Imagine having to write a lot of notes within a short period. This task will not be a problem if you have an Apple Pencil. You can quickly scribble your notes instead of typing them using a keyboard, ultimately saving some of your time.
But there is one dilemma – your Apple Pencil ran out of battery. And when you connect it to your iPad, it does not show any indication that it is charging. In this case, you may wonder why your Apple Pencil is not charging.
To help you answer this question, this article will discuss the reasons and solutions to an Apple Pencil that doesn’t charge.
How Does an Apple Pencil Charge?
First-generation Apple Pencil charges when you remove its cap and plug it into iPad’s lightning port. Second-generation Apple Pencil charges when you attach its magnetic connector to the iPad’s landscape side. Regardless of your Apple Pencil type, its battery level will appear on your iPad’s screen to confirm that it is charging.
You’ll notice that the 2nd generation Apple Pencil is far more advanced than its predecessor just by looking at how they charge.
And since the 1st generation Pencil needs to physically connect to the iPad’s lightning port, its charging position can be cumbersome. For this reason, Apple offers an alternative charging method.
You can purchase a charging brick and connect it to a USB-C lightning cable and your iPad. This charging method prevents the Pencil from sticking directly out of the iPad.
Learn more about charging your Apple Pencil.
Why Is Your Apple Pencil Not Charging?
There are several possible reasons why your Apple Pencil or Apple Pencil 2 is not charging on your iPad.
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Poor Port Connection.
If you’re using a 1st generation Apple Pencil, it may not be charging because it is not properly connected to the iPad’s port. It could be that the connection is loose or the lightning port is dirty, resulting in an unestablished connection. -
Drained Battery.
A drained battery is another culprit for why your Apple Pencil is not charging. Another reason is that your iPad’s battery has an inadequate battery level, preventing it from charging your stylus. -
Physical Damage.
A bent or broken connector can also cause your Apple Pencil not to charge. If you dropped your device, it might have acquired damage, preventing it from charging correctly. -
iPad Software Glitch.
Sometimes, your iPad may glitch due to software bugs. Bugs can affect the communication between the device and your Apple Pencil. While uncommon, they can also be the reason why your Apple Pencil is connected but not charging. -
Deteriorated Battery.
Like any battery, the Apple Pencil’s battery life decreases as you charge it. Once the stylus’s battery reaches its end of life, it may fail to store up energy, causing it not to charge.
Thinking of getting a new digital pen but can’t decide between Apple Pencil and stylus? Discover their differences here!
How to Fix an Apple Pencil That Isn’t Charging
These are some of the solutions you can do if your Apple Pencil won’t charge:
Solution #1: Ensure Your Apple Pencil & iPad Are Compatible
Let’s say you have a new iPad and you are experiencing problems with charging your Apple Pencil.
In this case, you need to check its compatibility with your iPad. Here is a table of the devices that the first and second-generation Apple Pencils are compatible with.
| 1st generation Apple Pencil | 2nd generation Apple Pencil |
|---|---|
| 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, & 10th generation iPad | 6th generation iPad Mini |
| 5th generation iPad Mini | 4th & 5th generation iPad Air |
| 3rd generation iPad Air | 3rd, 4th, 5th, & 6th generation iPad Pro 12.9-inch |
| 1st & 2nd generation iPad Pro 12.9-inch | All models of iPad Pro 11-inch |
| iPad Pro 10.5-inch | |
| iPad Pro 9.7-inch |
As you may notice, the 1st generation Apple Pencil is compatible with more iPad models than the second-generation one.
Solution #2: Allow the Pencil to Charge for Some Time
Your Apple Pencil may drain all its battery life if you use it heavily. This thing can also happen if you store your stylus for an extended period without charging it from time to time.
If your Apple Pencil’s battery is completely depleted, initiating a charging process may take a few minutes.
In such cases, allow the stylus to connect with your iPad for about 10 minutes. Your device might still be accumulating initial charge before it can trigger the charging indicator to show up on your iPad.
Solution #3: Clean the Pencil Connector & iPad Port
Dirt and gunk buildup can be a reason why your Apple Pencil is not charging on your iPad. You can remove these blockages using a microfiber cloth or a dry toothbrush.
Once all the debris is removed, try connecting your Apple Pencil with your iPad again. If the dirt you removed is indeed preventing the devices from establishing a connection, your stylus should start charging right after it connects to your iPad.
Solution #4: Reset the Pencil’s Bluetooth Connection
These are the steps to resetting your Apple Pencil and iPad’s Bluetooth connection:
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Step 1. Launch your iPad’s “Settings > Bluetooth”.
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Step 2. Turn on “Bluetooth”.
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Step 3. Tap the “Information” icon beside the “Apple Pencil”.
The “Information” icon is the “i” inside a circle symbol, which you can find beside the Bluetooth devices connected to your iPad.
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Step 4. Tap “Forget this Device”.
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Step 5. Pair again your Apple Pencil with your iPad.
The
Pairbutton will appear next to your Apple Pencil’s name after you connect your Apple Pencil again. It can take some time until the message appears. In that case, wait until your Apple Pencil charges.
Learn more about Pairing Apple Pencil with an iPad.
