An Apple Pencil stands out as one of the finest accessories for your iPad, particularly if you’re a digital artist or designer. Even casual users can benefit from its sleek design for scribbling and note-taking. However, its Bluetooth functionality, while enhancing the user experience, also increases the likelihood of misplacement, a common woe for Apple Pencil owners. Unlike other Apple devices, finding a lost Apple Pencil isn’t straightforward, especially if its battery has depleted. Despite this, there are methods to locate your missing stylus, which we’ll explore in this article.
Unfortunately, while Find My supports most Apple devices, it doesn’t extend to the Apple Pencil yet. Though this may seem unfair, there are alternative methods to find your lost stylus until Apple integrates this feature.
Method 1: Using your iPad
One option is to leverage your iPad’s Bluetooth connectivity to track the Apple Pencil’s approximate location. Before starting your search, ensure that Bluetooth on your iPad remains active, as turning it off could cause the Apple Pencil to disconnect and enter power-saving mode.
Here’s a guide on how to locate a lost Apple Pencil:
1. Open the Settings app on your iPad and navigate to the Bluetooth section.
2. If your Apple Pencil is shown as Connected, it means the stylus is within 30 feet of your iPad. In this case, thoroughly search the nearby area. Check behind cushions, under the couch, or in the drawer of your bedside table.
3. If the Pencil is listed as Not Connected, it’s beyond the Bluetooth range. In this scenario, walk around the area where you last used your Apple Pencil. This could be your workstation, couch, or living room.
Keep in mind that obstacles like floors or thick walls can reduce the Bluetooth range. Nevertheless, this method is effective for tracking an Apple Pencil if it’s lost in your room, near your office desk, or within close proximity.
Method 2: Try a Bluetooth tracker app
You can also employ a Bluetooth tracker app to locate your Apple Pencil. One such popular option is Wunderfind. As long as Bluetooth is enabled on your iPad, you can utilize this app to find your lost stylus. However, this method is effective only when your Pencil is charged and active. Here’s how to use the app:
1. Download the Wunderfind app from the App Store.
2. Open the app to view a list of devices previously paired with your iPad.
3. Move around until the Apple Pencil shows as Connected in the app.
4. The app will display a radar indicating your proximity to the Apple Pencil. Use this to help you locate your stylus.
The free version of this app allows you to track your lost Apple Pencil. There’s also a Pro version available that includes a Map for more precise location tracking.
Method 3: Retrace Your Steps
Regrettably, the Apple Pencil cannot be tracked using Apple’s Find My network. Consequently, you’ll need to resort to the traditional method of retracing your steps. Recollect your activities and try to pinpoint where you last had your Apple Pencil. If you primarily used it in your office, meticulously search around your desk, checking behind the monitor, under the table, and in drawers.
Alternatively, if you used your iPad and Apple Pencil in a coffee shop, inspect the table you occupied or inquire with the manager about any found styluses.
Admittedly, this method is less than ideal, especially if you’ve used your Apple Pencil in multiple locations. Nevertheless, if you’re unsure of what to do next, this approach is a reasonable starting point.
Method 4: Wake your Apple Pencil
The final tip for locating a lost Apple Pencil is to wake it up. If your stylus has been missing for a while, it may have entered sleep mode. In this state, even if it has a charge, you won’t be able to connect to it. To determine its location, you’ll need to wake it up.
While retracing your steps, try moving your belongings around. Shake your laptop bag or purse, check under couch cushions, or rearrange items in your drawer. If you suspect the Pencil might be in your car, driving around can help activate it. Movement can prompt the Apple Pencil to wake up, potentially causing it to appear in your list of connected devices. Once it’s within range, you can use other methods to locate your lost Apple Pencil.
Tips to Avoid Losing Your Apple Pencil
After locating your Apple Pencil, you’ll want to ensure it remains safe to prevent future losses. If you haven’t misplaced it yet, that’s great, but it’s still wise to safeguard it to avoid any potential inconveniences.
To help you keep track of your Apple Pencil, here are some straightforward tips and tricks:
1. Maintain a charge
To prevent losing your Apple Pencil, it’s crucial to keep it charged. As mentioned earlier, tracking your Apple Pencil is only possible when it has power. However, your Pencil might lose its charge if left unused for an extended period. To avoid this, ensure you regularly charge your Apple Pencil.
For Apple Pencil 2, simply place the stylus on the iPad’s magnetic charging point. For the first-generation Apple Pencil, remove the cap and connect it to the Lightning port of your iPad. If you have the Apple Pencil USB-C model, slide open the end of the stylus and connect a USB-C charge cable, with the other end connected to your iPad or a power adapter.
Keep in mind that if your Pencil remains uncharged for several weeks, its battery may deteriorate, rendering your Apple Pencil unusable. In such cases, contact Apple, especially if your stylus is under warranty, as you may qualify for a free replacement. Note that Apple does not repair or replace these batteries individually.
2. Personalise your Apple Pencil
If you work in a shared office where multiple people use Apple Pencils, identifying your own can be challenging. In such environments, personalization can help ensure your stylus doesn’t get mixed up with others.
One approach is to take advantage of the free engraving service offered at the time of purchase. Engraving your Apple Pencil makes it easily distinguishable. If you happen to misplace it in a coworking space or café, it’s less likely to be mistaken for someone else’s, as its resale value would be lower.
Another option is to personalize your Apple Pencil with stickers or a case. Whichever method you choose, personalization adds a unique touch to your stylus and reduces the likelihood of confusion or theft.
3. Keep it attached to your iPad
For Apple Pencil 2 owners, keeping it attached to your iPad is a great way to minimize the risk of losing your stylus. Not only does this ensure its safety, but it also charges the Pencil while connected, offering a convenient solution. With this in mind, it’s wise to always keep your Apple Pencil on your iPad.
If you own an Apple Pencil 1 or a USB-C model, consider investing in an iPad case with a dedicated slot for storing your stylus. This provides a secure way to carry your stylus around, alleviating concerns about misplacing it.
4. Attach an AirTag
In today’s world, GPS trackers have become increasingly common. These smart trackers can be attached to valuable items such as keys, luggage, and even your Apple Pencil, helping prevent loss or theft. If you prefer official Apple accessories, consider purchasing an AirTag.
One of the key benefits of using an AirTag is its integration with Find My, allowing you to track your lost Apple Pencil. Additionally, these smart trackers are lightweight, ensuring they don’t interfere with your writing experience. Furthermore, attaching a Bluetooth tracker enables you to locate your Apple Pencil even if its battery is depleted or it has entered sleep mode.
If you frequently misplace small gadgets like I do, investing in a pair of AirTags is a wise choice. However, there are also several alternatives to AirTags that offer similar functionality and reliability.
5. Use a stand or case
To prevent the loss of small gadgets like your Apple Pencil, it’s best to designate a specific storage area for them. As you organize your workspace, consider setting aside a special spot for your Apple Pencil to minimize the chances of misplacement. You can opt for Apple Pencil cases, stands, or charging stations to keep your stylus safe. By doing this, you’ll always know where to find your stylus when you need it.
If you share your Apple Pencil with others, whether in the office or at home, it’s important to agree on a secure storage location. This ensures that everyone knows where to find the stylus and avoids any unnecessary confusion or concern.
This concludes our guide on finding a lost Apple Pencil. We hope these tips have been helpful in locating your stylus. Since retrieving a lost pencil can be challenging, we recommend taking preventive measures to minimize the risk of losing it. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below.
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