The Highlights

  • Learning how to charge your Apple Pencil is essential to boosting its longevity.
  • You can charge your stylus using USB-C, wirelessly, or with a Lightning cable, depending on the make and model.
  • How long an Apple Pencil takes to charge also varies based on the generation; you’re typically looking at up to 30 minutes for a full charge.

The Apple Pencil is a powerful tool for artists, students, executives, and everyone in the middle. An artist who takes their tools for granted, however, will soon find that they don’t last as long as they really should. Knowing how to charge your stylus pen is a key part of proper accessory maintenance, and you’ll learn everything you need to know about it with this ZAGG guide.

How Apple Pencils & Other Stylus Pens Charge

Before looking into Apple Pencil charging methods, you should be aware that there are multiple ways to charge a stylus, depending on which generation it belongs to. Let’s take a closer look.

Apple Pencil (1st Generation)

Charging this stylus is a challenge these days, just because of how rare it is now. The oldest Apple Pencil generation relied on a Lightning cable for charging, similar to many iPhone 13 Pro accessories.

Apple Pencil (2nd Generation)

This 4th-generation iPad Air accessory relies exclusively on MagSafe wireless charging for power. To charge this type of Apple Pencil, all you need to do is attach it to the side of a compatible iPad for automatic pairing and charging.

Apple Pencil (USB-C)

Charging this Apple Pencil is by far the easiest for power users who frequently rely on 3rd party tablets and desktop workstations. How do you charge this Apple Pencil? Just plug any USB-C cable into the stylus’ port, and you’re good to go.

Apple Pencil Pro

This pro model goes back to wireless charging, similar to Apple’s 2nd-gen release. Enable Bluetooth on a compatible iPad and attach your Apple Pencil Pro to power it up.

Tips for Charging Your Stylus

Identify Your Model

Using a USB-C cable on a stylus model that doesn’t have a USB-C port won’t be of much help. The first step of properly charging an Apple Pencil or any stylus is to identify the charging method it is compatible with.

Wired Charging

How do you charge a stylus pen that comes with a wired charging port?

  1. You can plug a 1st-gen Apple Pencil directly into your iPad’s Lightning port (if available)
  2. Otherwise, plug any available Lightning/USB-C cable into your stylus to charge it up.
  3. How long does an Apple Pencil take to charge this way? No more than 30 minutes.

Wireless Charging

To charge Apple Pencils like the Gen 2 and Pro, simply snap your Apple Pencil or stylus to the side of your iPad. Your 3rd party stylus or Apple Pencil should start charging automatically.

Apple Pencil against a black background

Common Mistakes to Avoid

You should avoid leaving your Apple Pencil plugged in overnight, especially if it’s an older model. Modern charge controllers are designed to prevent classic overcharging, but constantly keeping your stylus battery at 100% can cause wear over time regardless.

Similarly, constantly letting the battery drain to 0% for extended periods is also a bad idea. Lithium-ion batteries in smaller devices can be damaged if deeply discharged.

Charging On The Go

Charging your Apple Pencil on the go is easy if you’re working with a Gen-2 or newer model. To charge your stylus pen, just leave it attached to your iPad for passive top-ups as you travel. If you have a wired model, it could be a good idea to carry a high-capacity power bank like the Mophie Powerstation Wireless 10K Slim so you can keep your iPad and tablet accessories juiced up.

Go Beyond the Apple Pencil

The Apple Pencil’s great, but you can do a lot more with your tablet if you think bigger. ZAGG’s Pro Stylus 2 is the perfect example, giving you a lot more color options, massive battery life, and convenient charging. You’ll never worry about how to charge an Apple Pencil again.

Charging an Apple Pencil or Pro Stylus 2 is also a lot easier with a great wireless charger. Mophie’s 3-in-1 wireless charging stand is a top-tier accessory for power users who are constantly on the move and want the convenience of fast charging without the wires.

Level Up Your Productivity with a Stylus

Use methods like passive top-ups, and you’ll never have to worry about how long it takes an Apple Pencil to charge. To charge older Apple Pencils, all you need is a Lightning cable. Whether you’re looking for a charging solution or leveling up with the Pro Stylus 2, ZAGG has you covered with elegant designs, sleek protection, and a comfortable 2-year warranty on productivity products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Leaving your stylus pen plugged in overnight can cause battery wear over time since it’s powered by a small lithium-ion battery.
Apple doesn’t allow you to use the Apple Pencil while it’s plugged in or attached to your iPad. Reportedly, this is for productivity reasons. Some 3rd party stylus pens can be used while charging.
If you’re unsure how often to charge a stylus pen, it’s best to only plug it in once it’s around 20% to avoid battery damage. Since stylus pens can charge quickly, it’s okay to only plug them in once you really need to use them.
The golden rule to charge an Apple Pencil is to wait for about 20%. You can extend your stylus pen’s battery life by avoiding deep discharging and not leaving it plugged in all the time.

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