Users of the Apple iPad know of the two generations of Apple Pencil and how grossly dissimilar they are despite looking so much alike. And a major is that how to charge Apple Pencil 2 is quite different from its earlier counterpart.
In this article, GadgetsWright will guide you on how to charge Apple Pencil 2 and other background details of the device. First of all, they are two different models of the Apple Pencil; The 1st Generation Apple Pencil and the 2nd Generation Apple Pencil. By description, both are white in color and just about the same dimensions.
That said, both have different devices they support, yes, the 1st generation works mostly with the earlier iPad devices 6th-9th gen; while the 2nd generation supports the Pro models.
- iPad Air (4th generation)
- iPad mini (6th generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation)
Above is a list of iPad that supports the use of the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil. 
What is the Apple Pencil 2?
The Apple 2nd generation of pencil comes as an update to the earlier with its improved features ranging from the new magnetic charging to its far better pressure sensitivity. All in all, the device has a better overall performance than its predecessor.
At face value, you will find the Pencil 2 has a smaller size compared to the earlier one, this is because there is no more need for the lightning charging connector the 1st generation used. Apple 2 pairs and charge magnetically, so it is over a cm shorter.
It is imperative to know the difference between the two before you engage in how to charge Apple Pencil 2; its usage as they might look similar.
How to Charge Apple Pencil 2
Since we have discussed that the Apple Pencil 2 uses magnetic charging, you must be wondering how you can achieve that hearing how complex that sounds Usually, you will get a warning asking you to charge your Apple Pencil when the battery percentage is as low as 20%, 10%, and 5%.
When this happens, you know that it is time to charge or risk the pencil losing power completely.
The Apple 2 is actually much easier to charge than Apple Pencil 1, and it is quite universal too.
All you have to do is charge Apple Pencil 2;
- Ensure that the iPad Bluetooth connection is turned ON.
- To do this, Goto settings >> Bluetooth. Toggle it ON.
- Identify the iPad side with the magnetic strip (It is usually the side that has the volume buttons.)
- Place the Pencil’s flat side on the wide side of the iPad Pro magnetic strip.
- When you connect your Apple Pencil to your iPad, your iPad should briefly display the Apple Pencil’s charging status.
On a side note, this method of charging is fast, and usually, you can get as much as 30 minutes of battery life for as low as a 20-second charge; however, GadgetsWright will suggest that you try to charge for at least 20 minutes before next usage.
How to Charge an Apple Pencil 1
Having learned how to charge Apple Pencil 2, You might also need to charge for 1st gen Apple Pencil. This can be achieved in two different ways,
- How to charge the first-generation Apple Pencil using your iPad Pro
- How to charge the first-generation Apple Pencil using the Lightning adapter
For the first, it is when you charge it by directly plugging the pen into the device. The following steps will assist you in the charging process:
- Remove the cap atop your Apple Pencil
- Plug your Apple Pencil’s Lightning connector into your iPad’s Lightning port.
While the charging proceeds, you can keep the cap safe by placing it on your iPad home button.
You can also charge your Apple Pencil Gen 1 using a lightning cable adapter. To do so, here are the steps to follow:
- You will need a lightning cable adapter.
- After you might have acquired one; Remove the cap atop your Apple Pencil.
- Plug the end of the Apple Pencil (Lightning connector) into the Lightning adapter.
- Also, plug the Lightning adapter into your Lightning cable.
How to Check Apple Pencil Battery Gen 1
You can simply check this on your paired iPad device because the Apple Pencil does not have any charge LED indicator light on its body;
Follow the steps below:
- Swipe down to open Notification Center
- Swipe right to the Widgets screen.
- View Batteries
Once you clicked on the video batter icon it will open the necessary information on the Apple pencil gen 1 you possess.
How to charge Apple Pencil without Adapter
If you do not have an Adapter to charge your Apple pencil, you can plug your Apple Pen 1 directly into your iPad. Follow the steps below to do so:
- Remove the cap atop your Apple Pencil
- Plug your Apple Pencil’s Lightning connector into your iPad’s Lightning port.
How to know if Apple Pencil is Charging
When you are not sure if your Apple Pencil is charging, you can simply confirm by following these steps:
- Scroll down to Apple Pencil and select it.
- On the Apple Pencil page, you’ll see a battery icon at the top. You can confirm if it’s charging by the charging status of a green hue with a lightning bolt symbol, your Apple Pencil is charging.
If it is grey, then it’s not charging.
Apple Pencil not charging
If your device fails to charge, then you can remedy it with a few steps.
- Check the Settings
- Restart the iPad
- Repair Apple Pencil to iPad
The above are different solutions to a failed charging device.
To check the Settings, all you need is to
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth.
- Delete Apple pencil’s connectivity.
- Re-insert the Pencil into the iPad to pair again.
- Pair the device again.
- Charge after 10-15 minutes.
If your Apple Pencil isn’t charging, the above steps should help you to fix it.
How Long to charge Apple Pencil 2
Usually, it takes about 15-20 minutes to charge fully because of the high-speed charging the magnetic charging feature brings.
How long to Charge Apple Pencil 1
Apple Pencil 1 Battery life
At a full charge of about 100%, Apple Pencil 1 battery can last as long as 12 hours. A 15 seconds charge can give you about 30 minutes of battery life.
Conclusion
How to charge Apple Pencil 2 charging might seem complex but it turns how to be easier than expected, and with the fast charging, you can quickly have it available for continuous usage.
Asides from how to charge Apple Pencil 2, this article comprises other related problems you might run into while using Apple Pencil Gen 1 or 2 and GadgetWright have them all tested and trusted.