The Complete Guide to Charging Apple Pencil - Both 1st & 2nd Generation

Hi friend! If you‘re an iPad user, adding an Apple Pencil is one of the best investments you can make. The Apple Pencil unlocks a whole new world of creativity and productivity on your iPad.

But like any gadget, the Apple Pencil needs power to work its magic. Charging your Apple Pencil properly is crucial for it to function as designed.

In this detailed guide, I‘ll walk you through everything you need to know about charging both the 1st generation and 2nd generation Apple Pencil models. I‘ve been using the Apple Pencil heavily for over 4 years, so I‘m excited to share my tips and tricks as an experienced user!

Let‘s get started!

Overview of Charging the Apple Pencil 1 and 2

The Apple Pencil changed the game when it launched in 2015 alongside the first iPad Pro. For the first time, iPad users could write, sketch, draw, and illustrate directly on the touchscreen with precision and low latency. It felt just like using an actual pencil!

Apple has released two generations of the Apple Pencil so far:

1st generation – Launched in 2015
2nd generation – Launched in 2018

The charging process is slightly different between the two models:

The 1st generation Apple Pencil charges via a Lightning connector that plugs into the iPad itself or a special adapter.
The 2nd generation Apple Pencil charges wirelessly by magnetically snapping onto the side of compatible iPad models.

Later in this guide, I‘ll provide detailed charging instructions for both versions of the Apple Pencil.

But first, let‘s look at why proper charging matters for your Apple Pencil.

Why Properly Charging Matters

As an Apple Pencil owner myself, I know the frustration of having your Pencil run out of juice mid-drawing or note taking. Suddenly that magical pen-on-screen experience grinds to a halt!

That‘s why regularly charging your Apple Pencil is so important. Here are some key reasons why:

Avoid Unexpected Downtime: If your Apple Pencil isn‘t sufficiently charged, it could stop working when you least expect it and ruin your workflow.
Maximize Battery Health: Frequent partial charges are better for lithium-ion battery health vs. letting the battery completely drain each time.
Receive Low Battery Alerts: The Apple Pencil battery widget and notifications only work if your Pencil has enough power.
Utilize New Features: Apple Pencil features like Scribble for handwriting conversion require strong battery life to perform properly.
Reduce Long-Term Battery Wear: Deep battery discharges degrade battery capacity over time. Regular top-ups reduce wear.

By making charging a habit, you‘ll get consistently strong Apple Pencil performance and maximize its lifetime usability.

Now let‘s dive into the charging details for each generation!

How to Charge the 1st Generation Apple Pencil

The original Apple Pencil uses a Lightning connector to charge. There are two different methods you can use:

Method 1: Charge by Plugging Into iPad Directly

This is the fastest and simplest way to charge your 1st generation Apple Pencil:

Remove the magnetic cap from the top of the Apple Pencil. This reveals the male Lightning connector.
Plug the Apple Pencil‘s Lightning connector directly into the female Lightning port on your iPad. It‘s the same port where you‘d normally plug in the charger cable.
The Apple Pencil will instantly recognize it‘s connected and start charging. The LED indicator light near the tip will glow amber/orange to confirm charging status.
Leave the Apple Pencil plugged into your iPad until the initial charge is complete, usually around 15-30 minutes.
When finished charging, remove the Apple Pencil and place the magnetic cap back on the top.

Apple Pencil 1st Generation Charging in iPad Directly

Charging the Apple Pencil 1 by plugging directly into the iPad Lightning port.

I recommend using this direct connection method whenever possible. It provides the fastest charging speed for the 1st generation Apple Pencil.

However, sometimes you may not have your iPad available to plug into. That‘s where the second charging method comes in handy!

Method 2: Charge Using the Apple Pencil Adapter

Your 1st generation Apple Pencil also comes with a small female Lightning to female USB adapter.

You can use this adapter to charge from any standard Lightning cable connected to a power source. Here‘s how:

Take the female Lightning to USB adapter that came with your Apple Pencil.
Remove the magnetic cap from the top of the Apple Pencil and plug it into the female Lightning port on the adapter.
Plug your regular Lightning cable into the female USB port on the adapter.
Connect the Lightning cable to a wall charger or computer to provide power to the adapter.
The LED indicator light on the Apple Pencil will glow amber/orange when charging through the adapter.
Let it charge fully until the light goes out, around 15-30 minutes.
Disconnect the cables from the adapter when finished and replace the magnetic cap on the Apple Pencil.

Here is an illustration of how to use the adapter to charge the Apple Pencil 1:

Apple Pencil Charging with Adapter

Charging the 1st generation Apple Pencil using the included Lighting adapter.

While direct charging is best for speed, the adapter method lets you top up your Apple Pencil‘s battery from any standard USB charger. It‘s handy for travel or times when your iPad isn‘t available.

Both charging techniques are easy to use. Just plug in your 1st generation Apple Pencil using either method and let it juice up!

How to Charge the 2nd Generation Apple Pencil

The 2nd generation Apple Pencil ditches the Lightning connector and charges magnetically. It‘s designed exclusively for the 2018 iPad Pro models and newer.

Here is how wireless charging works on the Apple Pencil 2:

Orient the Apple Pencil with the tip pointing toward the long edge of your compatible iPad Pro or iPad Air.
Bring the Apple Pencil near the magnetic charging area, located about halfway down the right long edge of the iPad.
The magnets will pull and securely snap the Apple Pencil to the iPad. You‘ll feel it attach into place.
Check that charging has started by looking for the pulsing amber/green indicator light on the attached Apple Pencil.
Leave the Apple Pencil magnetically attached to the iPad until the LED light turns off, indicating a full charge. This usually takes around 15-30 minutes.
When finished charging, gently pull the Apple Pencil straight away from the iPad to detach.

