Whether you've got an Apple Pencil 1, 2, Pro or USB-C, here's how to charge it.
So, you've got a shiny new Apple Pencil and you're keen to get going. But it needs charging and you have no idea how to do it. The Apple Pencil Pro, USB-C, 1 and 2 all charge differently, so here's how to do it.
The good news is that both pencils charge quickly (as fast as 20 minutes), so as soon as you're done with this post you can get going with your art. Haven't got one at all? Go see the best Apple Pencil prices before you read any further.
To charge the Apple Pencil 1 you remove the cap from the pencil, which reveals a lightning connector. This can be plugged directly into the iPad charging socket.
However, the pencil sticks out of the end of the iPad fairly inconveniently – that's where the adapter comes in.
If you're using your iPad you can attach the pencil to the adapter, which plugs into the iPad.
How to charge an Apple Pencil 2 and Apple Pencil Pro
This is where things get easier. The newest Pencil has magnetic charging, so you can pop it onto the side of the iPad and it'll attach with a delicious snap. The Pencil attaches firmly so you can keep it on there while you're using it – and a handy icon will appear on the screen showing you how much power is left in your Pencil.
Perhaps the least convenient model to charge is the Apple Pencil with USB-C, as it requires a separate cable. But it's still pretty simple. Slide open the end of Apple Pencil and connect it to a USB-C cable. You can then connect that either to the iPad itself, or power adapter.
How do you know if your Apple Pencil is charging?
The Apple Pencil 1 should be charging if it is plugged in. But you can check this in Settings > Apple Pencil. There you'll see a battery icon, if there's a lightning bolt and the icon is green then your Apple Pencil is charging.
For the Apple Pencil 2 and Apple Pencil Pro, you can see from the icon that appears on the screen when you attach it to the iPad. This displays how much battery is left on the Pencil, and if the icon is there you can be sure it's charging.
For the Apple Pencil with USB-C, you'll need to add a Batteries widget to your homescreen to see how much charge is left.
How to do I charge my Apple Pencil without my iPad?
An Apple Pencil 1 can be plugged in, with an adapter, to a standard charger. So that's easy.
The Apple Pencil 2 and Pro, for all their wizardry, need the iPad to charge magnetically. There's no magic option, unfortunately, except for buying an extra product such as an Apple Pencil charging case. You can put the Pencil in one of these and it'll charge in a similar time to when attached to the iPad.
Georgia has worked on Creative Bloq since 2018, and has been the site's Editor since 2023. With a specialism in branding and design, Georgia is also Programme Director of CB's award scheme – the Brand Impact Awards. As well as immersing herself with the industry through attending events like Adobe Max and the D&AD Awards and steering the site's content streams, Georgia has an eye on new commercial opportunities and ensuring they reflect the needs and interests of creatives.
