iPad Pro M5 - Pencil Pro won’t connect

ere are the most common ways to resolve pairing issues:

1. Check the Physical Connection

• Remove the Case: If your iPad Pro has a case, especially a thick one or one that wraps around the magnetic charging edge, remove it. The case might prevent the Pencil Pro from making proper magnetic contact for pairing and charging.
• Re-center and Re-attach: Make sure the Apple Pencil Pro is properly centered on the magnetic connector on the long edge of your iPad Pro M5. Attach it firmly and wait a moment for the pairing prompt to appear.

2. Check and Reset Software

• Check Bluetooth: Go to Settings > Bluetooth on your iPad Pro and ensure Bluetooth is turned on.
• Toggle Bluetooth: Turn Bluetooth off, wait about 10 seconds, and turn it back on.
• Forget and Re-pair: If the Apple Pencil Pro appears under My Devices in the Bluetooth settings, tap the information icon next to it, and select Forget This Device. Then, re-attach the Pencil Pro to the magnetic connector on your iPad to initiate the pairing process again and tap Pair when prompted.
• Restart the iPad: Restart your iPad Pro M5. Some users find it helpful to restart the iPad with the Pencil Pro still attached to the magnetic side. After the restart, detach and re-attach the Pencil.
• Check iPadOS: Make sure your iPad Pro M5 is updated to the latest version of iPadOS. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.

3. Advanced Steps

• Charge the Pencil: A fully drained Pencil Pro battery might prevent pairing. Leave the Pencil Pro attached to the magnetic connector on your iPad Pro for at least 15 minutes to ensure it has enough charge before attempting to pair.
• Reset Network Settings: As a last resort, this can clear up any persistent Bluetooth bugs. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This will erase saved Wi-Fi passwords and VPN settings, so you'll need to re-enter them.

So today's update. went back to Best Buy. The geek squad tested my iPad M5 with an open box pencil pro and it connected and was charging. I did not want the open box pencil pro as the warranty started when whomever bought it and requested a new pencil pro. Got the new 3rd pencil pro and it connected and started charging; however, the charge started at 16% unlike the previous 2 new pencils were at 0%. Perhaps they both had dead batteries to start off with...? I stayed at the store until the pencil charged to 80% and then drove home. Fingers crossed it continues to charge up to 100%.

I replaced the pencil twice. Third time-o replaced the IPad Pro and the pencil. That was weeks ago.

Apple told me to replace the iPad Pro. It seems something was wrong with the IPad-and would start draining the pencil battery, destroying the pencil. After going through 3 pencils in 1 week, it could only be the IPad.

Similar experience to Davis Boy. Left pencil pro in charging position on iPad M5 overnight. Next morning a pencil pro icon appeared. Still could not use the pencil apparently due to low charge. Left charging all day. That evening the pencil pro was fully charged and functional.

Similarly to Davis Boy left the pencil pro on the iPad m5 charging position overnight. Next day a pencil pro icon showed up on the home screen. Pencil still did not fully function. That evening after checking again the pencil pro was fully charged and functional.

Are you running a VPN? If so turn it off.

For me I have exactly the same behaviour with any apple pencil pro for my ipad pro M5.

I bring back the pencil to my 2023 ipad and it works just fine.

You need to buy a new pencil. Apple pro

I found this out by asking at the Apple Store

I purchased the newest pencil and it work perfect

Replace my pencil pro at Best Buy. 48 hours started again. Went from 97% to 57% in 20 minutes.

on phone with Apple. Going to exchange iPad Pro (M5) replacement tomorrow.

Yep me too. Just bought iPad Pro M5 on 10-31-25 and pencil pro. 1st pencil wouldn't stay connected or charge. went back to Best Buy today they gave me another new pencil pro. It connects but won't charge even after 3+ hours it is at 0%. IOS 26.0.1.

I'm going back to Best Buy Tomorrow and if they can't get another pencil to work on this iPad the iPad and pencil are going to be returned. I am a professional artist and if I can't draw on this iPad it's not worth it...

Apparently this IS a major problem...what a disappointment Apple!

I’m saying I have I pad pro 13 inch M5, and I’m not able to connect any of them, it doesn’t detect the pencil or align with magnet properly and USB C pencil doesn’t have pressure sensitivity so it won’t work for me since I bought it for drawing purposes only.

supratibh32 wrote:

I’m saying I have I pad pro 13 inch M5, and I’m not able to connect any of them, it doesn’t detect the pencil or align with magnet properly and USB C pencil doesn’t have pressure sensitivity so it won’t work for me since I bought it for drawing purposes only.

Your iPad Pro M5 fundamentally does not support the second generation Pencil - but does support the Apple Pencil Pro and the USB-C Pencil.

A USB-C Pencil cannot be paired or charged using the iPad's magnetic charging dock; the USB-C Pencil can only be paired (or charged) by connecting to the host iPad using a USB-C cable.

i have also tried everything listed and it will not connect