5 Ways to Fix Apple Pencil Not Charging
Your Apple Pencil isn’t always the problem when it does not charge.
If you’ve tried the solutions above but to no avail, it is worth checking your iPad, as it may be causing the problem.
Solution #1: Restart Your iPad
As mentioned, software bugs on the iPad can be a reason your Apple Pencil is not charging. Fortunately, a simple restart can eliminate these bugs and fix the stylus’s charging problem.
These steps are to restart an iPad:
-
Step 1. Long-press the
Power&Volume Upbuttons until the “Power Off Slider” appears.If your iPad has a
Homebutton, press and hold thePowerbutton until the slider appears. -
Step 2. Drag the “Slider” to the right.
-
Step 3. Turn on your iPad after a minute.
If you encounter problems following these steps, check out this guide that explains How to Restart an iPad.
Solution #2: Force Restart Your iPad
Software bugs can freeze your iPad and you won’t be able to restart it as usual. In this case, you must force restart your device to fix the issue. If your iPad has a Home button, you only need to hold that button until the Apple logo appears.
Meanwhile, below are the steps to force restart an iPad without a Home button:
-
Step 1. Press the
Volume Upbutton once. -
Step 2: Press the
Volume Downbutton once. -
Step 3: Press & Hold the
Topbutton until the Apple Logo appears.
Solution #3: Charge Your iPad
Apple Pencils typically charge even when your iPad has a low battery level. But minor glitches can cause problems, and you’ll notice your Apple Pencil is not charging on the iPad.
So, if your iPad is low on battery, it’s best to charge it first before connecting your Apple Pencil to it.
Solution #4: Update Your iPad
An outdated operating system can prevent your iPad from charging your Apple Pencil. Therefore, it is worth checking and updating the operating system installed on your iPad.
Follow these steps to update your iPad:
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Step 1. Go to “Settings > General”.
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Step 2. Tap “Software Update”.
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Step 3. Tap “Download & Install”.
Check Apple documentation on how to update your iPad.
Solution #5: Contact Apple Customer Support
If all else fails, the last thing you can do is contact Apple’s Customer Support. They can provide the assistance you need in fixing your Apple Pencil.
You may also try bringing your Apple Pencil to the nearest Apple Store to have it checked by a professional.
How to Tell if Your Apple Pencil Is Charging
You can tell that a first-generation Apple Pencil is charging when a battery indicator briefly appears on your iPad’s screen right after you plug the Pencil in. To check if a second-generation Apple Pencil is charging go to the iPad’s “Batteries” section. You can find this section under the “Today View” menu.
The battery indicator is the only way to tell if a first-generation Apple Pencil is charging. Meanwhile, another way to check the charging status of a second-generation Apple Pencil is to display its battery icon. To do this:
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Step 1. Go to the iPad’s “Today View”.
You’ll find the “Today View” by swiping on your Home screen from left to right.
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Step 2. Swipe down & tap the “Edit” button.
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Step 3. Tap the “Plus” icon at the top left corner.
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Step 4. Add the “Battery” widget to your Home screen.
Apple Pencil Not Charging Through Case
Apple pencil won’t charge through an iPad case. Apple pencil must make physical contact with the iPad or use the USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter. Unfortunately, there’s no way around this. Try to look for a case that provides space for the Apple Pencil to charge, such as this one.
If you have a USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter you can use other iPad cases like this one that provide space for it.
How to Take Care of Your Apple Pencil’s Battery
While there is no way to stop your Apple Pencil’s battery from degrading, there are several ways to prolong its lifespan:
-
Charge Your Apple Pencil Regularly.
Apple Pencils consume battery even in standby mode. Make it a habit to charge your Pencil regularly to prevent it from draining. -
Avoid Overcharging.
Never leave your Apple Pencil plugged in for an extended period after fully charging it. While Apple Pencil batteries are made to withstand charging abuse, overcharging can affect their lifespan. -
Avoid Exposure to Extreme Temperatures.
Excessive temperatures can damage your Apple Pencil battery irreversibly. So, keeping it at an ambient temperature of 62 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit is essential.
Learn more about Caring for Your Apple Pencil’s Battery.
Can You Replace an Apple Pencil Battery?
Yes, you can replace your Apple Pencil’s battery by bringing it to an Apple Store. Once there, a professional will replace your battery with a new one. If you have an AppleCare+, Apple will replace your battery for free. However, this free service only applies to Pencils that retain less than 80% of their battery capacity.
If you don’t have an AppleCare+, the Apple Pencil battery replacement cost will depend on the store where you brought it.
Keep Your Apple Pencil Working Perfectly
Despite their size and delicate appearance, Apple Pencils feature a sturdy build. This durability extends to the device’s internal components, such as the battery. So, if your Apple Pencil won’t charge, don’t panic! There is always a way to troubleshoot this issue.
For instance, your Pencil’s battery may have depleted completely. In this case, leaving it plugged in for a few minutes will solve your problem. Or maybe you just need to restart your iPad and re-pair the Pencil’s Bluetooth connection with the device.
But if all the solutions mentioned above fail, never try opening your Apple Pencil yourself. Instead, bring it to an Apple Store to have it checked and repaired.
