How to check your Apple Pencil battery so you know when to charge it

Publish date: 2024-07-21
2021-04-09T19:33:29Z

There's nothing quite so annoying as getting into a flow state, only to have the technology you're using lose power, bringing everything to a halt. For those who use the Apple Pencil with an iPad, that experience can be all too common since the Pencil itself doesn't display battery life. 

The good news is if you have a second generation Apple Pencil, the method to check your battery is rather simple, as is the method to charge it. A first generation Apple Pencil requires a different approach, which can be a little more complicated. 

Quick tip: The Apple Pencil is designed to last 12 hours of constant use, although if it's old, the battery duration might be shorter. 

Here's how to check your Pencil's battery depending on which version you own: 

How to check your Apple Pencil Battery

Second generation 

  • Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
  • Place your Apple Pencil to the magnetic connector at the top of your iPad, located on the side with the volume buttons. This will also charge it. 

    Only a second generation Apple Pencil can be charged via the magnetic connector option. Neil Godwin/Future/Getty Images

  • The battery status will appear for a moment at the top of the screen (if nothing appears, try connecting again, or leave attached for a minute as the battery might be close to zero).


    • Another way to check is to open the Settings app and click on "Apple Pencil." You should see the battery level at the top.

    First generation

  • Swipe down from the top bezel of your iPad to access the Notification center.
  • Swipe right to view Widgets.
  • Tap "Batteries."

    If you don't have the Batteries widget on your iPad, you'll need to enable it. Tap Edit at the bottom of the Widgets section and the Plus icon next to Batteries — it should now be an active widget. You can also check your second generation Pencil this way if you choose. 

    • A first generation Apple Pencil is distinguishable by the magnetically attached cap. Joby Sessions/MacFormat Magazine/Future/Getty Images

    You can charge a first generation Apple Pencil in two ways. First, remove the cap (magnetically attach it next to the iPad's Home button not to lose it). Plug your Apple Pencil into the Lightning connector or Lightning port on your iPad, or charge with a USB Power Adapter by using the Lightning adaptor your Pencil came with.

    spanspanDevon Delfino is a Brooklyn-based freelance journalist specializing in personal finance, culture, politics, and identity. Her work has been featured in publications such as The Los Angeles Times, Teen Vogue, Business Insider, and CNBC. Follow her on Twitter at /spana href="http://twitter.com/devondelfino/"@devondelfino/a./span Devon Delfino Devon Delfino is a Brooklyn-based freelance journalist specializing in personal finance, culture, politics, and identity. Her work has been featured in publications such as The Los Angeles Times, Teen Vogue, Business Insider, and CNBC. Follow her on Twitter at @devondelfino. Read more Read less

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