Auto-refine handwriting not showing up.

I can't seem to find the auto-refine feature in the notes app or settings. My iPad (IPad Pro 3rd Gen) is on the latest iOS and it does show up on my iPad mini.

Anyone know what to do? Does my iPad even support it?


[Edited by Moderator]

iPad Pro

Posted on Oct 15, 2025 5:25 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 24, 2025 10:31 AM

Here are the most likely reasons it's not showing up and what you can check:


iPad Model and Processor Compatibility

The most significant factor is often the iPad's processor.

  • The Apple Intelligence features, including the new Auto-refine Handwriting, are generally only supported on iPads with an M1 chip or later (e.g., iPad Pro models with M1/M2/M4, iPad Air with M1/M2).
  • If you have an older iPad model (even if it supports the latest iPadOS version), it may not have the necessary hardware to run this feature.



How to Locate the Setting (If it is supported)

If you have a compatible iPad and the latest software, you should find the setting in the Notes app:

  1. Open the Notes app and start a new note.
  2. Tap the Markup tool (the pen tip icon) to bring up the tool palette.
  3. Tap the More Options button (three dots: ...) on the right side of the tool palette.
  4. You should see a toggle for Auto-refine Handwriting.



f you confirm your iPad has an M1 chip or newer and the feature is still missing, consider contacting Apple Support, as it may be a software bug specific to your device.


1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 24, 2025 10:31 AM in response to hashy784

Here are the most likely reasons it's not showing up and what you can check:


iPad Model and Processor Compatibility

The most significant factor is often the iPad's processor.

  • The Apple Intelligence features, including the new Auto-refine Handwriting, are generally only supported on iPads with an M1 chip or later (e.g., iPad Pro models with M1/M2/M4, iPad Air with M1/M2).
  • If you have an older iPad model (even if it supports the latest iPadOS version), it may not have the necessary hardware to run this feature.



How to Locate the Setting (If it is supported)

If you have a compatible iPad and the latest software, you should find the setting in the Notes app:

  1. Open the Notes app and start a new note.
  2. Tap the Markup tool (the pen tip icon) to bring up the tool palette.
  3. Tap the More Options button (three dots: ...) on the right side of the tool palette.
  4. You should see a toggle for Auto-refine Handwriting.



f you confirm your iPad has an M1 chip or newer and the feature is still missing, consider contacting Apple Support, as it may be a software bug specific to your device.


Auto-refine handwriting not showing up.

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