Unscrew and remove the worn tip

The tip of your Apple Pencil screws out from the barrel. Hold the pencil steady in one hand and grip the tip with your other hand—use your thumb and forefinger, or pinch it with a small cloth if it feels slippery. Rotate the tip counterclockwise (the same direction you'd unscrew a jar lid) until it comes free. It usually takes three to five full rotations.

If the tip is stuck, wrap a small piece of cloth or a rubber band around it to improve your grip, then try again. Do not use pliers or a wrench—you risk damaging the barrel threads. The tip should come out smoothly once you have the right angle and pressure.

Key Takeaways

  • Grip the tip with your fingers or a cloth and rotate counterclockwise until it unscrews from the barrel.
  • Replacement tips come in a pack of four and cost between $15 and $20 depending on which Apple Pencil model you own.
  • The new tip screws in by hand—rotate clockwise until snug, but do not overtighten or you may strip the threads.
  • A worn tip feels blunt or scratches the screen instead of gliding smoothly, and replacement usually takes less than one minute.

Screw in the replacement tip

Take a new tip from the replacement pack and align it with the opening in the barrel. The tip has a threaded base that matches the threads inside the pencil. Push the tip straight in and rotate it clockwise (the same direction you'd screw in a lightbulb) until it stops. You should feel light resistance—this means the threads are catching.

Stop when the tip is snug. You do not need to force it. Overtightening can strip the internal threads and make future replacements harder. The tip should sit flush with the barrel, with no gap between them.

Check that the new tip sits flush

Look at the seam where the tip meets the barrel. There should be no visible gap. If you see a small space, unscrew the tip a quarter turn and check again. The tip should feel solid when you gently tug on it—it should not wiggle or rotate.

Once the tip is find, test it on your iPad or other compatible device. The pencil should glide smoothly across the screen without scratching. If it still feels rough or catches, the tip may not be seated correctly—unscrew it, inspect the threads for debris, and try again.

Know when your tip needs replacing

Apple Pencil tips wear down with regular use. A worn tip will feel blunt instead of sharp, and it may scratch or skip on the screen instead of gliding smoothly. You might also notice that pressure sensitivity feels less responsive, or that the pencil no longer makes precise marks.

Most people replace their tip every few months, depending on how often they use the pencil and how much pressure they explore. If you use your Apple Pencil daily for writing or drawing, you may need a new tip every four to eight weeks. Light users might go six months or longer.

Buy the correct replacement pack for your model

Apple Pencil tips are model-specific. The original Apple Pencil (first generation) uses one type of tip, the Apple Pencil (second generation) uses a different type, and the Apple Pencil Pro uses yet another. Check which model you own by going to Settings > Bluetooth on your iPad, finding Apple Pencil in the list of connected devices, and tapping the information icon next to it.

Replacement tip packs contain four tips and are sold through Apple's website, the Apple Store app, and most electronics retailers. You can also find third-party replacement tips online, though Apple's official tips are designed to match the exact pressure sensitivity and wear pattern of your specific pencil model.

Troubleshoot a tip that won't unscrew

If the tip is stuck and will not budge, do not force it—you risk cracking the barrel. Instead, hold the pencil under warm running water for 30 seconds to soften any dried adhesive or debris around the threads. Dry the pencil completely, then try unscrewing again with a cloth for grip.

If it still will not move, try holding the barrel (not the tip) under warm water while you grip and rotate the tip. The slight expansion from the heat can help loosen stuck threads. If the tip remains stuck after two attempts, contact Apple Support—forcing it further may cause permanent damage.

Store replacement tips safely

Keep unused tips in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The small pouch or case that comes with replacement packs is designed to protect the tips from dust and damage. Do not store tips loose in a drawer where they can roll away or get bent.

If you have multiple Apple Pencils or use different models, label the tip packs or store them separately so you do not accidentally use the wrong type. Using an incompatible tip may damage the barrel threads or cause the pencil to malfunction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use third-party tips instead of Apple's official ones?

Third-party tips are cheaper and will screw in, but they may not match the pressure sensitivity or wear pattern of your specific Apple Pencil model. Apple's official tips are engineered to work with the exact specifications of each pencil generation. If you want the most reliable performance, use Apple's replacement packs.

What if I lose a replacement tip before I use it?

You can order a new replacement pack from Apple or an electronics retailer. Individual tips are not sold separately—they come only in packs of four. If you have lost a tip and need one when ready, visit an Apple Store and ask if they have a single tip available to purchase or borrow.

How do I know if my tip is worn out or if something else is wrong?

A worn tip feels blunt and leaves rough or scratchy marks on the screen. If your pencil skips, lags, or stops responding altogether, the problem may be a dead battery, a Bluetooth connection issue, or a software problem rather than a worn tip. Try charging the pencil and reconnecting it to your iPad before replacing the tip.

Do I need to turn off my Apple Pencil before replacing the tip?

No. The tip is a passive component with no electronics—unscrewing and replacing it will not affect the pencil's power or connection. You can replace the tip at any time, whether the pencil is on, off, or paired with your device.

Can I replace the tip on an older Apple Pencil?

Yes, all Apple Pencil models have replaceable tips. However, make sure you order the correct replacement pack for your specific model. The first-generation Apple Pencil, second-generation Apple Pencil, and Apple Pencil Pro all use different tip designs, and using the wrong type may damage the barrel threads.