The Apple Pencil Pro charges wirelessly by attaching magnetically to the side of your iPad

The Apple Pencil Pro does not have a charging port or cable. Instead, it uses a magnetic connection to charge. When you attach the pencil to the flat edge of a compatible iPad — the side where the magnetic strip runs — it begins charging when ready. The pencil stays attached magnetically and charges while you work or while the iPad sits idle.

This design means you cannot charge the pencil separately from an iPad. You must have a compatible iPad with you to charge it. The pencil will not charge if you straightforward place it near an iPad or hold it loosely; it needs to be firmly attached to the magnetic strip on the side of the device.

Key Takeaways

  • The Apple Pencil Pro charges by attaching magnetically to the side of any compatible iPad — no cable or charging case required.
  • A full charge takes roughly 15 minutes and provides several hours of use, though the exact time depends on your iPad model and how much power the pencil is drawing.
  • The pencil will charge while attached to an iPad that is powered off, asleep, or in use, as long as the iPad itself has battery remaining.
  • If your pencil stops charging when attached, check that the magnetic strip on your iPad is clean and free of dust, lint, or protective case interference.

Which iPads work with the Apple Pencil Pro

The Apple Pencil Pro is compatible with iPad Pro models (11-inch and 12.9-inch, 2024 and later), iPad Air models (11-inch and 13-inch, 2024 and later), and iPad Pro 7th generation and newer. It will not work with older iPad models, iPad mini, or standard iPad. Before you buy, check your iPad's model year and screen size against Apple's official compatibility list.

If you own an older iPad, you may be using an earlier Apple Pencil model — the original Apple Pencil or Apple Pencil (2nd generation) — which charge differently. The original Apple Pencil charges via a Lightning connector at the top, while the 2nd generation charges magnetically to the side of iPad Pro and iPad Air models from earlier years.

How long charging takes and how long the charge lasts

A full charge of the Apple Pencil Pro takes approximately 15 minutes when attached to an iPad that is plugged into power. If your iPad is running on battery, charging the pencil will draw from that battery, so the process may take slightly longer depending on how much power your iPad has left.

Once fully charged, the Apple Pencil Pro provides several hours of continuous use. Apple does not publish an exact figure because battery life depends on how heavily you use pressure sensitivity, tilt detection, and other features. Light sketching or note-taking may last longer than intensive drawing with constant pressure and gesture use. If you use the pencil throughout the day, you will likely need to top it up once or twice.

You can check the pencil's battery level in the iPad's battery widget or in Settings under Bluetooth, where it will show as a connected device. This tells you whether you need to charge soon or whether you have hours remaining.

Charging while you work or travel

Because the Apple Pencil Pro charges magnetically while attached, you can keep it charged during normal use. Many people attach it to their iPad when not actively drawing, which means the pencil is always topped up. This is different from older pencil models that required a separate charging session.

If you travel or work away from a power outlet, keep your iPad charged and the pencil attached when you are not using it. The pencil draws very little power when idle, so attaching it between work sessions will maintain its charge without significantly draining your iPad's battery. If your iPad battery is low, the pencil will still charge, but both devices will lose power together.

Troubleshooting when the pencil will not charge

If you attach the Apple Pencil Pro to your iPad and it does not begin charging, first check that the magnetic strip on your iPad is clean. Dust, lint, pet hair, or dried adhesive from a protective case can block the magnetic connection. Wipe the strip gently with a soft, dry cloth. If you use a case, make sure it does not cover or interfere with the magnetic strip — some cases are too thick and prevent proper contact.

Next, confirm that your iPad has battery remaining. The iPad must have enough power to charge the pencil; if your iPad is completely dead, the pencil will not charge. Plug your iPad into power for a few minutes, then reattach the pencil and check the battery widget again.

If the pencil still will not charge after cleaning and ensuring your iPad has power, try restarting your iPad. Hold the power button until the shutdown slider appears, slide to power off, wait 10 seconds, then power on again. After restart, reattach the pencil. If charging still does not work, the pencil or iPad may have a hardware issue and you should contact Apple Support.

Protecting your pencil's battery over time

The Apple Pencil Pro uses a rechargeable lithium battery that degrades slightly with each charge cycle, like all rechargeable batteries. To extend its lifespan, avoid letting the pencil fully drain completely on a regular basis. Instead, charge it when it reaches 20 percent battery or lower, rather than waiting until it dies.

Store the pencil attached to your iPad in a cool, dry place. Extreme heat or cold can damage the battery. If you do not plan to use the pencil for several weeks, store it with a partial charge — around 50 percent — rather than fully charged or completely empty. This reduces stress on the battery during storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge the Apple Pencil Pro with a different iPad?

Yes, as long as the iPad is compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro. The pencil will charge on any compatible iPad model. You do not need to use the same iPad every time; the magnetic connection works the same way across all supported devices.

What happens if I attach the pencil to my iPad while it is powered off?

The pencil will still charge. The iPad does not need to be turned on for the magnetic charging connection to work. You can attach the pencil to a powered-off iPad and it will charge normally, though you will not see the battery level displayed until you turn the iPad back on.

Does charging the pencil drain my iPad's battery quickly?

No. The Apple Pencil Pro draws very little power when charging. You may notice a small decrease in your iPad's battery level over time, but it is minimal — similar to the drain from keeping a Bluetooth device connected. If you charge the pencil while your iPad is plugged into power, there is no net battery loss.

Can I use the pencil while it is charging?

Yes. The pencil charges while attached to your iPad, and you can continue to use it for drawing, writing, or other tasks. The magnetic connection remains find during use, and charging continues in the background.

Why does my pencil charge slowly sometimes?

Charging speed depends on how much power your iPad is drawing. If your iPad is running intensive apps or is plugged into a low-power charger, the pencil may charge more slowly. Closing unnecessary apps and plugging your iPad into a higher-wattage charger (20W or higher) will speed up charging for both devices.