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How to Stop Apple Pencil from Deselecting the Pen in OneNote

John Wilson Sep 27, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user wants to stop their Apple Pencil from automatically deselecting the active drawing pen while taking notes in Microsoft OneNote.

How to Fix Apple Pencil Automatically Deselecting the Pen in Microsoft OneNote

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: iPadOS
Scenario: Taking handwritten notes or drawing inside the Microsoft OneNote application on an iPad.
Observed behavior: The Apple Pencil functions perfectly in other iPad applications, but automatically drops or deselects the pen tool when actively used in OneNote.

Before you start

Verify that your Apple Pencil is securely paired via Bluetooth and has a sufficient battery charge before troubleshooting app-specific software glitches.

Solution 1Recommended

Update OneNote, iPadOS, and Check Double-Tap Settings

Since the Apple Pencil works normally in other applications, this is likely a software compatibility bug or an accidental gesture trigger. Updating your software ensures you have the latest bug fixes.

Microsoft frequently releases patches for OneNote to improve compatibility with iPadOS and Apple accessories. Combining these updates with a quick check of your Apple Pencil gesture settings often resolves unexpected tool deselection.

Update Microsoft OneNote

Open the App Store on your iPad, tap your profile icon at the top right, and scroll down to check for available updates for Microsoft OneNote. Tap 'Update' if a newer version is available.

Update iPadOS

Navigate to the Settings app on your iPad, select 'General', and then tap 'Software Update'. If an iPadOS update is pending, download and install it to ensure maximum compatibility.

Check Apple Pencil Gestures

Go to Settings > Apple Pencil. If you are using an Apple Pencil 2 or later, verify the 'Double-Tap' configuration. Set it to 'Off' temporarily to test if accidental grips were causing the pen tool to deselect in OneNote.

Update OneNote, iPadOS, and Check Double-Tap Settings

Update Complete: Keeping your app and device OS on the latest versions is the most effective way to eliminate application-specific accessory glitches.

Solution 2

Report the Issue to Microsoft and Apple Communities

If updating the software does not resolve the pen deselection issue, it may be an unpatched bug that needs to be escalated to the developers.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless iPad Document Annotation

If software glitches and compatibility issues in Microsoft OneNote are disrupting your workflow, WPS Office offers a stable, lightweight, and completely free alternative for viewing, editing, and annotating your documents directly on your iPad.

1. Download WPS Office: Open the App Store on your iPad, search for WPS Office, and download the application for free.
2. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and easily import your existing PDFs, Word documents, or presentations from your local storage or cloud drive.
3. Annotate Seamlessly: Select the annotation or drawing tools and use your Apple Pencil to write naturally and reliably, without unexpected tool switching.

Smooth and precise Apple Pencil support for drawing and PDF annotations without deselection glitches.Fully compatible with all major Microsoft Office file formats (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).Lightweight application that runs efficiently on all iPad models, saving storage space.Clean, familiar user interface that makes transitioning from other Office suites effortless.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Apple Pencil keep switching to the eraser automatically in OneNote?

This is often caused by the double-tap feature on the Apple Pencil (2nd generation and later). If you accidentally tap the side of the pencil while writing, it toggles between the current tool and the eraser. You can disable this in your iPad Settings under 'Apple Pencil'.

Is my Apple Pencil broken if it randomly stops working in OneNote?

If your Apple Pencil writes perfectly in other apps like Apple Notes or Freeform, the hardware is fine. The issue is an isolated software bug or compatibility error within the Microsoft OneNote app itself.

How can I fix minor Apple Pencil lag on my iPad?

Ensure the tip of your Apple Pencil is screwed on completely tight. You can also try forgetting the device in your iPad's Bluetooth settings and re-pairing it, or restarting your iPad to refresh the connection.

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