iPhone Duo Troubleshooting Apple Pencil Issues
Guided steps to help resolve issues
Identify issues
Read these articles if you notice any of the following issues:
iPhone Duo doesn’t recognize Apple Pencil
iPhone Duo doesn’t pair with Apple Pencil
Apple Pencil disconnects from iPhone Duo during use
Apple Pencil input to paired iPhone Duo is intermittent
iPhone Duo doesn’t respond to Apple Pencil input—for example, apps won’t open when you tap them with the pencil or you can’t write or draw with the pencil in the Notes app
iPhone Duo display doesn’t correctly show Apple Pencil input, such as handwriting, as you’re using the pencil
Relevant support articles
If the issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article, continue to the next section.
Try quick troubleshooting steps
Verify that the Apple Pencil is compatible with the iPhone Duo. Only Apple Pencil (USB-C) is compatible with iPhone Duo.
Verify that the iPhone Duo is using iOS 27.2 or later. Apple Pencil is supported for both the inner display and outer display.
Isolate the issue by testing the iPhone Duo with a known-good Apple Pencil (USB-C). If you suspect that the issue is related to the Apple Pencil, troubleshoot the Apple Pencil instead. Don’t continue to troubleshoot the iPhone Duo in this case.
Remove any third-party case, cover, or screen protector from the iPhone Duo. Try using the pencil and verify that these items aren’t causing the issue.
Verify that the Apple Pencil battery is charged and not depleted. Check its battery by reviewing the battery level on the paired iPhone Duo. If the Apple Pencil battery is low, charge the pencil for a few minutes before retesting.
Verify that the issue is related to touching the display with Apple Pencil only, and not related to touching the display with fingers alone. If the display has touch or Multi-Touch issues, troubleshoot this separately as a display Multi-Touch issue.
Run manual and diagnostic tests
If the issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article or checking for potential causes, run these diagnostic and manual tests to help isolate the cause of the issue:
Run the Multi-Touch and Unexpected Touch diagnostic suites to verify that both iPhone Duo displays respond normally to touch.
On the iPhone Duo, go to Settings, turn on Airplane Mode for 15 seconds, and turn Airplane Mode off. Doing so resets all wireless connections. Try using the Apple Pencil again.
Unpair the Apple Pencil from the iPhone Duo. Then pair Apple Pencil again.
Attempt to pair the iPhone Duo with a known-good Apple Bluetooth accessory, such as a Magic Keyboard. If the iPhone Duo doesn’t pair with a known-good Bluetooth accessory, the iPhone Duo may have a service issue.
Try to replicate the issue by using the Apple Pencil to tap icons or draw in the Notes app.
Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the device’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.
Replace the part
If the issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following the previous steps, check whether the issue is the iPhone Duo display. If so, replace only the affected display (either the outer display or inner display).
Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the device’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.