Apple Pencil Pro not connecting to iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

My Apple Pencil Pro (2nd gen) suddenly stopped connecting to my iPad Pro 11-inch (M4).

I charge my Apple Pencil every day, even though I don’t use it very often, so I don’t think the battery was completely drained. I first noticed the issue when I attached the Pencil to the iPad to charge—it no longer showed the battery percentage.

I checked Bluetooth and tried manually connecting it. It showed a message, but unfortunately I don’t remember exactly what it said. I then forgot the Apple Pencil from Bluetooth and tried to reconnect it.

Since then, the Pencil no longer appears in the Bluetooth devices list. However, when I attach it magnetically to the iPad, I briefly get the “Apple Pencil — Tap to Connect” prompt in case my Bluetooth is off or after ipad is turned back on,When I tap it, the screen only shows the rotating Apple Pencil animation along the magnetic side, and then it disappears without connecting.

When bluetooth is on it just shows rotating pencil animation when i attach the pencil

I have already tried:

-Forgetting the Apple Pencil from Bluetooth

-Restarting the iPad

-Force restarting the iPad

-Erasing/resetting the settings

-Erasing network setting

-multiple restarts while keeping the pencil on and off the magnetic side

-Updating my iPad there was one update which i did and then one more which is recent iPadOS 27.0.1

Nothing has worked so far. I’d really appreciate any suggestions on what could be causing this and how I can reconnect the Pencil.

Posted on Oct 8, 2026 10:17 AM

1 reply

LotusPilot

Level 10 (334,506 points)

Oct 10, 2026 6:00 AM in response to Frustratedpencil

As described, the Pencil battery may have failed.

You should always keep your Apple Pencil Pro docked with your iPad when not being used - as this will keep the battery optimally charged - and, importantly, protect the tiny pencil battery from damage.

It is essential that if you have an Apple Pencil that you maintain its charge - whether used or not - so as to protect the battery from potential deep-discharge. Never allow a pencil to remain in a low-charge state for any period of time - as the internal battery will fail, rendering the Pencil useless. Setting aside an unused Pencil, for extended periods, is a recipe for premature death of the Pencil battery.

Remember, when not docked with the host iPad, the Pencil will "wake" from its low-power state with the slightest physical movement. When carried separately from the iPad, such as in a pocket or case, the Pencil battery will quickly discharge due to movement keeping the Pencil in its "active" state.

If the battery has failed, as a Pencil is not a serviceable item, the only remedy is replacement of the Pencil. You would be best advised to visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to hands-on test and assess your iPad and Pencil - and you can explore your available options:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple