Apple Pencil not charging? Try these fixes first

⚡ Fast fix

• Try restarting the iPad, then reattaching the Apple Pencil.
• Clean the connector on the iPad, and make sure the Pencil is firmly connected with the flat side aligned with the magnetic charger.
• Turn your iPad’s Bluetooth off and back on in the Control Center.
• If using a 1st-gen Pencil, check the adapter and cable or try a different power source.

---

The Apple Pencil® is one of the best tools for getting more out of your iPad®. With an Apple Pencil, you can create precise digital drawings, notes, and annotations for hours on end. But if your Apple Pencil isn't charging, its battery will eventually run out, and it won’t be functional anymore.

When it happens, you’re left asking yourself, “Why is my Apple Pencil not charging?” There are a few possibilities, and at Asurion, we’ve seen and fixed them all. Our experts are here to help you troubleshoot issues with an Apple Pencil that won't charge. Follow these steps to get your Apple Pencil charging properly again.

Identify which Apple Pencil model you have

Your Apple Pencil generation affects how it charges:

• 1st Gen – Lightning port: Remove the cap on the Pencil, and plug the Lightning connector directly into the iPad’s port or an adapter to charge.
• 2nd Gen – Magnetic charger: Magnetically attach the Apple Pencil to the side of your compatible iPad at the connector to charge it.
• USB-C – Wired connection: Slide open the end of the Apple Pencil to reveal the USB-C port, and plug in the USB-C cable there.

Since charging methods differ by model type, the issues you may encounter vary by model. If the iPad battery starts draining fast, that may be related to the Apple Pencil, so investigate further.

Check your charging connection and power source

A dirty port or connector could be the reason your Apple Pencil 2 is not charging. So, look for these possible causes of charging problems before writing off your Apple Pencil:

• Misaligned magnetic connection: If the Apple Pencil isn’t correctly aligned with the magnetic connector on your iPad, it won’t be able to charge. Pull the pencil off and make sure it’s centered exactly on the magnetic connector on the right edge of your iPad.
• Loose or debris-filled Lightning port: For 1st-generation Apple Pencils, check the Lightning port for dust or debris that could be blocking the connection. Blow gently in the port to displace the debris, or clean it out with a microfiber cloth.
• Faulty USB-C cable or wall adapter: The problem might not be your Pencil at all. Try a different cable, outlet, or wall adapter to make sure none of these components are broken and prevent the pencil from charging.

Remove your iPad case before putting your Apple Pencil 2nd generation on the magnetic connector, since the case may interfere with the connection. Make sure Bluetooth™ is enabled on your iPad, too, since the Apple Pencil uses Bluetooth. Likewise, when you connect a keyboard to your iPad, it may rely on Bluetooth.

Check if your Apple Pencil is charging in the Batteries widget on your iPad. One of the new iPadOS 18 features is the ability to personalize your Home screen by resizing and rearranging widgets.

You can also see whether the Pencil is charging in Settings. Go to Settings > Apple Pencil. If it’s charging, you’ll see a battery icon with a Lightning bolt. With the 2nd generation and Apple Pencil Pro, you’ll get a notification confirming the Pencil is charging when you attach it to the magnetic strip on your iPad.

When it might be a battery or hardware issue

If these quick fixes don’t work and your Apple Pencil is still not charging, there may be a deeper issue at play.

The problem could be:

• Battery degradation from long-term storage or low use
• Physical damage is blocking power transfer to the Pencil
• Pencil stops charging at low percentages

You might notice that the Pencil doesn’t appear in the battery widget. If you connect an Apple Pencil but can’t see its battery level, you may simply need to restart your iPad to reset the connection.

However, an Apple Pencil battery could fail if there is physical damage to the hardware or if you can’t resolve software problems. In these cases, your Apple Pencil may need to be replaced or repaired. Check whether your Pencil is still under warranty or has Apple Care® coverage to help cover the costs of the repairs or replacement.

---

FAQ

Why is my Apple Pencil not charging even when attached magnetically?

The Pencil may not be aligned correctly with the magnetic connector, or Bluetooth could be turned off. Make sure it’s centered on the connector and Bluetooth is enabled.

How do I check if my Apple Pencil is charging?

Open the Batteries widget or go to Settings > Apple Pencil. A battery icon with a Lightning bolt indicates it’s charging.

Can a dead battery stop the Apple Pencil from connecting?

Yes. A fully drained CR2032 battery (1st Gen) or internal battery (2nd Gen/Pro) can prevent charging and connectivity.

When should I replace my Apple Pencil?

If cleaning the connector, restarting the iPad, replacing the battery, and updating iPadOS don’t fix the issue, hardware damage may require repair or replacement.