Others

How to Fix Apple Pencil Pen Selection Problems in OneNote for iPad

Anum Mushtaq Oct 21, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users experience issues where the Apple Pencil is unexpectedly deselected or switches to text input while using Microsoft OneNote on an iPad.

How to Fix Apple Pencil Pen Selection Problems in OneNote for iPad

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: iPadOS
Scenario: Drawing or taking handwritten notes with an Apple Pencil in OneNote for iPad.
Observed behavior: The active pen deselects unexpectedly, the toolbar and keyboard move, and the app switches from drawing to text input. This happens even though the Apple Pencil works perfectly in other applications.

Before you start

Ensure your Apple Pencil is fully charged, securely paired via Bluetooth, and confirm it functions properly in other iPad applications like Apple Notes.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Eraser Tool Workaround

A quick temporary fix to restore pen input without leaving the app or losing your current note-taking progress.

Many users have found that toggling the eraser tool can temporarily reset the stylus behavior within the app, allowing you to resume handwritten notes during a class or meeting.

Select the Eraser

When the pen unexpectedly deselects or switches to text mode, tap the Eraser tool on the OneNote drawing toolbar at the top of the screen.

Switch back to the Pen

Tap your preferred Pen or Highlighter tool again to resume drawing or writing.

Temporary Solution: This is a recognized workaround among users, but the issue may return if you tap the text button again or create a new text box.

Solution 2

Update iPadOS and OneNote, then Submit Feedback

Keep your software updated and report the bug to Microsoft to push for a permanent patch.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Experience Seamless Note-Taking with WPS Office for iPad

If Microsoft OneNote continues to disrupt your workflow with Apple Pencil glitches, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative with excellent Apple Pencil support for drawing, annotating PDFs, and taking notes efficiently on your iPad.

Smooth and responsive Apple Pencil support for drawing, highlighting, and handwriting without unexpected tool switching.High compatibility with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file formats for seamless document sharing.Lightweight application that runs flawlessly on all iPad models and iPadOS versions.Free to use with a familiar, user-friendly interface for an easy and quick migration.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

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

This is a known bug in certain versions of OneNote for iPad where the app misinterprets stylus input or touch gestures, unexpectedly deselecting the active pen and switching to the text input tool.

Is my Apple Pencil broken if it keeps deselecting in OneNote?

Likely not. If your Apple Pencil works perfectly in other applications like Apple Notes or WPS Office, the issue is specific to the OneNote app's software, not a hardware failure.

How can I prevent the OneNote toolbar from moving while writing?

Currently, the unpredictable toolbar movement is tied to the pen selection glitch within the app. Ensuring both iPadOS and OneNote are fully updated is the best way to receive developer patches that address this UI bug.

Does this stylus issue affect all iPad models?

User reports indicate that the problem occurs across various iPad models, including the iPad Pro, and different generations of the Apple Pencil. It has been noted to persist through multiple iPadOS updates, such as iPadOS 17.

Office Quick Solutions