Getting Started
iPad & Pencil Setup
Physical setup steps: pairing the Apple Pencil, charging, screen protector, grip, and spare pen tips.
This page walks through the physical setup of the iPad and Apple Pencil. Do this once, before the child's first session.
Pair the Apple Pencil
Apple Pencil Pro pairs automatically the first time you attach it to the magnetic strip on the side of the iPad. When it pairs successfully, you'll see an "Apple Pencil Pro" banner appear briefly at the top of the screen.
Apple Pencil (1st generation) on an A16 iPad needs the USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter. Connect the Pencil to the iPad through the adapter to pair it the first time.
Pairing didn't work?
Restart the iPad, then attach the Pencil again. If you still don't see the pairing banner, see Apple Pencil pairing and charging.
Charge the Apple Pencil
For Apple Pencil Pro, snap it onto the magnetic strip on the side of the iPad with the tip facing away from the power button. If the tip is facing the wrong way, the Pencil will not charge.
When the Pencil is attached correctly, the iPad shows the Pencil's current battery level for a moment.
Remove the grip to charge
The Apple Pencil grip blocks the magnetic charging surface. Remove the grip before charging. This is the most common reason a Pencil "isn't charging" — the grip is still on.
For Apple Pencil 1st generation, charge through the USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter.
Screen protector
The paper-feel screen protector is pre-installed on iPads shipped from us. Keep the screen protector on while using Scribble — it's what makes the Pencil feel like pen on paper, and it protects the screen from daily writing wear.
If the screen protector starts to peel or scratch deeply, contact support for a replacement. Do not write on the bare glass.
Headphone adapter
The headphone adapter is for wired headphones in classroom settings. Plug it into the iPad's USB-C port. For home use, AirPods or any Bluetooth headphones work without an adapter.
Spare pen tips
The Apple Pencil Pro case stores spare pen tips. To change a tip, unscrew the current tip counter-clockwise and screw the new one in. We recommend the LHS (left-hand side) tips for the ballpoint-pen feel. If those run out, switch to the original Apple Pencil tips.
Tip wear is normal with daily practice. If you run out, contact support.
Once everything is set up
You're ready to install the app.
Last reviewed May 11, 2026