Couple of angles that haven’t really been covered yet, focusing on “it feels off / not accurate / not writing everywhere” rather than just “won’t turn on”.
1. Test in two kinds of apps
Notes is great, but sometimes it masks issues. Try:
- Apple Notes (new blank note, use the Pencil tool)
- A third‑party app like Procreate or GoodNotes
If it works in Notes but is laggy or skips strokes in drawing apps, that is usually performance or palm rejection, not a “power” issue.
2. Turn off Pencil‑related settings that can confuse things
On some iPads, features make it look like the Pencil is flaky when it is actually doing what it was told.
Check in Settings:
- Apple Pencil > Only Draw with Apple Pencil:
Turn this on while testing so your finger does not draw and confuse you. - Scribble: Temporarily turn it off to make sure the Pencil is just drawing instead of trying to convert handwriting in text fields.
I slightly disagree with relying only on Bluetooth status like others suggested. Apple Pencil 2 in particular can sometimes show as connected in Bluetooth but still behave weirdly until you reattach it to the magnetic side and wait a few seconds.
3. Remove screen protector / case for 2 minutes
Thick glass or misaligned screen protectors can cause:
- Missed strokes near the edges
- Extra pressure needed for the Pencil to register
Pop off the case edge near the Pencil area and, if possible, try for a minute without a screen protector. If it suddenly behaves perfectly, the Pencil is “on” and fine, your accessories are the culprit.
4. Clean the Pencil tip and screen
Oil or dirt on the tip can make it feel like it is not responding:
- Gently wipe the Pencil tip with a soft, slightly damp cloth
- Wipe the iPad screen clean and dry
Also, try tightening the tip a quarter turn. A slightly loose tip can cause intermittent non‑response that looks like a dead Pencil.
5. Replace the tip as a diagnostic
A worn tip can make a brand‑new Apple Pencil feel broken. If you have a spare tip in the box, swap it:
- Unscrew the old tip counterclockwise
- Screw the new one on snugly, but not forced
If it suddenly starts working perfectly, the “power” was never the problem.
6. Quick reset combo that sometimes helps
If everything sort of works but is laggy or glitchy:
- Restart the iPad.
- Forget the Pencil in Bluetooth if it shows up.
- Reattach / reconnect the Pencil and wait for the pairing prompt.
Here I agree with @andarilhonoturno that you should not burn hours on this step. If a clean restart and re‑pair do not change anything, it is time to get Apple to look at the hardware.
About “How To Turn On Apple Pencil” as a topic
The biggest mental shift: there is no power button, and Settings does not have a master switch for it. Think of the Pencil more like an automatic key fob for a car. If it is the right key for the right car, charged, and nearby, it just works. If any of those three are wrong, it feels completely dead.
Pros of focusing on this “How To Turn On Apple Pencil” approach:
- Clears up the myth that there is a hidden on/off switch.
- Helps you narrow down whether the issue is pairing, hardware, or accessories.
- Works the same across most compatible iPads, so the logic is reusable.
Cons:
- Apple’s naming and compatibility matrix is confusing, so you still need to double‑check your exact model.
- It does not solve defective hardware; at some point a store visit is unavoidable.
@andarilhonoturno covered the model matching and DOA angle well. The extra checks above help if your Pencil technically “turns on” but still feels wrong in everyday use.