Charging Apple Pencil
Charging the Apple Pencil is necessary every once in a while. How charging works depends on the version. Apple has now released three variants, of which the variant with USB-C is the most recent.
- Apple Pencil (USB-C)
- Apple Pencil (2nd generation)
- Apple Pencil (1st generation)
Charging Apple Pencil (USB-C).
Although you can magnetically attach the latest Apple Pencil (USB-C) to your iPad, the stylus does not have wireless charging. As the name suggests, it can be charged via a USB-C cable. Place the other end of the cable into your iPad or a power adapter. To charge the stylus, first slide the end open.
Powering Apple Pencil (2nd generation).
The version that can charge wirelessly is the second generation of the stylus. You can easily place the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) against the side of your iPad to charge. So you don’t need any cables, but the pen cannot be charged in any other way. You can only charge the Apple Pencil via the right side of the iPad, below the volume buttons. On the iPad mini 2021, the volume buttons are located at the top due to a lack of space.
Charging Apple Pencil (1st generation).
You can charge the original Apple Pencil in several ways, depending on the iPad you use it with.
With iPad with Lightning port
On an iPad with a Lightning connection, remove the cap from the Apple Pencil and simply plug it into the bottom of the iPad, into the Lightning port. A second way is to use the included Lightning adapter. Plug the adapter into the Apple Pencil and then use a Lightning cable.
With iPad with USB-C port (iPad 2022 only)
If you have an iPad 2022 (10th generation) with a USB-C port, you will need a USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter to charge the stylus, as well as a USB-C cable. With newer versions of the first generation Apple Pencil, this adapter is included as standard in the box. However, you can also purchase it separately for €10.
Check battery level
To find out the battery level of your Apple Pencil, you can add the Batteries widget to the home screen of your iPad. The battery status is only shown when you use the stylus or when it is charging. If you are not using it or it is not charging, Bluetooth will be temporarily disabled. With the second generation Apple Pencil, the battery status is also displayed when you connect the stylus to the side of the iPad.
Charging Apple Pencil not working? You can do this
If charging the Apple stylus fails, there are several things you can do. First of all, it is wise to find out whether the stylus is compatible with your iPad. In a handy overview we tell you which Apple Pencil you need.
In addition, it is possible that Bluetooth on your iPad is disabled or that you are using the wrong charging adapter. Other possible solutions include restarting your iPad, cleaning the port connectors, and updating iPadOS.
Apple also warns that signal interference may occur if you place an iPad with Apple Pencil (2nd generation) near your car key. This problem can occur if the key has a security transponder chip to start the car.
