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How to Fix an Apple Pencil That Skips, Draws Uneven Lines, or Stops Responding

Start with compatibility, tip condition, and charge; then test in another app and reconnect the Pencil if it has stopped responding.
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If your Apple Pencil skips, draws uneven lines, or stops responding, first confirm that the Pencil and iPad are compatible. Then check the tip and charge, test in another app, and reconnect the Pencil if input has stopped. These checks can help distinguish an app glitch from a connection or hardware problem without assuming a replacement Pencil is needed.

1. Confirm your Apple Pencil and iPad are compatible

Identify the exact Apple Pencil and iPad models before troubleshooting pairing or buying a replacement tip. Compatibility and connection methods vary by model; check Apple’s Apple Pencil compatibility and pairing guide for your specific iPad.

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One important exception: pairing Apple Pencil (1st generation) with iPad (10th generation) requires a USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter and a compatible cable. Follow Apple’s instructions for that combination rather than assuming the Pencil plugs directly into the iPad.

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2. Check the tip and battery

Make sure the tip is secure

Check that the Pencil tip is attached firmly. Goodnotes Support identifies a loose or worn tip as a possible contributor to delayed input, missed strokes, or unexpected lines; that is a troubleshooting possibility, not proof that the tip is the cause. If the tip is visibly worn or damaged, replace it with one compatible with your Pencil model.

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Apple warns: “With use, the tip of Apple Pencil will wear down, and you’ll need to replace it to avoid damaging the iPad screen.” See Apple’s Safety and handling guidance. A replacement tip is appropriate when wear or damage is visible, but it is not a guaranteed fix for continued skipping.

Check whether the Pencil needs charging

If the Pencil is unresponsive or working intermittently, check its battery. For Apple Pencil (USB-C), Apple says you can check the battery level in the Batteries widget or in Settings. It pairs and charges through a compatible iPad’s USB-C connector; it can also charge with a USB-C cable and power adapter. See the iPad User Guide instructions for Apple Pencil (USB-C).

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3. Test whether the problem is limited to one app

Write a few lines in Apple Notes, Freeform, or another app that supports Apple Pencil. If the Pencil works normally there but skips in one particular app, investigate that app’s settings and updates before treating the Pencil as faulty.

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For a problem that occurs specifically in Goodnotes, Goodnotes Support suggests turning off Accessibility Zoom as one diagnostic. Its Apple Pencil troubleshooting guidance also recommends testing in another app. If skipping or uneven lines occur across multiple apps, the issue may involve the Pencil or iPad rather than one app.

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4. Reconnect the Pencil if it stops responding

Use the connection method for your Pencil model. Apple’s pairing guide gives model-specific steps; its general recovery sequence is:

  1. Connect the Pencil to the iPad using the correct method for that model, and leave it connected.
  2. Restart the iPad while the Pencil remains connected.
  3. Confirm Bluetooth is turned on in Settings.
  4. If the Pencil appears under Settings > Bluetooth, tap its information button and choose Forget This Device.
  5. Reconnect the Pencil and tap Pair when the button appears. If it does not appear, wait one minute for the Pencil to charge, then try again.

If you have Apple Pencil Pro or Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and pairing fails, remove the iPad case or cover and retry. For Apple Pencil (USB-C), connect it to the compatible iPad’s USB-C connector to pair; alternatively, use the compatible USB-C cable and power adapter for charging.

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5. Know when to contact Apple Support

If the Pencil still skips across apps after you have checked that the tip is secure, checked its charge, and restarted the iPad, contact Apple Support for device-level help rather than buying a replacement Pencil on speculation. If it will not pair and Apple’s steps still do not make the Pair button appear, Apple says service may be needed.

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