How to check your Apple Pencil battery so you know when to charge it

• You can check your Apple Pencil battery in two different ways, depending on whether you have a first or second generation Pencil.
• With a second generation Apple Pencil, you'll need to have Bluetooth turned on to use the magnetic connector option at the top of the iPad - it will also charge this way.
• You can check your first generation Apple Pencil battery through the Widgets screen in your iPad's Notification Center and charge it via its Lightning connector.

There's nothing quite so annoying as getting into a flow state, only to have the technology you're using lose power, bringing everything to a halt. For those who use the Apple Pencil with an iPad, that experience can be all too common since the Pencil itself doesn't display battery life.

The good news is if you have a second generation Apple Pencil, the method to check your battery is rather simple, as is the method to charge it. A first generation Apple Pencil requires a different approach, which can be a little more complicated.

Quick tip: The Apple Pencil is designed to last 12 hours of constant use, although if it's old, the battery duration might be shorter.

Here's how to check your Pencil's battery depending on which version you own:

How to check your Apple Pencil Battery

Second generation

1. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
2. Place your Apple Pencil to the magnetic connector at the top of your iPad, located on the side with the volume buttons. This will also charge it.
   
   

3. The battery status will appear for a moment at the top of the screen (if nothing appears, try connecting again, or leave attached for a minute as the battery might be close to zero).

Another way to check is to open the Settings app and click on "Apple Pencil." You should see the battery level at the top.

First generation

1. Swipe down from the top bezel of your iPad to access the Notification center.
2. Swipe right to view Widgets.
3. Tap "Batteries."
   
   If you don't have the Batteries widget on your iPad, you'll need to enable it. Tap Edit at the bottom of the Widgets section and the Plus icon next to Batteries - it should now be an active widget. You can also check your second generation Pencil this way if you choose.

You can charge a first generation Apple Pencil in two ways. First, remove the cap (magnetically attach it next to the iPad's Home button not to lose it). Plug your Apple Pencil into the Lightning connector or Lightning port on your iPad, or charge with a USB Power Adapter by using the Lightning adaptor your Pencil came with.

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