Guiding you on connecting various stylus pens to iPad: Insights on using the Apple Pencil, Logitech Crayon, and additional options.
Connecting Your Apple Pencil or Third-Party Stylus to Your iPad: A Comprehensive Guide
In the world of digital art and productivity, a good stylus can make all the difference. Whether you're using an Apple Pencil or a third-party option, connecting it to your iPad is a straightforward process once you know the steps. Here's a guide to help you connect your stylus to your iPad, based on its model and operating system.
Apple Pencil
The Apple Pencil, available in first and second generations, as well as the Apple Pencil USB-C (Apple Pencil Pro), offers a seamless drawing and writing experience.
- Apple Pencil 1st Generation: Compatible with iPad (6th to 10th generation), iPad Air (3rd generation), and iPad mini (5th generation). Connect by plugging the Lightning connector of the Apple Pencil into the iPad's Lightning port to pair and charge.
- Apple Pencil 2nd Generation: Compatible with iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd to 6th generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st to 4th generation), and iPad Air (4th generation and later). Pair by attaching the Apple Pencil magnetically to the side of the iPad, which also charges it wirelessly.
- Apple Pencil USB-C (Apple Pencil Pro): Works only with iPads running iPadOS 17.1.1 or later that support this model, typically the latest USB-C iPad Pros and Airs. Pairing method is similar to the Apple Pencil 2: attach magnetically to the iPad side for wireless pairing and charging.
Third-Party Stylus Pens
Many third-party styluses do not require Bluetooth for basic capacitive functionality, but advanced styluses like Adonit Touch, Adonit Script, and Adonit Touch 4 do pair via Bluetooth. To connect, enable Bluetooth on your iPad, power on the stylus, then pair it via Bluetooth settings or the manufacturer's app if needed. Adonit styluses often work well in apps like Procreate and Photoshop Sketch.
Logitech Crayon
Logitech Crayon is one of the best third-party options for iPad stylus pens. It's compatible with many iPads that do not support Apple Pencil 2, including the iPad 10th generation (which does not support Apple Pencil). Connects via Bluetooth; to pair, turn on the Crayon near the iPad and it should pair automatically.
Summary Table of Compatibility and Connection Methods
| Stylus | Compatible iPad(s) | Connection Method | |-----------------------|------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------| | Apple Pencil 1st Gen | iPad 6th–10th gen, iPad Air 3rd gen, iPad mini 5th gen | Plug Lightning connector into iPad to pair and charge[1][5] | | Apple Pencil 2nd Gen | iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd–6th gen, iPad Pro 11" 1st–4th gen, iPad Air 4th+ gen | Attach magnetically to iPad side to pair and charge wirelessly[1][3] | | Apple Pencil USB-C | Latest USB-C iPads with iPadOS 17.1.1+ | Attach magnetically to iPad side (wireless pairing & charging)[1] | | Adonit Touch, Script, Touch 4 | Various iPads, supports Bluetooth | Turn on Bluetooth > Power on stylus > Pair via Bluetooth or app[2] | | Logitech Crayon | iPad 10th gen, other compatible iPads not supporting Apple Pencil 2 | Power on near iPad > Bluetooth auto-pairing[4] |
Make sure your iPad runs the minimum iPadOS version required by the stylus to ensure compatibility and smooth pairing[1].
This approach allows you to connect and use Apple Pencil generations and popular third-party styluses according to your iPad model and OS version. Happy creating!
- In the realm of digital creativity, a good stylus can significantly enhance your drawing and writing experience, whether you opt for the Apple Pencil or a third-party alternative.
- The Apple Pencil, available in three variants (1st Generation, 2nd Generation, and Apple Pencil USB-C, or Apple Pencil Pro), offers a seamless art and productivity experience on compatible iPads.
- For the Apple Pencil 1st Generation, compatibility extends to iPad (6th to 10th generation), iPad Air (3rd generation), and iPad mini (5th generation), by plugging the Lightning connector into the iPad's Lightning port to pair and charge.
- The Apple Pencil 2nd Generation is compatible with iPad Pro (12.9-inch, 3rd to 6th generation), iPad Pro (11-inch, 1st to 4th generation), and iPad Air (4th generation and later), by attaching it magnetically to the iPad side for wireless pairing and charging.
- The Apple Pencil USB-C works only with iPads that support this model, which typically includes the latest USB-C iPad Pros and Airs, with pairing similar to the Apple Pencil 2 (attaching magnetically to the iPad side for wireless pairing and charging).
- Third-party styluses often don't require Bluetooth for basic functionality, but advanced models (like Adonit Touch, Adonit Script, and Adonit Touch 4) pair via Bluetooth. To connect, simply enable Bluetooth on your iPad, power on the stylus, and pair it via Bluetooth settings or the manufacturer's app if needed.
- Logitech Crayon is an effective third-party option for iPad stylus pens, compatible with many iPads that do not support Apple Pencil 2, including the iPad 10th generation. It pairs via Bluetooth; to connect, turn on the Crayon near the iPad, and it should pair automatically.
- By ensuring your iPad runs the minimum iPadOS version required by the stylus, you can guarantee compatibility and smooth pairing for both Apple Pencil generations and popular third-party styluses, enabling you to create meaningfully using your iPad.
