Apple Pencil Pro not working on iPad mini after iPadOS 26 update

I was also struggling with this, tried unpairing and repairing restarting etc. many times.

but I was able to resolve the issue by resting network settings

general > transfer or reset > reset > reset network settings

will have to enter your WiFi password in again after restarting but was a fairly painless way to fix for me

christinefromnr crewe wrote:

I don’t have another ipad to test it with so what do I do now.

Consider visiting any retail store that has display iPads for customers to try. Try pairing your Pencil with a [compatible] display model; if the Pencil doesn't work, you have demonstrated that the Pencil is dead.

If the Pencil does work, take the Pencil home and re-pair with your own iPad; hopefully the Pencil will successfully pair. If not, this will indicate that the problem lies with your iPad. Substitution is an effective and conclusive troubleshooting technique.

Your alternative is to take both your iPad and Pencil to the Genius Bar at an Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP), where they will be hands-on tested and assessed at no cost. If a fault is identified, you'll be in the best possible place to explore your available options:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Sorted. I went to the store where I purchased both the iPad and the Pencil Pro, but they didn't have another iPad to test on. They did tell me there was an Apple Select Store in Telford Town Centre, which is local to me. They tested the Pencil Pro on another ipad and found it tobe faulty, it has been replaced today which was very quick so I am really pleased. Thank you Apple.

I had the same problem. Apple pen was still shown in “Bluetooth”, it just needed to be re-connected by inserting in tablet briefly. HTH

After taking my equipment to the genius bar they find that my apple pencil is now defective and needs to be replaced... thankfully under warranty. Note that many claim that after attaching their non-working pencil to another compatible ipad it will work and basically reset it in a way that could make it work on your ipad. That wasn't the case for me but TRY ATTACHING YOUR PENCIL TO ANOTHER COMPATIBLE IPAD AND SEE IF IT RESOLVES YOUR PROBLEM.

Yesterday, I updated my iPad to iOS 26, and the Pencil started disconnecting. After several attempts, I found a workaround. I removed the Pencil from the Bluetooth settings and then reconnect it. Repeated these steps several times. Finally, it worked. It’s not a perfect solution, but it did work for me.

For the benefit of other readers, pairing and testing with another compatible iPad is recommended - as this test establishes if the Pencil itself is serviceable...

If the Pencil doesn't pair with another compatible iPad, you will have demonstrated that the Pencil itself is defective. By contrast, successful pairing and operation shows that the Pencil is functional; any issues will therefore be with the original iPad.

Try and restart the iPad to see if the issues persist

If they persist, you might want to give this as feedback to apple, please do so using this form Product Feedback - Apple

LotusPilot, (There are Currys stores (these being Apple retailers with accessible devices for customers) in both Shrewsberry and Telford.)

I went into Curry’s in Telford, and they said the iPads on display didn't allow me to test the pencil because Bluetooth was blocked. I purchased both the iPad 13” M4 and the Pencil Pro in February, so I was disappointed that they wouldn't allow me to test the Pencil. All they suggested was to send it to an Apple Store. He then remembered there was an Apple outlet in Telford precinct, so we went there fortunately they sorted it straight away it was the Pencil Pro at fault, he sent for a replacement which delivered next day.

Went to the Genius Bar today. After two resets of my iPad and eventual wipe of all my data…my Apple Pencil Pro was replaced.

There are Currys stores (these being Apple retailers with accessible devices for customers) in both Shrewsberry and Telford.

This link may help you to find AASPs local you:

Find Locations- Apple (UK)

Otherwise, you might trying seeking advice directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively, you can initiate and manage your support cases from Apple devices using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044

This is a major issue with iPadOS 26. Don’t mess with your devices, just wait for the update

My apple pencil pro is also not working consistently with my ipad air m3 13" after update to os 26.0.0 and 26.0.1 all apps are updated also. I'm trying a factory reset now. I've tried all the solutions except using it with another ipad. This has stopped my work flow completely. Reset didn't work. Forgetting device, rebooting, and attaching magnetically doesn't work. When attached initially it shows connected and 100% charged, then within seconds it disconnects and will not reconnect or will only reconnect for seconds. I've tried to use it in notes, no joy. I've tried to use scribble in the settings, no joy, I've been using it daily in my work for the past 6 months without issue until this update. I have never allowed it to discharge past 50%. I don't think it is a coincidence. I think this is absolutely new OS update related. Apple, please fix this issue. I should have bought a waccom!

The network reset worked for me. Thanks Memischap.

Since updating my new iPad A16 with iOS 26, my Apple Pencil can only be connected via cable. I have been in contact with Apple Support for an hour and a half, and they ultimately said it is a software issue.