Storing an Apple pencil can be quite challenging because of its small size and circular shape.
The pencil can easily get lost or roll off a desk sometimes. This issue may keep you looking for a way to keep it from getting lost.
Fortunately, there are ways to store your Apple Pencil from getting lost.
The storage methods are accessible and straightforward. Therefore, it is best to read this article thoroughly to know where to store an Apple pencil.
You can attach the Apple Pencil to your iPad so they can magnetically stick together. You can also install a pencil clip and attach it to your pocket or wherever you prefer. Additionally, you can use cases, pencil holders, and stands to keep the pencil. Finally, you can strap the pencil to your iPad and carry it around.
In this article, I will explain how to store an Apple pencil, how the storage methods work, ways to preserve the pencil’s battery life, and if you need to disconnect or turn it off.
By the end, you’ll also understand how the Apple pencil works when it is not in use.
Where Should I Store My Apple Pencil?
It would be best to store your Apple Pencil on your iPad or other storage accessories.
The accessories include a pencil holder, smart keyboard, magnetic cases, etc.
Storing your Apple Pencil on your iPad device is the most convenient method. The pencil magnetically sticks to the iPad until you remove it.
For example, you could attach your pencil to an iPad Air, iPad Pro 11-inch, or iPad Pro 12.9-inch.
But you can decide to have a unique storage space for the pencil. There are several storage cases and accessories available for Apple pencils.
Some of them also perform the function of keeping your iPad safe simultaneously.
Here are the storage accessories for Apple pencils.
#1. Apple Pencil Holder
These are sufficient for storing your pencil and are suitable for both the 1st and 2nd generation Apple pencils.
You can also attach them to your iPad due to their strong adhesive backing. The strength and texture of the cover keep the holder in place.
In addition, the pencil holder makes it easy to access and store your pencil easily due to its elasticity. It also protects the pencil from scratches, bumps, and dirt.
#2. iPad Pro Folio Cases
These are iPad cases that protect your tablet and Apple pencil effectively. The case has an extra space to store the Apple pencil safely.
You can easily access the pencil because it will always be in full view. You can store it and keep using the tablet until you need to use the pencil again.
Although the Apple pencil holder and iPad Pro folio case may seem identical, there are some significant differences between them.
Here is a table to help you identify their differences:
| Apple Pencil Holder | iPad Pro Folio Case |
|---|---|
| It is circular, like a pencil shape. | It is rectangular, like the size of the iPad. |
| It stores the pencil separately. | It covers the iPad and has a pencil space. |
| You need to attach it with the pencil to the iPad. | It provides no shield for the pencil |
| It gives the pencil a protective shield. |
#3. iPad Smart Keyboard
Smart keyboards for iPad Pro are a little magnetic on the left edge. You can stick your Apple pencil to the keyboard until you need it.
However, it is not a permanent solution; you can only use it to store the pencil while using your iPad temporarily.
But then, it is still better than leaving the pencil on your desk where it will roll off. The keyboard will keep the pencil in place efficiently.
#4. Pencil Clip
Pencil clips are best for storing the Apple pencil in your shirt pocket or notepad. You only need to purchase a pencil clip that suits the pencil.
The Pentel Sharp Automatic pencil clip is best for your Apple pencil. It is also detachable, so you can remove it whenever you want.
You can remove the pencil clip and attach it to your Apple pencil.
#5. Magnetic Cases
Unlike standard iPad cases, these magnetic cases do not have unique storage spaces. But you can attach your Apple pencil to the case itself.
It holds the pencil in place effectively due to its magnetic connection. The connection also secures the case on your iPad device.
#6. Belkin Stand Case
The Belkin case helps you to stand the Apple pencil upright without falling or rolling over. It also protects the pencil’s end while holding it in place.
You can put the case on your desk for easy access whenever you need it. In addition, it doubles as a case to store your pencil when you no longer need it.
#7. Stylus Sling Strap
As its name implies, this storage accessory straps your Apple pencil to the iPad. It is an effective method to store the pencil and carry it around.
If you need to carry your pencil around, the stylus sling strap is one of your best options.
How Do You Preserve the Apple Pencil Battery?
There are a few ways to preserve an Apple pencil battery. These simple steps require no skill or tool but efficiently preserve the battery life.
Here are the common tips you can try below.
#1. Put the Pencil to Sleep
Your Apple pencil goes to sleep immediately after you stop using it for a while or when you put it down.
However, it only turns off the pencil partially. It only puts it in a low-power state, so it uses less energy than when it is active.
If you want to preserve the pencil’s battery life, you can let it rest until it enters a low-power state.
#2. Turn Off the Bluetooth
You can turn off the pencil’s Bluetooth connection to the iPad to save its battery life. It will help the stylus save energy and preserve the pencil’s battery.
Although, the pencil doesn’t use much power because of its Bluetooth connectivity protocols.
Any device using a Bluetooth connection should consume little power. You can turn on the Bluetooth when you need to use the pencil.
Although, the iPad should remember and locate the pencil whenever you turn on Bluetooth.
You can turn off the Bluetooth using the steps below.
- Open the settings option on your iPad.
- Locate Bluetooth on the menu. Then, tap on it.
- Click on the turn-off tab.
This method is efficient but not ideal if you connect multiple devices to the iPad via Bluetooth. It will deactivate the connection to those devices too.
You should connect only your Apple Pencil to your iPad if you intend to preserve the battery by turning off Bluetooth.
However, if you have connected other devices to your iPad via Bluetooth or need to use different features, that will disturb the connection.
You can make the iPad forget its connection to the pencil so it doesn’t affect the devices. Only the pencil will lose its connection.
Follow these steps below to forget the Apple pencil.
- Open the settings on your iPad.
- Select Bluetooth and turn it on.
- Locate the Apple pencil on the list of devices.
- Tap on the (i) icon on the right side of the screen.
- Click on ‘Forget this Device.’
- The iPad will disconnect the pencil.
It is essential to note that the pencil may show in the ‘other devices’ list for a while, but it will vanish when the pencil shuts down.
If you need to reconnect the pencil, plug it into the iPad lightning slot.
Is It Ok to Keep the Apple Pencil Connected?
There is no problem with keeping an Apple pencil connected. You shouldn’t need to re-pair the pencil with your device whenever you need it.
It should always stay connected to your iPad, except if you decide to turn off your Bluetooth.
It is only necessary to disconnect the pencil from your iPad if you want to.
Leaving it connected doesn’t affect the Apple pencil or iPad. If something disrupts the connection, you must reestablish it before using the pencil.
Does the Apple Pencil Need to Be Turned Off?
There is no need to turn off the Apple pencil. Besides, it doesn’t have an on/off button, so you can’t turn it off.
The pencil only goes to sleep when you don’t use it for a while. It enters a low power mode to save the battery when you stop using it.
Then, it disengages the Bluetooth connection to your iPad. But the pencil reconnects to the iPad whenever you pick it up.
In addition, you need to charge it to some level at all times, even when you don’t use it regularly.
FAQ
#1. Does Turning Off Bluetooth Stop Apple Pencils From Charging?
The Bluetooth connection doesn’t stop the Apple pencil from charging. The pencil will still charge when it is attached to the iPad.
#2. Why Can’t You Use the Apple Pencil While Charging?
Charging the pencil disables its drawing function. So, you are unable to use it until you disconnect the charger.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, you can store your Apple pencil by:
- Putting it on your iPad.
- Keeping it in an Apple pencil holder.
- Attaching a detachable pencil clip.
- Strapping it to your iPad.
These will help to keep your Apple pencil safe until you need it. Although, you should choose the storage method that is most convenient for you.