How you charge an Apple Pencil depends on which model you own

Apple makes three versions of the Apple Pencil, and each charges differently. The original Apple Pencil charges by plugging into your iPad's Lightning port. Apple Pencil (2nd generation) charges wirelessly by attaching magnetically to the side of certain iPad Pro models. Apple Pencil Pro, the newest model, also charges magnetically but works with a different set of iPad models. Knowing which version you have determines what charging method you'll use.

The charging method you use affects how often you need to charge and what you need to keep track of. The original model requires you to have the Lightning adapter with you, while magnetic models charge whenever you attach the pencil to your iPad. All three models reach a full charge in about two hours and hold that charge for roughly 12 hours of active use.

Key Takeaways

  • The original Apple Pencil charges by plugging a Lightning connector into your iPad, taking about two hours for a full charge.
  • Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and Apple Pencil Pro both charge magnetically by attaching to the side of compatible iPad Pro models.
  • You can check your Apple Pencil model by looking at the bottom of the device or checking your iPad's settings under Bluetooth.
  • A fully charged Apple Pencil lasts 12 hours of use or about 30 days on standby, so you don't need to charge daily.
  • If your Apple Pencil won't charge, try cleaning the charging contacts or restarting your iPad before assuming the device is broken.

Charging the original Apple Pencil with a Lightning connector

The original Apple Pencil comes with a small Lightning adapter that slides onto the end of the pencil. This adapter has a Lightning connector on the other end that plugs directly into your iPad's Lightning port — the same port you use to charge the iPad itself. Once plugged in, the Apple Pencil begins charging immediately.

A full charge takes roughly two hours. You can see the charge level by looking at the battery widget on your iPad's home screen or by checking the Batteries widget in Notification Center. The original Apple Pencil holds a charge for about 12 hours of active use, so you won't need to charge it every day unless you use it heavily.

The Lightning adapter is easy to lose, so many people buy a separate case or keep it in a drawer. If you lose the adapter, you can buy a replacement from Apple or use any third-party Lightning adapter designed for the Apple Pencil. Keep the adapter somewhere you'll remember — you'll need it each time you charge.

Charging Apple Pencil (2nd generation) magnetically

Apple Pencil (2nd generation) charges by attaching magnetically to the side of an iPad Pro. The pencil sticks to the iPad's edge and charges wirelessly — no cable or adapter needed. This works with iPad Pro models from 2018 and later (11-inch and 12.9-inch versions). If you have an older iPad Pro or a different iPad model, this pencil won't attach magnetically and won't charge this way.

When you attach the pencil to the side of a compatible iPad Pro, charging begins automatically. A full charge takes about two hours. The pencil will stay attached to the iPad while charging, so you can continue using your iPad while the pencil powers up. The battery lasts about 12 hours of use, which means you can go several days between charges with normal use.

If the magnetic attachment doesn't work, make sure you're attaching the pencil to the correct side of the iPad — the long edge, not the short edge. Also check that there's no case or protective cover blocking the magnetic connection, as thick cases can prevent the pencil from attaching properly. Wipe both the side of the iPad and the pencil with a soft cloth to remove any dust that might interfere with the connection.

Charging Apple Pencil Pro magnetically

Apple Pencil Pro charges the same way as the 2nd generation model — by attaching magnetically to the side of a compatible iPad. However, Apple Pencil Pro only works with iPad Pro models from 2024 and later, plus iPad Air (6th generation) and later. If you have an older iPad, this pencil won't attach or charge.

Like the 2nd generation pencil, charging happens automatically once the pencil attaches to the side of the iPad. A full charge takes about two hours, and the battery lasts about 12 hours of active use. The pencil will stay attached while charging, so you can use your iPad without removing it. This magnetic design means you never have to hunt for a cable or adapter — the pencil charges whenever you put it on the side of your iPad.

Checking your Apple Pencil model and battery level

If you're not sure which Apple Pencil you own, look at the bottom of the pencil itself. The original model has a removable cap and a Lightning connector visible at the end. Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and Apple Pencil Pro have a flat edge on one side and no removable cap.

You can also check your iPad's settings. Go to Settings, then Bluetooth, and look for your Apple Pencil in the list of connected devices. Tap the information icon next to it, and the model name will appear. This screen also shows your current battery percentage.

Another way to see the battery level is to add the Batteries widget to your iPad's home screen. Swipe left from the home screen to open the widget panel, tap the plus button, search for Batteries, and add it. Once added, the widget shows the charge level of your Apple Pencil and any other connected devices. This is the quickest way to check the battery without opening Settings.

What to do if your Apple Pencil won't charge

If your Apple Pencil isn't charging, start by checking the physical connection. For the original model, make sure the Lightning adapter is fully inserted into both the pencil and the iPad. For 2nd generation or Pro models, clean the side of your iPad where the pencil attaches — dust or debris can block the magnetic connection. Also check that there's no case preventing the pencil from making contact.

Next, restart your iPad. Hold the top and bottom buttons until the power-off slider appears, then drag it to turn off the iPad. Wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. After restarting, try charging the pencil again. This simple step fixes many charging problems because it resets the connection between your iPad and the pencil.

If the pencil still won't charge, try unpairing it from your iPad and pairing it again. For the original Apple Pencil, go to Settings, Bluetooth, and tap the information icon next to your pencil, then select Forget. For 2nd generation or Pro models, do the same. Then pair the pencil again by following the pairing instructions that came with it or by attaching it to the iPad (for magnetic models).

If none of these steps work, the pencil itself may be faulty. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store to have the device checked. Apple can test the battery and charging contacts to determine whether the pencil needs repair or replacement.

How long an Apple Pencil stays charged

All three Apple Pencil models hold a charge for about 12 hours of continuous use. This means if you use your pencil actively for 12 hours straight, the battery will be empty. For most people, this translates to several days or a week of normal use before needing to charge.

When not in use, an Apple Pencil holds its charge for about 30 days on standby. So if you charge your pencil and then don't use it for a month, it will still have some battery left when you pick it up again. This long standby time means you don't need to charge the pencil constantly — charge it when the battery gets low, not on a fixed schedule. You can leave a magnetic pencil attached to your iPad between uses without worrying about overcharging, since the iPad stops charging once the pencil reaches full capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge my Apple Pencil with a regular USB cable?

No. The original Apple Pencil requires the Lightning adapter that came with it or a replacement Lightning adapter designed for the pencil. Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and Pro charge only magnetically and cannot be charged with any cable.

Does my Apple Pencil charge faster if I use a higher-wattage iPad charger?

No. The original Apple Pencil charges at the same speed regardless of which iPad charger you use. Magnetic models also charge at a fixed speed. Using a different charger won't make the pencil charge faster.

Can I charge my Apple Pencil while using it?

Yes, but only with magnetic models. You can attach Apple Pencil (2nd generation) or Pro to your iPad and continue using the iPad while the pencil charges. With the original model, you can't use the iPad while the pencil is plugged into the Lightning port, since the port is occupied.

What should I do if I lost the Lightning adapter for my original Apple Pencil?

You can buy a replacement Lightning adapter from Apple's website or an Apple Store. Third-party Lightning adapters designed for the Apple Pencil also work. Make sure any replacement is specifically made for the Apple Pencil, not a generic Lightning adapter.

Why does my Apple Pencil battery drain so fast?

If your pencil is losing charge much faster than 12 hours of use, it may have a software issue. Try unpairing and repairing the pencil with your iPad. If the problem continues, the battery may be wearing out, and you may need to contact Apple Support or replace the pencil.