The Apple Pencil 1st Generation is a great tool for writing and drawing on your iPad. But eventually, you’ll need to charge it. Here’s how:
Charging with Your iPad
This is the most common way to charge your Apple Pencil. Simply plug the Lightning connector on your Apple Pencil into the Lightning port on your iPad. That’s it! Your Apple Pencil will start charging immediately. You can continue to use your iPad while your Apple Pencil charges.
Charging with a Lightning Cable
You can also charge your Apple Pencil with a Lightning to USB cable. This is a good option if you don’t want to plug your Apple Pencil directly into your iPad. To do this, simply plug the Lightning connector on your Apple Pencil into the Lightning to USB cable. Then, plug the other end of the cable into a USB power adapter. You can use the same power adapter that you use to charge your iPad.
Charging with a USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter
If you have a newer iPad with a USB-C port, you can use a USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter to charge your Apple Pencil. This adapter comes with your Apple Pencil. To use it, simply plug the Lightning connector on your Apple Pencil into the adapter. Then, plug the other end of the adapter into the USB-C port on your iPad.
How Long Does It Take to Charge?
It doesn’t take long to charge your Apple Pencil. A full charge should only take about 15-30 minutes. You can check the battery level of your Apple Pencil by swiping down from the top right corner of your iPad screen to open Control Center. The battery level will be displayed next to the battery icon.
Tips for Charging Your Apple Pencil
- Make sure that the Lightning connector on your Apple Pencil is clean and free of debris.
- If you’re using a Lightning to USB cable, make sure that the cable is Apple certified.
- Don’t leave your Apple Pencil plugged in for extended periods of time after it’s fully charged.
Troubleshooting
If you’re having trouble charging your Apple Pencil, try the following:
- Make sure that your iPad is turned on.
- Try using a different Lightning cable or USB power adapter.
- Restart your iPad.
- If you’re still having trouble, contact Apple Support.
| Charging Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Charging with Your iPad | Plug the Apple Pencil directly into the iPad’s Lightning port. |
| Charging with a Lightning Cable | Use a Lightning to USB cable and a power adapter. |
| Charging with a USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter | For iPads with USB-C ports, use the included adapter. |
Power Up Your 1st Gen Apple Pencil: Quick and Easy Steps
Old vs New Apple Pencils: What’s Different?
The main difference between old and new Apple Pencils is how they charge. The 1st gen pencil has a silver part that hides the charging port. The 2nd gen pencil charges without wires.
Which iPads Work with the 1st Gen Apple Pencil?
The 1st gen Apple Pencil works with these iPads:
- iPad (10th gen)
- iPad mini (6th gen)
- iPad Air (4th gen and newer)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (all versions)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd gen and newer)
Three Simple Steps to Charge Your 1st Gen Apple Pencil
- Take off the cap
- Plug it into your iPad’s charging port
- Tap “pair” when asked
It’s that easy!
Charging the 1st Gen Apple Pencil with a New iPad
Newer iPads use a different port called USB-C. You’ll need a special adapter to charge your pencil. These adapters cost about $10 online. Just plug one end into your iPad and the other into your pencil.
How Fast Does the 1st Gen Apple Pencil Charge?
Good news! The 1st gen Apple Pencil charges very fast. It takes only 30 minutes to go from empty to full. A full charge lasts about 11 hours.
Checking if Your 1st Gen Apple Pencil is Charging
To see if your pencil is charging:
- Go to your iPad’s home screen
- Swipe right
- Scroll down and tap “Edit”
- Add the “Batteries” widget
- Drag it to the top and tap “Done”
Now you can check your pencil’s charge anytime.
Linking Your 1st Gen Apple Pencil to Your iPad
To connect your pencil:
- Take off the cap
- Plug it into your iPad
- Tap “pair” when asked
For new iPads you’ll need that special adapter we talked about earlier.
Make Your Apple Pencil Write Better
Want your Apple Pencil to feel more like a real pen? Try Rock Paper Pencil. It’s a special tip and screen cover that makes writing feel more natural. It helps you write smoother and with more control.
Common Questions About Charging the Apple Pencil 1
How to Power Up Your First-Gen Apple Pencil With an iPad
To charge your old Apple Pencil:
- Take off the cap
- Plug it into your iPad’s Lightning port
- Wait for the charging icon to appear
It’s that easy! Your pencil will start powering up right away.
Can You Charge an Old Apple Pencil Without the Special Plug?
Yes! You can use the Lightning adapter that came with your pencil. Just plug the pencil into the adapter. Then connect the adapter to a Lightning cable. This lets you charge from any USB power source.
Is There a Way to Charge an Old Apple Pencil With USB-C?
Sadly no. The first Apple Pencil only works with Lightning ports. You can’t charge it directly with USB-C. But you can use a Lightning to USB-C adapter if needed.
What to Do When Your Old Apple Pencil Won’t Power Up
Try these steps if your pencil won’t charge:
- Clean the tip and port
- Restart your iPad
- Check for updates
- Try a different outlet
If nothing works call Apple Support. They can help fix the issue.
How to Tell if Your First-Gen Apple Pencil is Charging
Look for these signs:
- A battery icon shows on your iPad
- The pencil feels warm
- It works after being plugged in
You can also check the battery level in your iPad’s settings.
Can You Charge the First Apple Pencil Without Wires?
No the old Apple Pencil can’t charge wirelessly. Only the newer model has this feature. The first-gen pencil must plug in to charge.
