Quick answer: To charge an Apple Pencil, connect it to your iPad with Bluetooth on. A 1st-gen Pencil plugs into the Lightning port (or a USB-C-to-Apple-Pencil adapter); a 2nd-gen or Apple Pencil Pro snaps magnetically to the right edge of the iPad; and a USB-C Pencil charges with a USB-C cable.
There are four Apple Pencil models, and each one charges differently. This guide covers how to charge every model, how long each takes, how to check the battery, and what to do if your Pencil won’t charge. For everything else about Apple’s stylus, see our complete guide to Apple Pencil.
How to charge each Apple Pencil model
Apple Pencil (1st generation)
- Pull off the cap at the end of the Pencil to reveal the Lightning connector.
- Plug it into your iPad’s Lightning port. On a USB-C iPad, use Apple’s USB-C-to-Apple-Pencil adapter instead.
- Tap Pair if a Bluetooth prompt appears. A few minutes of charging is enough for hours of use.
Full walkthrough: How to charge a 1st-gen Apple Pencil.
Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and Apple Pencil Pro
- Turn on Bluetooth in your iPad’s settings.
- Magnetically attach the flat edge of the Pencil to the right side of your iPad.
- A charging indicator appears – the Pencil charges wirelessly while attached.
Full walkthrough: How to charge a 2nd-gen Apple Pencil.
Apple Pencil (USB-C)
- Slide open the cap near the end of the Pencil to reveal the USB-C port.
- Connect a USB-C cable from the Pencil to your iPad or any USB-C charger.
- It pairs over Bluetooth and charges while connected.
How long does it take to charge an Apple Pencil?
- 1st generation: about 30 minutes for a full charge, lasting roughly 11 hours. A 15-second top-up gives about 30 minutes of use.
- 2nd generation and Pencil Pro: about 15-25 minutes to full, lasting around 12 hours.
- USB-C: similar to the 2nd gen; speed depends on your cable and power source.
How to check your Apple Pencil’s battery
Add the Batteries widget to your iPad’s Today View or Home Screen to see your Pencil’s charge whenever it’s connected. With a 2nd-gen or Pencil Pro, attaching it magnetically also pops up a battery indicator. Full steps: how to check Apple Pencil battery.
Apple Pencil won’t charge? Try this
- Confirm Bluetooth is on and the Pencil is making solid contact (clean the connector or magnetic edge).
- Restart your iPad, then re-pair the Pencil in Settings > Bluetooth.
- For a 1st-gen on a USB-C iPad, use Apple’s adapter – third-party cables often won’t charge it.
Still stuck? See how to fix an unresponsive Apple Pencil.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use an Apple Pencil while it charges?
Not with a 2nd-gen or Pencil Pro – it must stay attached to the iPad to charge wirelessly. A 1st-gen or USB-C Pencil also needs to be plugged in, so you generally can’t draw while charging.
Do I need an adapter to charge a 1st-gen Apple Pencil on a USB-C iPad?
Yes. iPads with a USB-C port (like the 10th-gen iPad) need Apple’s USB-C-to-Apple-Pencil adapter to charge and pair a 1st-gen Pencil.
Get more from your Apple Pencil with Rock Paper Pencil
Once your Pencil is charged, Rock Paper Pencil pairs a ballpoint Apple Pencil tip with a reusable matte screen protector for the most realistic pen-on-paper feel on iPad.
