How to charge either Apple Pencil model with your iPad, and what to do if it won't charge

April 2024 · 4 minute read
Updated

Redeem now

The Apple Pencil is a wireless stylus for certain iPad models that lets you can take handwritten notes, sketch, draw, and paint, as well as control the iPad. Because it's wireless, you need to charge it occasionally. 

There's no need for a charger or power hub though — you can conveniently charge an Apple Pencil using the iPad it's paired with. 

There are two versions of the Apple Pencil. They look and work differently, and are designed for different iPad models. For more information on how to differentiate Apple Pencil models, and which iPad models they work with, see our article "'How much is the Apple Pencil?': A breakdown of Apple's advanced iPad styluses, including their prices and which iPads each works with." 

Each Pencil uses a different method to charge.

But no matter which Pencil you have, it charges quickly. You get about 30 minutes of charge in roughly 15 seconds, and the Pencil fully charges in about 15 minutes. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Apple Pencil (1st generation) (From $94.9.9 at Best Buy)

Apple Pencil (2nd generation) (From $124.99 at Best Buy)

iPad (From $329.99 at Best Buy)

How to charge the original Apple Pencil

To charge your first generation Apple Pencil, remove the cap from the end of the Pencil, revealing the Lightning connector. Then insert the Pencil into the Lightning port of your iPad. 

Insert the Pencil in your iPad's Lightning port for a few minutes to charge it up. Dave Johnson/Business Insider

If you've plugged in your Pencil but it isn't charging, your charging port might be obstructed by debris. For help cleaning it, reference our article, "How to properly clean your iPhone's charging port when it won't charge."

Alternately, you can plug an Apple Pencil into an ordinary Lightning cable using the Apple Pencil Charging Adapter that comes with the Pencil. 

You can also charge your Pencil with a Lightning cable using the small adapter that comes with the Pencil. Dave Johnson/Business Insider

How to charge the Apple Pencil (Second Generation)

To charge your second generation Apple Pencil, attach the Pencil's flat side to the right side of your iPad.

The second generation Apple Pencil attaches magnetically to the right side of the iPad. Reuters

If it doesn't begin charging, make sure Bluetooth is turned on by pulling down the Control Center on your iPad, and ensuring the Bluetooth button is blue (or enable Bluetooth in your iPad's settings). 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

Dave Johnson Freelance Writer Dave Johnson is a technology journalist who writes about consumer tech and how the industry is transforming the speculative world of science fiction into modern-day real life. Dave grew up in New Jersey before entering the Air Force to operate satellites, teach space operations, and do space launch planning. He then spent eight years as a content lead on the Windows team at Microsoft. As a photographer, Dave has photographed wolves in their natural environment; he's also a scuba instructor and co-host of several podcasts. Dave is the author of more than two dozen books and has contributed to many sites and publications including CNET, Forbes, PC World, How To Geek, and Insider. Read more Read less

Insider Inc. receives a commission when you buy through our links.

Watch: Watch Apple unveil the new iPad that has a 10.2" screen and supports Apple pencil

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7o8HSoqWeq6Oeu7S1w56pZ5ufonyowcidnKxnpJqwqXvHqK5mrJ9isKmt0aCcZpmgpbmmec%2BepZyhnA%3D%3D