The most common reason your Apple Pencil won't charge is a dirty charging connector or a problem with the iPad itself
An Apple Pencil that won't charge usually fails for one of three reasons: the charging port or connector is blocked by dust or debris, the iPad's charging port has the same problem, or the Pencil's battery has drained so completely that it needs several minutes of contact before it shows any sign of life. Start by checking the physical connection first, because that solves the problem in most cases.
The second most common issue is that you are using the wrong charging method for your model. Apple Pencil (1st generation) charges by plugging into the iPad's Lightning port directly. Apple Pencil (2nd generation) charges by magnetically attaching to the side of an iPad Pro or iPad Air. If you have the wrong iPad model for your Pencil, or if you are trying to use a Lightning adapter that does not belong to your Pencil, charging will not work.
Key Takeaways
- Clean the charging connector on both the Pencil and the iPad with a dry, lint-free cloth before assuming the Pencil is broken.
- Apple Pencil (1st generation) charges by plugging into the iPad's Lightning port, while 2nd generation attaches magnetically to compatible iPad Pro and Air models.
- A completely drained Pencil may take five to ten minutes of contact with a charger before it shows any battery indicator on the iPad screen.
- If the Pencil still will not charge after cleaning and waiting, try charging the iPad first to rule out a problem with the iPad's power delivery.
Clean the charging connector on your Pencil
The charging connector on the bottom of Apple Pencil (1st generation) is a small metal ring that sits flush with the body. Dust, lint, and dried skin oils build up on this connector over time and prevent a solid electrical connection. Take a dry, lint-free cloth — a microfiber cloth works best, but a clean cotton cloth will do — and gently wipe the metal ring on the bottom of the Pencil for several seconds. Do not use water, rubbing alcohol, or any liquid, because moisture can damage the internal circuitry.
For Apple Pencil (2nd generation), the charging surface is a flat magnetic strip that runs along one side of the Pencil. Wipe this strip with the same dry cloth, paying attention to any visible dust or smudges. The magnetic connection is very sensitive to debris, and even a thin layer of dust can prevent charging from starting.
Clean the charging port on your iPad
The iPad's Lightning port (on older models) or the magnetic charging area on the side of newer iPad Pro and Air models can also collect dust and lint. Use a dry cloth to wipe the inside of the Lightning port gently, or wipe the magnetic strip on the side of the iPad if you have a 2nd generation Pencil. Do not insert anything into the Lightning port — no toothpicks, no paper clips, no compressed air — because you can damage the delicate pins inside.
If you see visible lint or debris in the Lightning port that a cloth cannot reach, hold the iPad upside down and tap the bottom gently a few times to dislodge the debris. Then wipe the port again with a dry cloth.
Wait several minutes after connecting the Pencil to power
A Pencil that has completely drained its battery will not show a charging indicator right away. When you first plug in or attach a dead Pencil, nothing may appear on the iPad screen for five to ten minutes. This is normal. Leave the Pencil connected and check back after ten minutes. If the battery indicator appears on the iPad screen, the Pencil is charging and you can stop worrying.
The battery indicator appears in the top-right corner of the iPad screen, next to the time and Wi-Fi signal. It shows the Pencil's current battery level as a percentage. If you still see no indicator after fifteen minutes of connection, move to the next step.
Charge your iPad first, then try the Pencil again
Sometimes the iPad itself does not have enough power to charge the Pencil. Plug your iPad into power and let it charge for at least thirty minutes. Once the iPad has some battery, try connecting the Pencil again. If the Pencil now charges, the problem was that your iPad's battery was too low to deliver power to the Pencil.
This is especially common if you have been using the iPad heavily and the battery dropped below twenty percent. The iPad prioritizes its own charging over accessory charging when power is very low.
Check that you have the correct Pencil model for your iPad
Apple Pencil (1st generation) works with iPad (5th generation and later), iPad Air 2, iPad mini 4, and all iPad Pro models with a Lightning port. Apple Pencil (2nd generation) works only with iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (all models), and iPad Air (4th generation and later).
If you have a 2nd generation Pencil and an older iPad, or a 1st generation Pencil and a newer iPad Pro, the Pencil will not charge because the charging method is incompatible. Check your iPad model in Settings by going to General, then About, and looking at the Model field. Then visit Apple's official specifications page to confirm which Pencil generation your iPad supports.
Try a different Lightning cable or power adapter if you have a 1st generation Pencil
If you are using Apple Pencil (1st generation) and you have already cleaned the connectors, the problem may be with the Lightning cable or power adapter you are using. Try a different Lightning cable and power adapter if you have one available. Borrow one from another device if needed. If the Pencil charges with a different cable or adapter, the original one is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Do not use a third-party Lightning cable that is not certified by Apple, because uncertified cables can fail to deliver the correct power to the Pencil. If you need a replacement, buy an official Apple Lightning cable from Apple or an authorized retailer.
What to do if nothing works
If you have cleaned both the Pencil and the iPad, waited for charging to begin, charged the iPad first, confirmed you have the correct model, and tried different cables or adapters, the Pencil's internal battery or charging circuitry may be faulty. At this point, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store to have the Pencil inspected. If the Pencil is still under warranty, Apple may replace it at no cost.
Before you go, write down the Pencil's model (1st or 2nd generation), the iPad model, and the exact date the Pencil stopped charging. This information will help Apple Support diagnose the problem faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an Apple Pencil take to charge from completely dead?
A completely drained Apple Pencil (1st generation) takes about fifteen to thirty minutes to charge fully when plugged into power. A 2nd generation Pencil takes about fifteen minutes when magnetically attached to an iPad. The exact time depends on the iPad's power output and how much power the Pencil needs.
Can I charge my Apple Pencil with any Lightning cable?
Yes, any certified Apple Lightning cable will charge Apple Pencil (1st generation). Third-party cables may not deliver the correct power and can damage the Pencil's battery. Use an official Apple Lightning cable when possible.
Why does my Pencil charge on one iPad but not another?
This usually means you have two different Pencil models, or the second iPad is not compatible with your Pencil model. Apple Pencil (1st generation) does not work with newer iPad Pro models, and 2nd generation does not work with older iPads. Check your Pencil model and the iPad's specifications to confirm compatibility.
Is it bad to leave my Apple Pencil charging overnight?
No. Apple Pencil has built-in protection that stops charging once the battery reaches one hundred percent. Leaving it connected overnight will not damage the battery or the Pencil.
What does it mean if the battery indicator shows a red lightning bolt?
A red lightning bolt means the Pencil is charging but the battery is very low. This is normal and will disappear once the battery reaches about twenty percent. The Pencil will be ready to use before the battery indicator turns green.