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

Dave Johnson

Sep 19, 2019, 01:02 IST

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

AP Images
You can use your iPad itself to charge your Apple Pencil.

The method you use to charge your Apple Pencil depends on which model of the Pencil you own.
You can charge the original Apple Pencil by inserting its Lightning connector into your iPad's Lightning port.
To charge a second generation Apple Pencil, attach it magnetically to the right side of the iPad and make sure your iPad's Bluetooth is enabled.
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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.

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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.

Dave Johnson/Business Insider

Insert the Pencil in your iPad's Lightning port for a few minutes to charge it up.

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.

Dave Johnson/Business Insider

You can also charge your Pencil with a Lightning cable using the small adapter that comes with the Pencil.

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.

Reuters

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

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).