Here is an illustration of how the magnetic wireless charging works on the 2nd generation Apple Pencil:

2nd Gen Apple Pencil Magnetic Charging

Magnetically charging the 2nd generation Apple Pencil on the iPad Pro or iPad Air

This magnetic charging system is super convenient. The Apple Pencil 2 just effortlessly snaps onto the side of the iPad and detaches when finished charging.

However, the magnetic charging will only work on these compatible iPad models:

iPad Pro 12.9‐inch (3rd and 4th generation)
iPad Pro 11‐inch (1st and 2nd generation)
iPad Air (4th generation)

For older iPad models, you‘ll need to use the Apple Pencil 2 Lightning Adapter instead.

This optional adapter allows the Apple Pencil 2 to charge through the iPad‘s Lightning port, just like the 1st generation model.

If you have an older iPad without magnetic charging, I recommend picking up the adapter for full compatibility. Contact Apple support if the adapter did not come included with your Apple Pencil 2 purchase.

What‘s the Charge Time for the Apple Pencil 1 vs 2?

You don‘t need to wait for a full 100% charge to start using your Apple Pencil. Even just 5-10 minutes of charging provides enough power for short usage.

But to fully charge an Apple Pencil from empty to 100%:

1st generation: Approximately 15-20 minutes charging via Lightning connector
2nd generation: Approximately 15-30 minutes charging wirelessly on the iPad

I like to quick charge my Apple Pencil for 5-10 minutes before any long drawing or note taking session. This small top-up ensures the battery won‘t run out mid-session.

For complete overnight charges, expect full charging times around 15-30 minutes on both models.

Now let‘s look at some ways to monitor your Apple Pencil‘s charge level.

Checking the Battery Level of Your Apple Pencil

Once sufficiently charged, both generations of the Apple Pencil will run for many hours before needing a top-up.

But it‘s still helpful to monitor the battery level so you don‘t run out of juice at an inopportune time.

Here are two ways to check your Apple Pencil‘s remaining battery percentage:

The Batteries widget displays battery info for paired devices, including the Apple Pencil.

To add it:

On your iPad‘s home screen, touch and hold an empty area until the apps start jiggling.
Tap the "+" icon in the top-left to bring up the widgets menu.
Search for "Batteries" and then tap the "Add Widget" button.
The widget will be added to your home screen, displaying your Apple Pencil‘s battery percentage.

Having the Batteries widget on your home page makes it easy to glance and check Apple Pencil battery status anytime.

2. Low Battery Notifications

When your Apple Pencil‘s battery drops critically low, around 20% or less, you‘ll receive a notification on your iPad.

Tap the notification to see details on the exact battery percentage remaining.

Low battery alerts are useful reminders to charge your Apple Pencil soon to avoid it dying unexpectedly.

If your Apple Pencil isn‘t appearing in the Batteries widget or getting low battery notifications, make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your iPad. The Apple Pencil uses Bluetooth to transmit battery data.

Troubleshooting Apple Pencil Charging Issues

Charging the Apple Pencil is usually quick and seamless. But if you‘re having issues, here are some troubleshooting tips:

For 2nd gen magnetic charging, ensure your iPad model supports it. Only the 2018+ iPad Pros and 2020+ iPad Airs will work.
Check that Bluetooth is enabled on your iPad. The Apple Pencil won‘t charge if Bluetooth is off.
Try charging by plugging your Apple Pencil directly into the iPad Lightning port instead of using the adapter.
Inspect the Lightning port on your Apple Pencil and iPad for any debris or damage preventing charging.
Reset your Apple Pencil by pressing and holding the side button and magnetic portion for 15+ seconds until the LED flashes.
Update your iPad and iPadOS to the latest versions for any charging bug fixes.
As a last resort, contact Apple support for advanced troubleshooting help.

With some persistence and testing, you should be able to get your Apple Pencil charging reliably again.

Maximizing Battery Life of Your Apple Pencil

To avoid excess charging and get the longest battery life from your Apple Pencil, here are my pro tips:

Top up often – Don‘t let your Apple Pencil drain completely dead. Regular partial charges are best for overall battery health.
Use Airplane Mode – Turn on Airplane mode on your iPad when possible to disable Bluetooth and extend the Apple Pencil battery.
Turn off Auto-Pairing – Disable the "Automatically Pair Apple Pencil" setting so your Pencil powers down when idle.
Reduce screen brightness – A lower brightness level uses less iPad battery power, indirectly preserving Apple Pencil battery as well.
Close energy-intensive apps – Games, video streaming, and other battery draining apps also tax the Apple Pencil battery faster through Bluetooth.
Avoid high temperatures – Heat degrades batteries quicker. Don‘t leave your Apple Pencil in hot cars or direct sunlight.

If you take care of your Apple Pencil battery and avoid full discharges, it should easily last over 1-2 years before any noticeable decline in max capacity.

Final Thoughts on Charging the Apple Pencil

Hopefully this detailed guide gives you full confidence for charging your Apple Pencil the right way.

To recap the key points:

The 1st generation charges via Lightning to the iPad directly or an adapter
The 2nd generation charges wirelessly by magnetic attachment
Monitor battery levels through iPad notifications or widgets
Troubleshoot charging issues using resets, software updates, etc.
Maximize battery lifespan by partially charging often

Charging only takes 15-30 minutes, so get in the habit of juicing up your Apple Pencil regularly. This ensures it never lets you down during your important work or creative sessions.

Both generations of the Apple Pencil are game-changing iPad accessories. With proper charging and care, your Apple Pencil should operate smoothly for years before the battery starts to wear down.

Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m always happy to help a fellow Apple Pencil user.