If you’re facing issues with your Apple Pencil 2 and it appears to be unresponsive or “dead,” there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and attempt to fix the problem.
1. Check the battery: The first thing you should do is ensure that your Apple Pencil has enough battery power. To do this, remove the cap from the back of the pencil and insert it into the Lightning port of your iPad for charging. You can also check the battery level by swiping down from the top right corner of the iPad’s screen to access the Control Center. Look for the battery widget and see if the Apple Pencil is listed there with its battery percentage.
2. Reconnect Bluetooth: Sometimes, connectivity issues can cause the Apple Pencil to stop working. To check if the Apple Pencil is connected via Bluetooth, go to the Settings app on your iPad. Tap on Bluetooth and look for your Apple Pencil under “My Devices.” If it’s not listed, it means it’s not connected. Tap on the pencil’s name and select “Connect” to establish the Bluetooth connection.
3. Unpair and re-pair: If reconnecting Bluetooth doesn’t work, you can try unpairing the Apple Pencil from your iPad and then re-pairing it. Go to the Settings app, tap on Bluetooth, and find your Apple Pencil in the list of devices. Tap the “i” icon next to it and select “Forget this Device.” Confirm the action and then restart your iPad. After the restart, go back to the Bluetooth settings and try pairing the Apple Pencil again by following the on-screen instructions.
4. Check for updates: Make sure your iPad’s software is up to date by going to the Settings app, tapping on General, and selecting Software Update. If there’s an update available, download and install it. This could potentially fix any software-related issues that may be causing the Apple Pencil to be unresponsive.
5. Clean the tip and contacts: Over time, dirt, debris, or oil smudges may accumulate on the tip or the charging contacts of the Apple Pencil, affecting its performance. Use a soft, lint-free cloth or a slightly damp cloth to gently clean the tip and the charging contacts. Be careful not to apply excessive pressure or use any cleaning agents that could damage the pencil.
6. Test on another device: If possible, try using the Apple Pencil on another compatible iPad to see if the issue persists. This will help determine whether the problem lies with the pencil or your specific iPad.
7. Contact Apple Support: If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it’s recommended to reach out to Apple Support for further assistance. They may be able to provide additional troubleshooting steps or determine if your Apple Pencil needs to be repaired or replaced.
Remember, these steps are general troubleshooting suggestions and may not guarantee a solution for every scenario. It’s always a good idea to follow the instructions provided by Apple or seek professional assistance if you’re unsure.