Apple pencil gen 2 suddenly not working

Hey! Im using an ipad pro 11" 2020 with an apple pencil gen 2, ive had it for around 5 years but while taking notes 3 days ago, my pencil suddenly stopped working? Does anyone have a fix for this??

- I've tried:

1. Shutting down my ipad

2. Forgetting pencil

3. Cleaning the pencil and magnetic side of ipad

4. Replacing tip


But for some reason it wont work? It pairs and says its 100% but when I take it off of the ipad it disconnects? Has anyone else had this issue? Please help :(


I'd really appreciate any possible help as im a uni student giving exams 😔😔

iPad Pro, iPadOS 26

Posted on Oct 25, 2025 6:06 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 25, 2025 9:31 AM

Your Apple Pencil is exhibiting symptoms of a failing/failed battery - that will not reliably accept or hold any charge. Given its age, this is perhaps not unexpected.


Aside from failure due to age, the Pencil's tiny internal Li-ion battery is susceptible to permanent/irreversible damage through being left discharged for long periods. Even some “new” pencils can exhibit signs of failure out-of-the-box if they are “old stock”. It is essential that if you have an Apple Pencil that you charge it regularly - whether used or not - so as to protect the battery from deep-discharge. Do not allow a pencil to remain in low-charge state for any period of time - as the internal battery will fail, rendering the Pencil useless. Setting aside an unused Pencil, for extended periods, is a recipe for premature death of the Pencil battery.


If the Pencil Battery has failed, the only remedy is to replace the Pencil.


You would be best advised to visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to test and assess your iPad and Pencil. If a fault is identified, you’ll be in the best possible place to explore your available options:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 25, 2025 9:31 AM in response to NarwhalRose

Your Apple Pencil is exhibiting symptoms of a failing/failed battery - that will not reliably accept or hold any charge. Given its age, this is perhaps not unexpected.


Aside from failure due to age, the Pencil's tiny internal Li-ion battery is susceptible to permanent/irreversible damage through being left discharged for long periods. Even some “new” pencils can exhibit signs of failure out-of-the-box if they are “old stock”. It is essential that if you have an Apple Pencil that you charge it regularly - whether used or not - so as to protect the battery from deep-discharge. Do not allow a pencil to remain in low-charge state for any period of time - as the internal battery will fail, rendering the Pencil useless. Setting aside an unused Pencil, for extended periods, is a recipe for premature death of the Pencil battery.


If the Pencil Battery has failed, the only remedy is to replace the Pencil.


You would be best advised to visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to test and assess your iPad and Pencil. If a fault is identified, you’ll be in the best possible place to explore your available options:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Apple pencil gen 2 suddenly not working

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