You get two variants of the Apple Pencil, each compatible with various generations of iPads. Both Apple Pencil models need to be charged before running out of power like all devices. Therefore, you need to know how to charge Apple Pencil and check its battery levels so that it does not run out in the middle of a task.
This guide will walk you through the complete process of charging Apple Pencils.
How to Charge Apple Pencil: 2nd Generation
Apple has considerably enhanced the second-generation Pencil’s charging process. Newer iPad Pros and iPad Airs support the second-generation Apple Pencil. However, there are no physical Home buttons on these iPads.
The new and improved second-generation Apple Pencil supports wireless charging with compatible iPads. A single flat edge of the second-generation Apple Pencil allows it to attach to the iPad magnetically.
As a result, the Apple Pencil can be easily paired with iPads, and the charging is also done seamlessly. You just need to ensure that the Bluetooth is turned on before you start the charging process.
How to charge Apple Pencil 2nd gen
Below are the steps on how to charge Apple Pencil 2nd gen.
- To charge your Apple Pencil, all you need to do is set it on top of your iPad to the right side of the volume and power controls. Just make sure that you have successfully paired the Apple pencil with the iPad first.
- If you’re using a second-generation Apple Pencil, the charging should begin immediately, and the battery level should appear quickly on your iPad screen.
- For your iPad to automatically recognize your Apple Pencil and swiftly begin charging, make sure Bluetooth on your iPad is turned on.
How to Charge Apple Pencil: 1st generation
There is no wireless charging capability for the first-generation Apple Pencil. Thus it must be manually connected to your iPad to recharge.
Charging the first-gen Apple Pencil is not as streamlined as charging the second-gen Apple Pencil. With the first-generation Apple Pencil, you need an iPad with a physical home button alongside a Lightning port. If you’re having trouble figuring out which Apple Pencil you have, keep in mind that the first-generation Apple Pencil features a silver band around its rounded tip.
How to charge Apple Pencil 1st gen
Below are the steps to easily charge the Apple Pencil 1st gen. We also include steps on how to charge Apple Pencil with an adapter.
- To charge your Apple Pencil 1st gen, start by removing the silver band’s top cover to find the Lightning connector.
- Now, plug the connector into your iPad’s charging port to begin charging.
- Alternatively, you can also use the handy lightning adapter that comes with the Apple Pencil 1st gen to charge it separately. All you need to do is connect the USB side of the adapter to a power source, and put the other end into the Apple Pencil.
How to Charge Apple Pencil: How Long Does it Take
The first and second generation of Apple Pencils do not necessitate a charger to charge their batteries.
If you have a supported iPad, you can charge the second-generation Apple Pencil wirelessly by laying it on top of it. You can charge the first-gen Apple Pencil directly from the compatible iPad by removing the silver tip of the pencil and connecting it directly to the iPad’s charging port.
The first and second-generation Apple Pencils have built-in rechargeable batteries, unlike Microsoft’s Surface Pen and other styluses that feature disposable batteries.
When completely charged, the Apple Pencil has a 12-hour battery life, so you won’t have to worry about recharging it frequently. It’s easier to charge the 2nd gen Apple Pencil as you just need to put it on top of the iPad whenever it is not in use to charge it frequently.
Related Read: Apple Pencil Battery Life: Everything you need to know!
How long does it take to charge an Apple Pencil?
It takes around 30 minutes to charge an Apple Pencil, but you don’t have to wait until it reaches 100% before using it. Thirty minutes of battery life can be achieved in just 15 seconds of charging. You can halt the charging process and use the pencil as needed at any point.
On your iPad, you can check the charge status of your Apple Pencil by opening the Batteries widget.
Apple Pencil not charging on iPad
Only the second-generation Apple Pencil and the following iPad models enable wireless charging when connected to the top of an iPad.
In this case, we are referring to the iPad (4th gen), iPad Pro 12.9″ (3rd and 4th gen), and the 11-inch iPad Pro (1st and 2nd gen). The second-generation Apple Pencil will not begin charging if placed on an iPad other than the ones mentioned above.
As the first-generation Apple Pencil doesn’t allow wireless charging. Wirelessly charging even on the previously mentioned iPad models won’t work for it.
Please make sure that you place your second-generation Apple Pencil on the top of your iPad, near the power and volume keys, with Bluetooth enabled. In addition, make sure that your iPad is switched on and powered up. The Apple Pencil won’t charge if the iPad is out of juice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that you know how to charge Apple Pencil, it is time for you to get answers to other related questions.
How do I know if Apple Pencil is charging?
The Battery widget is automatically added to your iPad’s Today View screen when using an Apple Pencil. The widget becomes active and shows the live status of charging when you connect your Apple Pencil to the iPad. You can also access “Today View” on your iPad’s Home screen by swiping left to right and getting to the “Batteries” widget by swiping up.
Can Apple Pencil be charged by plugging into iPad?
Yes, it’s possible to charge the first-gen Apple Pencil by plugging it into the iPad. Just remove the silver tip on the pencil to uncover the lightning connector and then connect it to the charging port of your iPad to begin charging.
How long does it take to charge Apple Pencil?
It can take up to 30 minutes to completely charge an Apple Pencil. However, if you are in urgent need, you can just charge it for 15 seconds to get a charge of up to 30 minutes.
Can I charge Apple Pencil with iPhone charger?
Yes, you can use the small Lightning adapter bundled with the Apple Pencil 1st gen to charge it with an iPhone charger. Just plug the USB end of the adapter into your iPhone charger and the other end into your Apple Pencil to begin charging.
Conclusion
We hope this guide helps you understand how to charge Apple Pencil. Of course, charging methods are different for Apple Pencil 1st and 2nd gen. And now that you know what to do to keep them charged and how to ensure they stay charged, it will be even easier for you to use the Apple Pencil for your daily requirements.
Which Apple Pencil do you own, and how’s the battery performance? Let us know in the comments!
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