Find out how to connect a stylus pen to iPad, no matter the model.
How to connect a stylus pen to iPad(Image credit: Getty Images)
For creatives, one of the best things about the iPad is the ability to use a stylus, including the Apple Pencil. But it isn't always obvious how to connect a stylus pen to iPad. Although 2023 didn't grace us with a new iPad model, various iPad generations offer different ways of connecting, and third party stylus options are constantly shaking things up, which means it can be hard to know where to start.
Thankfully, it's usually pretty easy to work out how to connect a stylus pen to iPad – you just need to know which kind of iPad you're using, and which kind of stylus. If it's an Apple Pencil, you can physically attach it in one of two ways (depending on the model). And for most bluetooth third party iPad stylus options, you just have to make a quick visit to the Settings menu.
How to connect a stylus pen to iPad: Apple Pencil
How you’ll connect your Apple Pencil depends on which iPad you have (which will, of course, dictate which Apple Pencil you have). If you have either an iPad Pro from 2018 onwards, or 2022’s iPad Air 5, you’ll be using an Apple Pencil 2. Older iPads without the flat-edged design will use the Apple Pencil 1. Here’s how to connect them.
1. Remove the cap and plug your Apple Pencil into the Lightning connector on your iPad.
2. When you see the Pair button, tap it.
How to connect a stylus pen to iPad: Adonit
While many of Adonit's Apple Pencil alternatives don't use bluetooth, there are a few that do, such as the Touch with PixelPoint, Script, and Touch 4. Here's how to connect them.
1. Turn on Bluetooth in your iPad’s settings menu.
2. Power On Your stylus.
3. Connect your Jot Touch with Pixelpoint to any Jot-Ready App, including Photoshop Sketch, Procreate and many more – check out Adonit's list of recommended apps.
How to connect a stylus pen to iPad: Logitech Crayon
One of the most popular Apple Pencil alternatives is the affordable Logitech Crayon. With Apple-approved palm rejection, it's one of the best third party options out there.
1. Make sure iOS is version 12.2 or above by going to iPad settings → General → Software.
2. Disconnect previously connected digital pencils, such as Apple Pencil.
3. Press Logitech Crayon power button for 1-2 seconds until LED lights green.
Write and draw away!
With lots of third party options available, you may need to consult your stylus pen's manual to find out exactly how to connect it – but if it's a bluetooth model, it's likely to involve a simple pairing process like with the Adonit and Logitech examples above.
Daniel John is Senior News Editor at Creative Bloq. He reports on the worlds of art, design, branding and lifestyle tech (which often translates to tech made by Apple). He joined in 2020 after working in copywriting and digital marketing with brands including ITV, NBC, Channel 4 and more.
