The Apple Pencil (1st gen) can be paired with any iPad that supports the Apple Pencil. It even supports hover on supported iPads. However, pairing requires some additional steps detailed here and it needs to paired again every time you charge the stylus.

Remove Apple Pencil From Old iPad

If the Apple Pencil (1st gen) is currently connected to another iPad, we must remove it from that device first:

1. Go to Settings

2. Tap on Bluetooth

3. Find “Apple Pencil” in that list

4. Tap on the Information-icon next to it

5. Tap on “Forget This Device”

6. Confirm by tapping the red “Forget Device” button

Setup LightBlue On New iPad

To be able to connect the Apple Pencil (1st gen) to an unsupported iPad, we must setup a third-party app that can connect to it.

1. Download LightBlue from the App Store

2. Allow the app access to Bluetooth

3. Complete the onboarding

4. Type “Apple Pencil” in the search field (in the “Devices” tab)

Trigger Apple Pencil Pairing

To make the Apple Pencil searchable we need to trigger pairing mode on it. This can be done using the old iPad or via the Lightning-to-Lightning adapter that comes in the box with the Apple Pencil (1st gen) and a USB-C to Lightning cable.

A) Disable Bluetooth on the previous iPad and plug in the Apple Pencil

or

B) Connect the Apple Pencil to your new iPad using an adapter

Connect to Apple Pencil from LightBlue

As soon as you trigger Apple Pencil pairing, go back to the LightBlue app and you should see Apple Pencil with a blue “Connect” button next to it. If there are multiple ones, pick the one furthest down.

1. Tap on Connect

2. Wait for the app to make the connection

3. Type password “1234” in the dialog box and select “Pair”

4. Unplug the Apple Pencil

Your Apple Pencil (1st gen) should now be connected to your new iPad.

If the Apple Pencil connects, but disconnects immediately. You should go to Settings > Bluetooth and forget all devices named “Apple Pencil” in there and try again.