Fix it
step by step

1. Is the companion running on your Mac (DeusPen in the menu bar)?Yes → go to 2.No → open DeusPen on your Mac, then try again.
2. Is the cable plugged in?Yes → unlock the iPad and tap Trust if it asks. Try another USB-C port and a cable that carries data. Still nothing? Go to 4.No → go to 3.
3. Are both devices on the same Wi-Fi, and not a guest network?Yes → check Local Network on both.No → join the same network, or plug in USB-C.
4. Has this iPad been paired with this Mac?Yes → forget the device on both sides and pair again.No → pair with a matching code.

Still stuck: email support and tell us what the companion's Diagnostics panel says.

1. Does it feel fine over USB-C?Yes → the network is the bottleneck. Go to 2.No → see Pressure not working, or contact support.
2. Is Smoothing on Lowest delay?Yes → try Automatic or Smoothest for steadier lines.No → go to 3.
3. Is the Mac near the router, on a fast band?Yes → go to 4.No → move closer to the router or switch band.
4. Are large downloads or video calls running?Yes → pause them, or use USB-C for the session.No → use USB-C for this setup and email support.

The Mac panel in the side rail shows how you are connected.

1. Does the pointer move when you hover?Yes → Accessibility is fine. See Pressure not working.No → go to 2.
2. Is DeusPen switched on in System Settings › Privacy & Security › Accessibility?Yes → go to 3.No → switch it on, then quit and reopen the companion.
3. Did you update the companion recently?Yes → turn DeusPen off and on in the list, or remove it and add it again, then reopen.No → go to 4.
4. Is Pause input on in the companion's menu bar panel?Yes → turn it off.No → contact support.

The companion shows Needs access while Accessibility is off.

1. Does the iPad find your Mac over Wi-Fi?Yes → Local Network is fine.No → go to 2.
2. On the iPad: Settings › Privacy & Security › Local Network › DeusPen. Is it on?Yes → go to 3.No → turn it on and reopen DeusPen.
3. On the Mac: is Local Network allowed for DeusPen in System Settings?Yes → go to 4.No → allow it, then reopen the companion.
4. Is a VPN or firewall running on either device?Yes → pause it, or allow local traffic for DeusPen.No → plug in USB-C to pair, then try Wi-Fi again.

1. Does the Pencil test on the iPad show pressure?Yes → the Pencil is fine. Go to 2.No → check the Pencil is paired with the iPad in iPadOS Settings.
2. Does the pointer move on the Mac when you hover?Yes → input reaches your Mac. Go to 3.No → check the connection and Accessibility.
3. Is the app on the Compatibility list?Yes → go to 4.No → it may not read tablet pressure. Tell us the app and version.
4. Is pen pressure on for the brush (Photoshop: Brush Settings › Shape Dynamics › Size Jitter › Control: Pen Pressure)?Yes → check the pressure curve is not set too firm, then contact support.No → turn it on.