Apple Pencil Not Working After Update Quick Fixes That Restore Function

Software updates are meant to improve your device’s performance, but sometimes they introduce unexpected issues. One of the most frustrating problems iPad users face is an Apple Pencil that stops responding after an iOS or iPadOS update. Whether you're an artist, student, or professional relying on precise input, a non-responsive stylus can disrupt your workflow. The good news: in most cases, the issue isn’t permanent. With the right troubleshooting steps, you can often restore full functionality in minutes.

This guide walks through proven solutions—ranging from simple resets to deeper system checks—that have helped thousands of users regain control of their Apple Pencil after an update. No technical expertise required. Just practical, step-by-step advice based on real-world experiences and official support insights.

Why Your Apple Pencil Might Stop Working After an Update

Updates occasionally cause compatibility hiccups between hardware and software layers. While rare, iPadOS updates can interfere with Bluetooth pairing, driver recognition, or firmware synchronization needed for the Apple Pencil to operate. Both first- and second-generation Apple Pencils rely on stable Bluetooth connections and proper calibration with the iPad’s operating system. When an update alters background services or introduces new gesture handling (like palm rejection logic), it may temporarily disable or misconfigure the stylus.

Common symptoms include:

• No response when touching the screen with the Pencil
• Pencil pairs but doesn’t register pressure or tilt sensitivity
• Intermittent lag or skipping during writing/drawing
• “Not Connected” message despite being magnetically attached (for 2nd gen)
• Battery indicator missing from the status bar

Before assuming hardware failure, consider that over 90% of post-update Apple Pencil issues stem from software glitches—not damaged components. Most can be resolved without visiting an Apple Store.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Follow this logical sequence to identify and fix the root cause. Start with the simplest actions and progress only if needed.

1. Reconnect the Apple Pencil
   For 1st-gen: Unpair via Settings > Bluetooth, then re-pair by plugging into the Lightning port.
   For 2nd-gen: Remove from the side of the iPad, wait 10 seconds, then reattach magnetically.
2. Restart Your iPad
   Hold the top button (and home button on older models) until the power slider appears. Slide to power off, wait 30 seconds, then restart. This clears temporary memory conflicts caused by the update.
3. Check for Pending Software Updates
   Go to Settings > General > Software Update. Sometimes a follow-up patch resolves bugs introduced in the initial release.
4. Reset Bluetooth Connections
   Turn Bluetooth off for 15 seconds, then back on. Alternatively, toggle Airplane Mode on for 20 seconds, then disable it and re-enable Bluetooth.
5. Forget and Re-Pair the Pencil
   In Settings > Bluetooth, tap the “i” icon next to your Apple Pencil and select “Forget This Device.” Then reconnect using the standard method.
6. Check Accessibility Settings
   Navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Apple Pencil. Ensure “Ignore Accidental Drawing” is toggled appropriately. If enabled, it may block input under certain conditions.
7. Test in a Different App
   Open Notes or another native app to rule out third-party app incompatibility. Some apps require updates after a major OS change.

Tip: Always ensure your Apple Pencil has at least 20% charge before troubleshooting. A low battery can mimic connectivity issues.

Advanced Fixes When Basic Steps Fail

If the Apple Pencil still doesn’t respond, dig deeper into system-level settings. These methods address firmware mismatches or corrupted preferences.

Update All Apps

After an OS update, outdated apps may fail to communicate properly with input devices. Open the App Store, go to the \"Updates\" tab, and update all apps—especially creative tools like Procreate, Adobe Fresco, or GoodNotes.

Reset All Settings

This restores system defaults without erasing data. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings. You’ll need to reconfigure Wi-Fi, display preferences, and accessibility options afterward, but your files remain intact.

Check Pencil Firmware

The Apple Pencil receives firmware updates automatically when connected to a compatible iPad. To verify it's up to date:

• Ensure the Pencil is paired and attached.
• Keep the iPad powered on and unlocked for several minutes.
• Firmware updates occur silently in the background.

If you suspect outdated firmware, leave the Pencil connected overnight while the iPad charges.

