How To Charge an Apple Pencil? 1st Gen & 2nd Gen
Charging your Apple Pencil is easy, but it depends on which generation you have. For the 1st Generation Apple Pencil, you can plug it directly into your iPad using its Lightning connector. You can also use a Lightning adapter with a USB charger if you prefer. The 2nd Generation Apple Pencil charges wirelessly. Just place it on the side of your compatible iPad.
Knowing how to charge your Apple Pencil helps you use it better for sketching, taking notes, or navigating your device without interruption. Having fully charged your Apple Pencil allows you to engage in extended periods of drawing and writing without the concern of it running out mid-task.
What Are The Three Easy Steps to Charge Your Apple Pencil?
For 1st Generation Apple Pencil:
- Remove the Cap: Take off the cap at the end of your Apple Pencil to reveal the Lightning connector.
- Connect to iPad: Plug the Lightning connector directly into the Lightning port of your iPad. If you prefer, you can use a Lightning adapter to charge it with a USB charger instead.
- Check Charging Status: Open the Settings app and tap on Apple Pencil to check if it’s charging. A lightning bolt icon will show up if it’s charging. You can also swipe down from the top of the screen to see the battery percentage.
For 2nd Generation Apple Pencil:
- Enable Bluetooth: Make sure Bluetooth is turned on by going to Settings > Bluetooth on your iPad.
- Attach to iPad: Place the flat side of your Apple Pencil against the magnetic connector on the side of your iPad. It should snap into place.
- Confirm Charging: A notification will pop up on your iPad, letting you know that your Apple Pencil is charging. You can also check the battery level by swiping down from the top of your screen.
What Should You Do If Your Apple Pencil Isn’t Charging?
To fix charging issues with your Apple Pencil, start by restarting your iPad. Simply turn it off completely, wait a few seconds, and then power it back on. After the restart, attempt to charge your Apple Pencil again by either plugging it in or attaching it magnetically if it’s the 2nd generation.
Next, check that the connections are secure. Make sure to fully insert the Lightning connector into the iPad’s port for the 1st generation. If you have the 2nd generation, make sure it aligns properly with the magnetic charging area.
How Can You Tell If Your Apple Pencil Is Fully Charged?
| Feature | 1st Generation Apple Pencil | 2nd Generation Apple Pencil |
| Settings App | Open Settings, scroll to Apple Pencil, and view the charge percentage. | Open Settings, go to Apple Pencil, and check the battery level. |
| Batteries Widget | Add the Batteries widget to your Home Screen or Today View for quick access. | Add the Batteries widget to your Home Screen or Today View for quick access. |
| Charging Indicator | Look for a lightning bolt icon next to the battery symbol in Settings when charging. | Attach the pencil to the magnetic connector on the iPad; a pop-up will show the battery level briefly. |
Can you Charge the Apple Pencil Using a Power Bank?
Use the Lightning Connector: The 1st Generation Apple Pencil has a Lightning connector that fits directly into your iPad’s Lightning port or an adapter. You can also connect it to a power bank with a USB output using the Apple Pencil charging adapter.
Charging Adapter: To charge your Apple Pencil with a power bank, use the Apple Pencil charging adapter that comes with it. This adapter allows you to connect the Lightning connector to a standard USB cable, which you can plug into the power bank.
Limitations for 2nd Generation: You cannot charge the 2nd Generation Apple Pencil with a power bank. It needs to charge magnetically through a compatible iPad, and there are no other charging options for this model without an iPad.
What Are The Differences Between the 1st and 2nd Generation Apple Pencils?
The 1st Generation and 2nd Generation Apple Pencils have key differences in design, features, and how users interact with them. The 1st Generation has a round, shiny design and includes a Lightning connector for charging, which can stick out awkwardly when plugged into the iPad.
On the other hand, the 2nd Generation has a flat side that improves grip and stops it from rolling away. It charges wirelessly by attaching magnetically to compatible iPads, making it easier and more convenient for users.
The 2nd Generation Apple Pencil comes with new features like double-tap functionality, which lets you switch tools easily, and hover detection for more precise marking. These enhancements improve the drawing and writing experience.
Conclusion
Charging your Apple Pencil is straightforward, but it depends on the generation you have. For the first generation, you can charge it by plugging the Lightning connector directly into your iPad or using the charging adapter with a power bank.
For the second generation, simply attach it to the magnetic connector on the side of your compatible iPad for wireless charging. Always check the battery status in the Settings app or by using the Batteries widget to ensure your Apple Pencil is ready for use.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I charge my Apple Pencil?
You can charge the 1st Generation by plugging it into your iPad’s Lightning port or using a USB adapter. The 2nd Generation charges wirelessly by attaching it to the magnetic connector on compatible iPads.
Which iPads work with each Apple Pencil?
The 1st Generation works with older iPads, including earlier iPad Pro models. The 2nd Generation is compatible with newer iPads, such as the iPad Pro (2018 and later) and certain iPad Air models.
Can I use my Apple Pencil with an iPhone?
No, the Apple Pencil’s two generations are only compatible with iPads; they don’t function with iPhones.
How can I check my Apple Pencil’s battery level?
You can view the battery level in the Settings app under Apple Pencil, or you can add the Batteries widget to your Home Screen or Today View for quick access.