How to Find a Lost Apple Pencil? 6 Tips to not lose it

The Apple Pencil is not only is it a great tool for digital artists and designers, but it has also helped ordinary users take notes like never before. However, there is one problem that plagues many Apple Pencil users, they just keep losing it. 

Ways to Find Your Lost Apple Pencil 

Due to its Bluetooth-enabled design, the Apple Pencil provides unobstructed capabilities to write as well as draw in whatever way you want. However, the wireless nature makes it easier for users to lose the pencil. 

Many Apple Pencil owners have wondered if they can track the Apple Pencil using Apple’s Find My App. Though Apple’s Find My app can be used to find most Apple devices, sadly, the feature does not work with the Apple Pencil. 

So, till Apple decides to add the capability, I have given a few alternative methods you can use to find your lost Apple Pencil instead. 

1. Use the iPad’s Bluetooth Connectivity 

To check if your Apple Pencil is close by, navigate to Settings > Bluetooth > My Devices on the iPad. If your Apple Pencil shows Connected, it can be understood that it must be within 30 feet, because that is the range of Bluetooth. 

Note – Bluetooth range significantly reduces depending on the materials in between devices. For example, thick walls, floors, or even furniture have the ability to affect how well the Apple Pencil connects. 

If your Apple Pencil shows that is connected; it is probably a lot closer than 30 feet. 

2. Download the Bluetooth Finder App 

The Bluetooth Finder app is able to help you find your Apple Pencil by connecting to the wireless signature. Note – Using the Bluetooth Finder app will only work when the Apple Pencil is charged as well as awake. 

To find your Apple Pencil using Bluetooth Finder App, open the app, then select Apple Pencil from the list of paired devices. 

The Bluetooth Finder app will show you a radar with the signal strength along with the estimated distance from the device. If the app shows a distance of fewer than 0.5 meters (two feet), your Apple Pencil is pretty nearby. 

3. Retrace Your Steps 

If you can retrace your steps by remembering exactly where you last had your Apple Pencil, also solves the issue. Review your recent files on your iPad, for example, documents signed, drawings, or notes for any clues such as timestamps or even location details. 

If you take your Apple Pencil to the office, check around the areas surroundings of your workstation, for example, under the table, or behind the monitor. Also, look in your office’s lost and found department, someone might’ve tried to return it. 

4. Nudge Things Around 

If your Apple Pencil has been missing for a while, it may have fallen asleep, when an Apple Pencil is asleep, you will not be able to connect to it over Bluetooth, despite it being charged. Quick tip – To find your Apple Pencil is to attempt to nudge the device to wake it up. 

You can do so by shaking your bag or flipping couch cushions, this might be able to nudge your buried Apple Pencil to wake it up.  

How to Prevent Losing Your Apple Pencil? 

Thigh, losing an Apple Pencil is easy, here are a few steps that you can take to help avoid it happening again. 

Keep Your Apple Pencil Charged 

Note that while it is possible to locate your Apple Pencil using Bluetooth, the method will only work if your Apple Pencil is charged. For first-generation Apple Pencil users, it can be charged by removing the cap, then connecting it to the Lightning port on the iPad. 

For a second-generation Apple Pencil, it can be charged simply by placing it on the magnetic charging point on the side of a compatible iPad.  

As Apple Pencils are designed to run continuously on standby, their batteries require to be charged to function. If it is lost and left uncharged for several weeks, it might cause the battery to fail and no longer turn on. 

If the Apple Pencil is still under the AppleCare warranty, you could get a replacement. However, Apple does not replace or repair Apple Pencil batteries. 

Personalize Your Apple Pencil 

If you work in a design studio or office, multiple Apple Pencils might be lying around at any given time. If you personalize your Apple Pencil, this will prevent you from losing sight of it. 

A way you can personalize your Apple Pencil is to engrave it for free upon purchase at the online Apple store. Even if you lose your engraved Apple Pencil while working in a café or co-working space, prospective thieves are less likely to steal it, because it will have a lower resale value. 

If you prefer to keep your Apple Pencil without an engraving, you could use stickers, wraps, or even protective cases. 

Attach a GPS Tracker 

With GPS trackers becoming increasingly common, you can attach a GPS tracker to your Apple Pencil to prevent loss. New forms of GPS trackers come in the form of stickers or keychains; these are light enough to avoid ruining the writing as well as the drawing experience. 

GPS trackers will work even if your Apple Pencil runs out of battery, it also works if the Pencil falls asleep.

Leave the Apple Pencil 2 Attached to the iPad 

Unlike the Apple Pencil 1, the Apple Pencil 2 uses magnetic properties that lets it stay attached to a compatible iPad. On top of that, the Apple Pencil 2 also charges while it is attached. 

There is really no reason why you should leave your Apple Pencil 2 anywhere else when you are not using it. By always keeping it attached to your iPad, you easily avoid losing your Apple Pencil 2. 

Provide Your Apple Pencil a Home 

A tried-and-tested way to avoid misplacing items of any kind is to provide them with a home. Having a dedicated spot for storing important items such as your Apple Pencil keeps them from being lost. 

You have options from special pencil cases, to charging blocks, to pencil stands, to store your Apple Pencil so that you always know where to find it. 

Keep Your Apple Pencil Safe 

Losing your Apple Pencil can be stressful. However, it is completely preventable if you are careful. 

You can personalize your Apple Pencil with Apple’s free engraving option, attach sticker wraps, or use protective cases to avoid mix-ups. You can save yourself from the constant feeling of possibly losing your Apple Pencil by always keeping it charged or purchasing a proper GPS tracker.  

Thankfully, your iPad is well equipped to help you find your Apple Pencil if you do lose it, whether it’s using the built-in Bluetooth function or third-party apps to do so. 

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