DFU Restore (Last Resort)

If nothing works, perform a Device Firmware Update (DFU) restore using a computer. This reinstalls iPadOS completely. Use Finder (macOS Catalina+) or iTunes (older systems). Note: Back up your iPad first.

“Even after a flawless update, peripheral devices like the Apple Pencil can experience handshake failures. A clean reboot or settings reset usually re-establishes communication.” — Jordan Lee, Senior Support Technician at Apple Authorized Service Provider

Do’s and Don’ts: Quick Reference Table

Do	Don't
Restart your iPad after an update	Assume the Pencil is broken immediately
Fully charge both iPad and Pencil	Use third-party chargers near the Pencil port
Update all drawing/note-taking apps	Force eject the Pencil roughly (especially 1st gen)
Test Pencil in multiple apps	Ignore error messages about accessories
Clean the Pencil tip gently with a microfiber cloth	Apply liquid cleaners directly to the Pencil

Real-World Example: Artist Recovers Pencil Function Post-iPadOS 17 Update

Sophia M., a freelance illustrator from Portland, found her second-generation Apple Pencil unresponsive after updating her iPad Pro to iPadOS 17. She had a client deadline and couldn’t afford downtime. Initially panicked, she tried tapping the screen aggressively—only worsening the frustration. Remembering past minor glitches, she powered down the iPad completely. Upon restarting, she noticed the Pencil’s battery percentage briefly flashed in the status bar. Still no input, she opened Settings > Bluetooth and saw the Pencil listed as “Connected” but grayed out. She tapped “Forget This Device,” then reattached the Pencil magnetically. It paired instantly. Within two minutes, she was back to sketching. Later, she realized Procreate hadn’t updated alongside the OS—once updated, pressure sensitivity returned fully.

Her takeaway: “Don’t jump to conclusions. The fix was simpler than replacing the Pencil or restoring the whole device.”

Prevent Future Issues After Updates

While not every update causes problems, preparing your setup minimizes risk.

Tip: Schedule updates during low-workload periods. Avoid updating right before important creative sessions or meetings.

Here’s a maintenance checklist to follow after any major iPadOS update:

• ✅ Restart the iPad immediately after installation
• ✅ Confirm Apple Pencil connection in Settings > Bluetooth
• ✅ Launch one of your primary stylus apps and test input
• ✅ Check for available app updates in the App Store
• ✅ Calibrate screen response by drawing slow lines in different corners
• ✅ Verify battery status of both iPad and Pencil

Consider enabling automatic updates only for security patches, and manually install feature updates after reading community feedback online. Forums like Reddit’s r/iPad or Apple Support Communities often highlight known accessory issues within hours of a release.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an iOS update permanently damage my Apple Pencil?

No. Software updates cannot physically damage the Apple Pencil. Any malfunction post-update is due to temporary communication errors, which are typically reversible through troubleshooting.

Why does my Apple Pencil work in some apps but not others after an update?

This usually indicates that certain apps haven’t been optimized for the latest iPadOS version. Developers must update their apps to maintain full compatibility with new system-level changes affecting touch and stylus input. Check the App Store for pending updates.

Is it safe to use third-party styluses if my Apple Pencil fails repeatedly?

Some third-party styluses offer decent alternatives, but they lack pixel-perfect precision, pressure sensitivity, and palm rejection of the Apple Pencil. For professional or academic use, sticking with genuine Apple hardware ensures reliability. Recurring issues are more likely software-related than a sign of Pencil failure.

Conclusion: Regain Control Fast

An Apple Pencil that stops working after an update is a common but solvable issue. Most fixes take less than five minutes and don’t require technical skills. From restarting your iPad to resetting Bluetooth connections, the solutions outlined here have helped countless users restore full functionality quickly. Remember: patience pays off. Rushing to replace hardware or erase your device often leads to unnecessary cost and data risk.

Start with the basics—restarting, reconnecting, and checking for app updates—before moving to deeper resets. Keep this guide handy for future updates, and share it with fellow iPad users who might face the same frustration. Technology should empower creativity, not hinder it. With the right knowledge, you’re always in control.

💬 Did one of these fixes work for you? Share your experience in the comments—your insight could help someone else get back to creating today.