iPad (10th gen) not pairing with Apple Pencil (USB-C) after iPadOS update

IPad (10th gen) doesn’t pair or detect any Apple Pencil (USB-C) after iPadOS update, Bluetooth otherwise works

I have an iPad (10th generation), Model Number MPQ33RK/A - Neither of my two Apple Pencils is recognized by the iPad. This is a recent failure.

Apple Pencil (USB-C), Model A3085, MUWA3ZM/A. Previously worked; stopped working after an update. A second pencil is a new, fully charged Apple Pencil (USB-C) from the same model, and also fails.

What I’ve tried:

Charged both pencils fully. Connected the USB-C pencil directly to the iPad’s USB-C port with the cable, and waited more than 60 seconds. No pairing prompt appears.
Forgot the pencil in Settings > Bluetooth. Pencil does not appear under My Devices or in Bluetooth
Restarted the iPad and toggled Bluetooth.
Full factory reset (“Erase All Content and Settings”), set up as a new device, with the latest iPadOS installed.
Tested the iPad’s Bluetooth with AirPods Pro and other Bluetooth headphones. Connections work normally
Third-party styluses (non-Apple) work on this iPad.
Checked the USB-C port for debris

PLEASE HELP !!!

Posted on Nov 8, 2026 8:25 AM

1 reply

LotusPilot

Level 10 (334,506 points)

Nov 8, 2026 8:34 AM in response to Andyger15

Ensure that you have updated your iPad to the most recent version of iPadOS. At the time of writing, iPadOS 26.7.2 and iPadOS 27.2 are current.

If your iPad is not operating as expected, try a forced-restart - as this will often clear an isolated software issue:

Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
Press and hold the top button.
When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.

If the problem with your iPad and Pencil persists after performing the restart, it may be necessary to reset your iPad settings. While this reset will not cause any loss of data, as a precaution, it is always wise to ensure that you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup before performing the reset:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

When you are happy to proceed, you can perform the reset from iPad settings:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings

If the problem still doesn’t clear, the next step is to reset the iPad to factory settings:

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support

Otherwise, you would be best advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively and perhaps easier, you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed on your iPad, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044