Office Settings & Configuration

How to Fix OneNote Apple Pencil Double-Tap Eraser Not Working on iPad

Chanuka Geekiyanage Oct 9, 2026 870 views

Question details

Users are experiencing an issue where double-tapping the Apple Pencil 2 does not activate the eraser tool in OneNote.

How to Fix OneNote Apple Pencil Double-Tap Eraser Not Working on iPad

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: iPadOS
Scenario: Taking handwritten notes or drawing in the OneNote app using an Apple Pencil 2.
Observed behavior: Double-tapping the Apple Pencil switches the input to text mode instead of the expected eraser function, even after reinstalling the app and restarting the iPad.

Before you start

Before proceeding, ensure your Apple Pencil 2 is properly paired with your iPad via Bluetooth and has sufficient battery charge to register tap gestures.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify iPadOS Settings and Update Software

Check your system-level Apple Pencil settings to ensure the double-tap action is correctly mapped to the eraser tool, and install any pending updates.

Sometimes system settings get overridden or app updates cause temporary compatibility issues. Verifying your iPad's core settings for the Apple Pencil is the best first step.

Check Apple Pencil settings

Open the iPad Settings app, scroll down on the left sidebar, and tap 'Apple Pencil'. Under the 'Double Tap' section, ensure 'Switch between current tool and eraser' is selected.

Update OneNote

Open the App Store on your iPad, search for 'Microsoft OneNote', and tap 'Update' if a newer version is available.

Update iPadOS

Go to iPad Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, download and install it to ensure full compatibility with Apple Pencil gestures.

Verify iPadOS Settings and Update Software

System-wide verification: Testing the double-tap feature in the native Apple Notes app can help confirm whether the issue is isolated to OneNote or a hardware problem with the Pencil.

Solution 2

Report Persistent Bugs to the Microsoft Feedback Portal

If troubleshooting steps fail to resolve the issue, it is likely an app-specific bug that requires Microsoft developers to patch.

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Try WPS Office for Seamless Note-Taking and Document Editing on iPad

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Apple Pencil switch to text mode in OneNote instead of erasing?

This is often caused by a known software glitch within the OneNote iPad app where the gesture recognition defaults to text insertion instead of honoring the iPadOS eraser mapping. It can also occur if the double-tap setting in your iPad settings has been accidentally changed.

How do I check my OneNote version on an iPad?

Open the Settings app on your iPad, scroll down the left sidebar until you find OneNote, and tap it. The app version number will be displayed on the right side of the screen under the 'About' section.

Does the Apple Pencil double-tap eraser feature work in apps other than OneNote?

Yes, the double-tap to erase feature works system-wide in supported applications like Apple Notes, WPS Office PDF editor, and most drawing apps, as long as it is enabled in your iPad's Apple Pencil settings.

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