The charging method depends on which Apple Pencil you own

Apple makes three different pencils, and they charge in three different ways. The oldest model charges by plugging into your iPad. The second generation charges wirelessly by attaching to the side of your iPad. The newest model, called Apple Pencil Pro, charges through a small port on its flat edge using a USB-C cable. If you do not know which one you have, look at the shape: the original is round, the second generation is flat on one side, and the Pro is flat on two sides with a textured grip.

Knowing which model you own matters because using the wrong charging method can damage the pencil or fail to charge it at all. The charging port and attachment methods are not interchangeable between models.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple Pencil (1st generation) charges by inserting the lightning connector into your iPad's charging port, taking about 15 to 30 minutes for a full charge.
  • Apple Pencil (2nd generation) charges wirelessly by snapping magnetically to the side of iPad Pro or iPad Air models, reaching full charge in about two hours.
  • Apple Pencil Pro charges through a USB-C port on its flat edge using any standard USB-C cable and power adapter, taking roughly 30 minutes to fully charge.
  • A pencil that will not charge may have a dirty connector, a damaged cable, or an incompatible iPad model — checking these three things solves most problems.

Apple Pencil (1st generation): plug it into your iPad

The original Apple Pencil has a lightning connector hidden under a removable cap at the pointed end. To charge it, unscrew or pull off this cap and plug the connector directly into the lightning port on the bottom of your iPad. The pencil will charge while plugged in, and you do not need to open any apps or do anything else — just leave it connected.

A full charge takes 15 to 30 minutes. The pencil will show a battery indicator on your iPad's lock screen or in the top-right corner of the home screen while it is charging. Once the battery shows full, unplug the pencil and replace the cap to protect the connector.

This model works with iPad (5th generation and later), iPad mini (4th generation and later), iPad Air 2, and iPad Pro (all sizes). If you have an older iPad, this pencil will not work with it.

Apple Pencil (2nd generation): attach it to the side of your iPad

The second-generation pencil is flat on one side and charges wirelessly using magnets. To charge it, hold the flat side against the flat edge of your iPad Pro or iPad Air. The pencil will snap into place magnetically and begin charging automatically — you will see a battery indicator appear on your screen. There is no cable to plug in and no port to access.

A full charge takes about two hours. You can use the pencil while it is attached to your iPad, and the battery will continue to charge. The pencil stays in place through the magnets, so you can carry your iPad with the pencil attached without it falling off.

This model only works with iPad Pro (2nd generation and later) and iPad Air (3rd generation and later). It will not work with regular iPad models or older iPad Pro versions. If you try to attach it to an incompatible iPad, the magnets will not hold it in place.

Apple Pencil Pro: use a USB-C cable

The Apple Pencil Pro has a small USB-C port on its flat edge. To charge it, plug any standard USB-C cable into this port and connect the other end to a power adapter or computer. The pencil does not have a specific Apple charging cable — any USB-C cable works, including the one that came with your iPad or iPhone.

A full charge takes roughly 30 minutes. You can check the battery level by opening the Settings app on your iPad, going to Bluetooth, and looking at the Pencil Pro listing. The pencil will show a percentage or a battery icon.

This model works with iPad Pro (7th generation and later) and iPad Air (6th generation and later). Like the 2nd generation, it will not work with regular iPad models or older iPad versions.

What to do if your pencil will not charge

If your pencil is not charging, start by checking three things. First, make sure you are using the correct charging method for your model — plugging a 2nd generation pencil into a port will not work because it charges wirelessly instead. Second, clean the connector or port with a dry cloth. Dust or debris on the lightning connector (1st gen) or USB-C port (Pro) can block the connection.

Third, check that your iPad is compatible with your pencil model. The original pencil works with older iPads, but the 2nd generation and Pro only work with newer models. If you have an iPad from more than three or four years ago, your newer pencil may not be designed to work with it.

If cleaning and checking compatibility do not solve the problem, try a different USB-C cable if you have a Pro model, or try plugging the 1st generation into a different iPad to see if the issue is with the pencil or the iPad itself. If the pencil still will not charge after these steps, the battery or charging hardware inside the pencil may be damaged.

How long a charge lasts and when you need to charge again

A fully charged Apple Pencil lasts a long time between charges. The 1st generation pencil runs for about 12 hours of continuous use before the battery is empty. The 2nd generation and Pro both last around 12 hours as well, though battery life varies depending on how much pressure you explore while writing or drawing.

In practice, most people charge their pencil once or twice a week rather than every day. If you use your pencil for a few hours each day, you might charge it every three or four days. The battery indicator on your iPad will show you the current level, so you can charge before it runs completely empty.

If your pencil battery dies while you are using it, you can charge it when ready using the method for your model. Even a few minutes of charging gives you enough battery to use the pencil again, though a full charge is better for consistent performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge my Apple Pencil with my iPad's charger?

Only if you have the Pro model. The Pro uses a standard USB-C cable, so you can use any USB-C power adapter, including the one that came with your iPad. The 1st generation must plug directly into your iPad's port, and the 2nd generation charges wirelessly through magnets, so neither of those can use a separate charger.

What happens if I leave my Apple Pencil plugged in overnight?

Nothing harmful happens. Once the battery is full, the pencil stops charging and the battery will not overcharge. Leaving it plugged in for hours or overnight will not damage the battery or the pencil. However, for the 1st generation, keeping the lightning connector plugged into your iPad for long periods may eventually wear out the port on your iPad.

Why is my Apple Pencil charging very slowly?

For the 1st generation, a slow charge usually means the lightning connector is dirty. Clean it with a dry cloth and try again. For the Pro, a slow charge might mean you are using a low-power USB adapter — try a higher-wattage adapter if you have one. For the 2nd generation, make sure the pencil is fully snapped to the side of your iPad and not just resting against it.

Can I use my Apple Pencil while it is charging?

Yes, with the 2nd generation and Pro. The 2nd generation charges while attached to your iPad, and you can draw or write while it is attached. The Pro charges through a cable, so you can hold it and use it while the cable is plugged in. The 1st generation also charges while plugged in, though the cable may get in your way while you are using it.

Do I need to turn off my iPad to charge my Apple Pencil?

No. Your iPad can be on, off, or in sleep mode while your pencil charges. The charging process works the same way regardless of your iPad's state. You do not need to open any apps or do anything special — just connect the pencil using the method for your model and let it charge.