Is your Apple Pencil not charging? Check out all the solutions to fix the charging problems on your Apple Pencil and get back to using it again in no time.
How Apple Pencil charges
Apple Pencil comes in four variants.
- Apple Pencil 1st generation charges by removing its top magnetic cap and inserting the Lightning connector into a compatible iPad’s Lightning port. Note that you will need the USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter to charge it with iPad (10th generation).
- Apple Pencil 2nd generation takes a more convenient and safer approach. It charges wirelessly by sticking it to the magnetic connector on the right edge of the compatible iPad.
- Apple Pencil (USB-C) has a USB port that’s visible once you pull up its top cap. Insert one end of the USB-C cable into the Apple Pencil port and the other into your iPad’s USB-C port.
- Apple Pencil Pro charges when you attach it magnetically to the side of your iPad. This is similar to the Apple Pencil 2nd generation.
When your Apple Pencil starts charging, you see a prompt on the top of the iPad screen.
However, at times, your Apple Pencil may not charge because of basic software issues or significant hardware problems, and the tips below should help fix them.
1. Restart your iPad
Apple Pencil may not charge because of temporary system glitches on your iPad. To fix this, turn off your iPad and turn it back on. Once this is done, plug your Apple Pencil into the iPad’s port or stick it on its magnetic side.
2. Make sure the connection is correct
If your iPad is kept on sheets, cushions, or an uneven surface, the connection between the Apple Pencil (in its charging port or magnetic side) may not be perfect. As a result, the stylus may not charge.
To address this, place your iPad on a table or flat surface and put your Apple Pencil into charging. Make sure the connection is perfect, and if needed, try a few times.
Additionally, when you stick the Apple Pencil 2nd generation or Apple Pencil Pro on the edge of the iPad, ensure the alignment/placement feels perfect on its magnetic side.
3. Leave it on charging for a while
If you’re putting your Apple Pencil to charge after a long time — with its small battery depleted fully — it may take a while to show the battery percentage/charging status. In this situation, let the Apple Pencil charge and wait for about 10-15 minutes.
Related: 3 ways to see your Apple Pencil battery percentage
4. Ensure your iPad is charged
The Apple Pencil battery (~86 mAh) is minuscule compared to your iPad’s battery (about 11,000 mAh). I once charged my Apple Pencil when the iPad battery was below 10%. So in theory, you can charge your Apple Pencil even when your iPad’s battery is on its last leg.
But this may not always be the case because of the iPadOS version, bugs, or other temporary problems. Therefore, before putting your Apple Pencil to charge, make sure your iPad has enough battery.
5. Remember to use a compatible iPad
Every Apple Pencil model is not supported to pair, work, or charge with every iPad. For instance, the newer Apple Pencil Pro does not work with iPad Pro (6th generation). Head to this Apple Support page to check which Apple Pencil is compatible with which iPad.
6. Clean the port and connector
If you’re using an Apple Pencil 1st generation, remove its magnetic cap and use a soft cloth to gently wipe its connector.
If you have an Apple Pencil 1st generation or Apple Pencil (USB-C), take a minute to clean dirt from the iPad’s Lightning or USB-C port. You can use a soft, non-conductive object like a wooden or plastic pick to cautiously remove dirt from the port. A plastic brush could also come in handy. After this, put your iPad into charging, and if it works, that means the port is fine. It should charge your Apple Pencil too.
For Apple Pencil 2nd generation and Apple Pencil Pro, use a dry cloth to wipe it properly. When you attach it magnetically to your iPad to charge, make sure a case, cover, plastic protector, etc., isn’t coming between the Pencil and the iPad’s magnetic charging surface.
7. Unpair and pair the Apple Pencil again
If your Apple Pencil isn’t charging because of software problems, this is almost the sure-shot way to fix it.
1) Open the Settings app on your iPad and tap Bluetooth. Make sure it’s enabled.
2) Tap the info button ⓘ next to your Apple Pencil.
3) Tap Forget This Device > Forget Device.
4) Restart your iPad.
5) Insert the Apple Pencil 1st gen’s Lightning connector into the iPad Lightning port. Connect Apple Pencil (USB-C) to your iPad using a USB-C cable. For Apple Pencil 2nd gen or Apple Pencil Pro, just attach it to the right edge of your iPad.
In a few seconds, you will see the Pair button. Tap it, and your Apple Pencil charging problems should be solved now.
In case you don’t see the Pair button, wait for about two minutes and leave the Apple Pencil connected to charge. Within two minutes, you should see the Pair prompt. If not, disconnect the Apple Pencil (unplug from the port or detach it from the right side) and connect it again. Note that in newer versions of iPadOS, your Pencil may connect directly without tapping the Pair button.
8. Update your iPad
If you’re running an outdated version of iPadOS, go to Settings > General > Software Update to update your iPad. Hopefully, this will fix your Apple Pencil charging inconveniences for good.
Get your Apple Pencil and iPad inspected for hardware problems
If your Apple Pencil was not charging because of software issues, the above 8 tips should have fixed it successfully. However, if your problem continues, there is a strong possibility that:
- Your Apple Pencil battery is old and has degraded significantly up to the point where it isn’t charging.
- You haven’t charged your Apple Pencil in months, which may have caused its battery to go into a deep discharge mode, effectively killing it.
- Your Apple Pencil suffered a hard fall that might have altered its relatively robust internal circuit/charging mechanism.
- Or, there is some specific hardware problem on your iPad that prevents it from charging your Apple Pencil.
Contact Apple Support to address the above possibilities. You may have to take your iPad and Apple Pencil to an Apple Store or authorized service center to learn more about your repair options.
What to do if the Apple Pencil charge suddenly jumps to 100% in a very short time
Apple Pencil doesn’t take long to charge. It should be fully charged in about 30 minutes. And by charging it for just 15 seconds, you get about 30 minutes of use time. So, it’s normal if you notice your Apple Pencil is charging quickly.
But if your Apple Pencil is a few years old or its battery is degraded, you might notice abnormalities in charging. It might jump from almost 0% to 100% percent in just a couple of minutes. In this case, unpair and pair it again. If that doesn’t solve the problem, take it to an Apple Store.
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