Articles on: iPadOS

I'm accidentally erasing my notes with my palm or Apple Pencil.

To stop accidental erasing on iPad, turn on Only Draw with Apple Pencil so your palm can't draw or erase, and make sure your Apple Pencil's Double-Tap or Squeeze shortcut isn't set to switch to the Eraser.

Stop palm touches from drawing or erasing

Open the Settings app on your iPad;
Tap Apple Pencil;
Turn on Only Draw with Apple Pencil.

Your finger can still scroll, zoom, and tap buttons — it just can't draw or erase.

Stop the Pencil from switching to the Eraser

Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (2nd generation) have a Double-Tap shortcut that, by default, switches between your current tool and the Eraser — a light tap on the side of the Pencil while you write can trigger it.

Open Settings → Apple Pencil;
Under Double-Tap, choose Off or Show Color Palette instead of Switch Between Current Tool and Eraser;
On Apple Pencil Pro, also check that Squeeze isn't set to switch to the Eraser.

📝 NOTE: Double-Tap and Squeeze settings only appear when a supported Pencil is paired. Apple Pencil (1st generation) and Apple Pencil (USB-C) don't have these gestures.

What's Next

How do I use the Apple Pencil on iPad?
My Apple Pencil icon is gone or the Pencil no longer works
An Overview of the Annotation Toolbar

Updated on: 16/10/2026

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