfiber towel to wipe off the screen and the Apple Pencil’s nib after each use. Avoid cleaning your Apple Pencil with a wet cloth or cleaning product. If water seeps into the tip of your Apple Pencil, it might permanently harm the device.
Over time, the efficiency of Apple Pencil nibs deteriorates, making it difficult to use them effectively. You can replace old nibs with replacement nibs that come with the Apple Pencil, or if you’ve run out of tips, you may purchase new tips directly from Apple or Amazon.
Charge iPad
Why don’t you check to see whether your iPad has enough charge left? Ensure your iPad is fully charged to prevent your Apple Pencil from disconnecting. Plug the lightning connector to your iPad and leave it on charge for ample time. During this time, unpair your Apple Pencil and re-pair it once your iPad is done charging.
Restart your iPad
Sometimes the answer to why does my Apple Pencil keep disconnecting lies within your iPad. A software or an app glitch might be hindering the functionality of your Apple Pencil. Restarting your iPad is highly recommended to rule out any such issues. By restarting, all apps will shut down, and your iPad will start with a fresh session.
How to restart an iPad with Touch ID
- Press and hold the power button and Home button simultaneously.
- Wait for the Apple logo to appear and release the buttons as it shows up.
How to restart an iPad with Face ID
- Press and hold the volume up and down buttons simultaneously, and then release them.
- Now, press and hold the power button and wait for the Apple logo to show up on the screen to release the button.
Reset network settings
Before trying out this method, please note that this method will reset Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, and VPN configurations on your iPad. If you follow this method, you might be able to solve your Apple Pencil’s disconnection issue, but you’ll have to re-pair all of your Bluetooth devices, enter Wi-Fi passwords again, and re-configure VPNs.
How to reset network settings on iPad
- On your iPad, open Settings > General
- Now, tap Reset > Reset Network Settings
- Tap Reset Network Settings option once
After resetting the network settings, restart your iPad once.
Restart the app
When using your Apple Pencil, are you encountering problems with a particular app (Notes, for example)? Force close and restart this app. Just slide up from the Home screen to see the quick app switcher and swipe up the app you want to close. Re-open the app after 30 seconds and check if your Apple Pencil is working.
Check app compatibility
Not all the apps on your iPad are compatible with Apple Pencil. If it is a certain app that’s causing issues that are making you wonder why does my Apple Pencil keep disconnecting, it’s better to check your Apple Pencil in a default app like Notes. If it works fine in Notes, the issue lies with the app you were previously using.
Disable Zoom function
If Zoom is activated on your iPad, it is possible to have trouble with your Apple Pencil. You must disable this feature to use your Apple Pencil with your iPad. Follow the steps below to disable it.
- On your iPad, go to Settings
- Now, tap Accessibility > Zoom
- Disable the feature by toggling it off
Contact Apple Support
If you’ve tried all the methods outlined above and are still left with the question, why does my Apple Pencil keep disconnecting? Then your only option is to contact Apple support.
The Apple Pencil comes with a one-year guarantee. According to Apple, if your pencil is no longer covered under Apple’s warranty, hardware change such as installing a new battery could set you back $29.
Call 1-800-MY-APPLE or schedule an appointment at the Apple Genius Bar to solve your problem. The Apple support website also offers the option of requesting a mail-in repair or replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that we have shared all the troubleshooting methods and reasons behind why does my Apple Pencil keep disconnecting, it’s time to answer some related questions.
Why does my Apple Pencil stop working randomly?
A low battery is the most likely reason for an unresponsive Apple Pencil. Plugging it into your iPad’s lightning connector (for Apple Pencil 1) or attaching it to the long side of an iPad (Apple Pencil 2) should allow it to charge. Leave it to charge fully for seamless functioning.
Why won’t my Apple Pencil stay connected to my iPad?
If your Apple Pencil doesn’t stay connected to your iPad, it might be due to pairing issues. You need to un-pair the Apple Pencil and then re-pair it with your iPad to ensure proper functioning.
How do I keep Apple Pencil connected?
You can keep Apple Pencil connected to your iPad by ensuring that it has sufficient charge and is being used on a clean iPad screen with a clean nib and in a compatible app.
Conclusion
We hope this guide answers why does my apple pencil keep disconnecting. Which method did the trick for you? Let us know in the comments!
If nothing works for you, the issue could be much more serious than just changing the nib on your Apple Pencil. You will need to consult with Apple support to resolve it.
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