How to Charge Your Apple Pencil: Which Model You Have and What to Do

How to charge your Apple Pencil depends on which model you own

Apple makes three different Apple Pencil models, and each one charges differently. The model you have determines whether you plug it in, use a magnetic connector, or pair it with a charging case. Figuring out which one you own takes less than a minute, and once you know, charging becomes straightforward.

The easiest way to identify your model is to look at the barrel of the pencil itself. If it has a flat edge running along one side, you have either the second-generation or USB-C model. If it is completely round with no flat edge, you have the first-generation model. You can also check the Settings app on your iPad: go to Settings > Bluetooth, find your Apple Pencil in the list, and tap it to see the model name and battery percentage.

Key Takeaways

Apple Pencil (1st generation) charges by plugging a Lightning adapter into the pencil's tip, which takes about 15 minutes for a full charge.
Apple Pencil (2nd generation) charges by attaching magnetically to the side of an iPad Pro or iPad Air, which takes about 15 minutes.
Apple Pencil (USB-C) charges through a USB-C port at the bottom of the pencil, using any standard USB-C cable and power adapter.
You can check your pencil's battery level in the iPad's Bluetooth settings or by looking at the battery widget on your home screen.
If your pencil stops charging, try cleaning the charging contacts with a soft, dry cloth and checking that your iPad or cable is working properly.

Apple Pencil (1st generation): Using the Lightning adapter

The first-generation Apple Pencil charges through a small Lightning adapter that comes in the box. The pencil itself has a Lightning connector hidden under the removable tip at the bottom. To charge it, unscrew the tip by twisting it counterclockwise, then plug the Lightning adapter onto the exposed connector. Plug the other end of the adapter into a power outlet using any standard USB power adapter, or plug it into a computer's USB port.

A full charge takes roughly 15 minutes and gives you several hours of use. The pencil will charge to about 80 percent in the first few minutes, then slow down as it approaches full capacity. You do not need to leave it plugged in longer than necessary — unplugging it once the battery reaches 100 percent is fine. If you lose the Lightning adapter, you can buy a replacement from Apple or use any third-party Lightning adapter designed for charging.

Apple Pencil (2nd generation): Magnetic charging on your iPad

The second-generation Apple Pencil has a flat edge along its barrel and charges by attaching magnetically to the side of compatible iPads. The supported models are iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (all models), and iPad Air (5th generation and later). Simply hold the pencil's flat edge against the flat edge on the side of your iPad, and it will snap into place magnetically. The pencil will begin charging immediately.

A full charge takes about 15 minutes, and you can check the battery level by swiping down from the top-right corner of your iPad to open Control Center — the battery percentage appears there. The pencil stays attached to the iPad while charging, so you can keep using your iPad normally. If the pencil does not attach magnetically, make sure the flat edges are aligned and try again. If it still does not work, the magnets may need cleaning — wipe both the pencil and the iPad's edge with a soft, dry cloth.

Apple Pencil (USB-C): Charging with any USB-C cable

The newest Apple Pencil model, released in 2024, charges through a USB-C port located at the bottom of the pencil. This model works with iPad Pro models from 2018 onward and iPad Air models from 2022 onward. To charge it, plug any standard USB-C cable into the port at the bottom of the pencil, then connect the other end to a USB-C power adapter. You can use the same cable and adapter you use for other devices like phones or laptops.

A full charge takes about 30 minutes. You can check the battery level in your iPad's Bluetooth settings or by adding the battery widget to your home screen. Unlike the second-generation model, this pencil does not attach magnetically to your iPad, so you will need to store it separately. The USB-C port is recessed slightly to protect it from damage, but you should still avoid dropping the pencil or applying pressure to the charging port.

Checking your pencil's battery level

You can see how much battery your Apple Pencil has in several ways. The quickest method is to open Control Center on your iPad by swiping down from the top-right corner (or up from the bottom on older iPads), and look for the battery percentage displayed next to your pencil's name. This works for all three models.

You can also add the battery widget to your iPad's home screen to see the pencil's battery at a glance without opening Control Center. Go to your home screen, tap the plus button in the top-left corner, search for "Batteries," and add the Batteries widget. The widget shows the battery level of your pencil and any other connected devices. Finally, you can check the battery in Settings by going to Settings > Bluetooth, finding your Apple Pencil in the list, and tapping it to see the exact percentage.

What to do if your pencil is not charging

If your Apple Pencil is not charging, start by checking the physical connection. For the first-generation model, make sure the Lightning adapter is fully inserted into the pencil's tip and that the power adapter is plugged in securely. For the second-generation model, clean both the pencil's flat edge and the iPad's charging edge with a soft, dry cloth — dust or debris can prevent the magnetic connection from working. For the USB-C model, check that the cable is fully inserted into the port and try a different USB-C cable to rule out a cable problem.

Next, restart your iPad by holding down the power button and the volume-down button together until you see the power-off slider, then slide to turn it off. Wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. If the pencil still is not charging, try unpairing it from your iPad and pairing it again. Go to Settings > Bluetooth, find your Apple Pencil, tap the info icon next to it, and select "Forget This Device." Then hold your pencil near your iPad to pair it again. If none of these steps work, the battery or charging hardware inside the pencil may be faulty, and you may need to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store.

How long a charge lasts and when to charge

A fully charged Apple Pencil lasts for many hours of active use. The first-generation model lasts up to 12 hours, the second-generation lasts up to 12 hours, and the USB-C model lasts up to 12 hours as well. In practice, most people find that a single charge lasts through a full day of regular drawing, writing, or note-taking. Battery life depends on how often you use pressure sensitivity and how much the iPad's screen is on while you are using the pencil.

You do not need to wait until the battery is completely empty to charge your pencil. Charging it when it reaches 20 or 30 percent is fine and may actually extend the battery's lifespan over time. If you use your pencil heavily every day, charging it overnight or during breaks is a good habit. If you use it occasionally, you might only need to charge it once a week or less.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Apple Pencil while it is charging?

Yes, but only with the second-generation model. Since it charges magnetically while attached to your iPad, you can continue using it normally. With the first-generation and USB-C models, you cannot use the pencil while it is plugged in, since the charging port is at the tip or bottom of the pencil.

What if I do not have the original charging adapter?

For the first-generation model, any standard Lightning adapter will work as a replacement. For the USB-C model, any USB-C cable and power adapter will work. For the second-generation model, you do not need an adapter — just attach it to your iPad. You can buy replacement adapters from Apple or third-party retailers.

Does my Apple Pencil work with all iPads?

No. The first-generation works with iPad (5th generation and later), iPad mini (4th generation and later), and iPad Air (3rd generation and later). The second-generation works only with iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch, and iPad Air (5th generation and later). The USB-C model works with iPad Pro (2018 and later) and iPad Air (2022 and later). Check your iPad model in Settings > General > About to confirm compatibility.

Why is my pencil battery draining quickly?

Heavy use of pressure sensitivity, frequent pairing and unpairing, or an older battery can all cause faster drain. If your pencil is more than a few years old, the battery may have degraded naturally. Try charging it fully, then using it for a day to see if the drain is normal. If it drains in just a few hours of light use, the battery may be faulty and you should contact Apple Support.

Can I charge my Apple Pencil with a phone charger?

Yes, for the USB-C model — any USB-C phone charger will work. For the first-generation model, any USB power adapter with a Lightning connector will work. The second-generation model does not use an external charger, so this does not apply. Using a standard phone charger is safe and will not damage your pencil.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.