Where to find your Apple Pencil battery percentage
The fastest way to check your Apple Pencil battery is to look at your iPad's lock screen or home screen. When your Apple Pencil is nearby and paired, a battery widget appears in the top-right corner showing the exact percentage. This works for Apple Pencil (1st generation), Apple Pencil (2nd generation), and Apple Pencil Pro.
If you don't see the battery widget on your home screen, swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center. The battery percentage for your Apple Pencil should appear there alongside your iPad's own battery level. This is the most reliable place to check if the home screen widget isn't visible.
Key Takeaways
- Your iPad displays your Apple Pencil's battery percentage in the top-right corner of the lock screen or home screen when the pencil is nearby and paired.
- Control Center (accessed by swiping down from the top-right) shows battery levels for all connected devices, including your Apple Pencil.
- Apple Pencil 2nd generation and Pro charge wirelessly by attaching magnetically to the side of your iPad, while 1st generation uses a Lightning connector.
- A low battery warning appears on your screen when your Apple Pencil drops below 20 percent, giving you time to charge before it dies.
- If your Apple Pencil battery percentage won't display, unpair and re-pair the pencil in Bluetooth settings, then check again.
How to check battery in the Settings app
You can also view your Apple Pencil battery in the Settings app. Open Settings on your iPad, then tap Bluetooth. Your paired Apple Pencil should appear in the list of connected devices with its current battery percentage displayed next to the name.
This method is useful if you want to verify the battery level without unlocking your iPad, or if you're troubleshooting a connection issue. The Bluetooth settings page shows all your paired devices and their battery levels in one place, making it straightforward to see at a glance whether your Apple Pencil needs charging soon.
Understanding low battery warnings
When your Apple Pencil battery drops below 20 percent, your iPad displays a notification warning you that the battery is low. This gives you advance notice to charge your pencil before it shuts down completely. The warning appears on your screen, but you can dismiss it and continue using the pencil until the battery runs out.
Once the battery reaches zero, your Apple Pencil stops responding to pressure and tilt input, though it may still be detected by Bluetooth. Charging it fully typically takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on which model you own and whether you're using a power adapter or just connecting to your iPad.
Charging methods differ by Apple Pencil model
Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and Apple Pencil Pro charge wirelessly. Attach them magnetically to the flat edge of your iPad, and charging begins automatically. You'll see a small lightning bolt icon next to the battery percentage on your screen, indicating that charging is in progress. These models reach a full charge in roughly 15 minutes.
Apple Pencil (1st generation) uses a Lightning connector. Remove the cap on the end of the pencil to reveal the connector, then plug it into your iPad's Lightning port (or use a Lightning to USB adapter with a power outlet). Charging takes about 30 minutes. The battery percentage appears on your screen while it charges, so you can monitor progress without unplugging it.
What to do if the battery percentage won't show
If your Apple Pencil is paired but the battery percentage doesn't appear on your screen, the connection may need to be refreshed. Open Settings, tap Bluetooth, find your Apple Pencil in the list, and tap the information icon next to it. Select "Forget This Device," then re-pair the pencil by holding it near your iPad and following the on-screen prompts.
After re-pairing, check your lock screen or Control Center again. The battery percentage should now display. If it still doesn't appear after re-pairing, try restarting your iPad and then checking again. A full restart often resolves minor Bluetooth communication issues that prevent battery information from syncing.
Battery health and lifespan
Apple Pencil batteries degrade over time with repeated charging cycles. After a few years of regular use, you may notice that your pencil doesn't hold a charge as long as it did when new. This is normal for rechargeable lithium batteries and affects all Apple Pencil models equally.
To extend battery lifespan, avoid letting your Apple Pencil fully drain to zero regularly. Charging it when it reaches 20 percent, as the warning suggests, is gentler on the battery than waiting until it dies. Store your pencil in a cool, dry place when you're not using it for extended periods, and avoid exposing it to extreme heat or cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't my Apple Pencil show a battery percentage?
The pencil may not be fully paired with your iPad. Go to Settings > Bluetooth, forget the device, and re-pair it. If the battery percentage still doesn't appear after re-pairing and restarting your iPad, the Bluetooth module in your pencil may need service.
Can I use my Apple Pencil while it's charging?
Yes. Apple Pencil 2nd generation and Pro work while magnetically attached to your iPad and charging. Apple Pencil 1st generation also works while plugged into the Lightning port, though the cable may feel awkward during use.
How long does an Apple Pencil battery last on a full charge?
Apple Pencil 2nd generation and Pro last roughly 12 hours of active use per full charge. Apple Pencil 1st generation lasts about 12 hours as well. Actual time varies based on pressure sensitivity, tilt detection, and how often you use the pencil.
What's the difference between the battery percentages for my iPad and Apple Pencil?
They are separate batteries in separate devices. Your iPad's battery powers the tablet itself, while your Apple Pencil's battery powers the stylus. Both appear in Control Center and Settings, but they charge independently and drain at different rates.
Is it bad to leave my Apple Pencil plugged in overnight?
No. Modern Apple Pencils have built-in charging protection that stops charging once the battery reaches 100 percent, so leaving it connected overnight won't damage the battery. However, unplugging it once fully charged is a good habit if you want to maximize long-term battery health.