Whether you’re taking notes during a business meeting or using one to draw, it’s safe to say digital pens have revolutionized how we work and play. The digital pen industry is growing at a whopping 13.3% per year, with many people using them to replace the traditional pen and paper.
Of these pens, the industry-leading Apple Pencil may be the king. With low latency and stellar precision, they’re perfect for any iPad user.
That’s why battery issues can be so devastating to your workflow. When your Apple Pencil is not charging after you’ve come to rely on it, what can you do? Here’s a quick look at how to troubleshoot the issue and get back to work.
Know Your Apple Pencil Version
Before you start worrying about your Apple Pencil battery, figure out which version of the device you have.
1st Generation
If you have the 1st-generation Apple Pencil, you’ll see a rounded design with a silver ring on one end. These devices use a Lightning connector to charge.
You’ll need to plug the pencil into your iPad’s Lightning connector or use a charging adapter to insert your Apple Pencil into a Lightning cable. You can also use a USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter, also called a Pencil Connector.
2nd Generation
If you have the 2nd-generation Apple Pencil, the design will have long planes that make it look more like a pencil, with no silver ring on the end. These devices use Bluetooth to charge. Simply attach the pencil to your iPad’s magnetic connector.
USB-C
If you have the new Apple Pencil (USB-C), it will look much like the 2nd-generation model. However, it also has a hidden port that you can use to charge the device with any USB-C cable.
Double-Check Your Apple Pencil Compatibility
If you have a 2nd-generation Apple Pencil, it will only charge with compatible iPads. If you have an older model and your Apple Pencil isn’t charging, it might be because the device doesn’t have the ability to do so.
The iPads that are compatible with the 2nd-generation Apple Pencil include the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd and 4th generation) and any iPad Pro 11-inch.
Do a Restart
If your Apple Pencil isn’t charging, even when you’re sure you have the right chargers and devices, use a tried-and-tested strategy: a system reboot. This might seem like a no-brainer, but many users forget that some errors will resolve themselves with a quick restart.
Update Your iPad
If a restart doesn’t work, a software update might. If you haven’t updated your iPadOS in a while, it’s possible that a glitch or bug affecting your system has been addressed in the update. Follow Apple’s instructions to update your device, then try to charge your Apple Pencil again.
Troubleshoot Your Bluetooth
The 2nd-generation Apple Pencil needs Bluetooth to charge. If you turned your iPad’s Bluetooth off, this may be the reason for your charging issues.
If you have a different Apple Pencil model, Bluetooth might still be causing your problem. Is it possible that your Apple Pencil is charging, but you can’t tell by looking at your iPad? If there’s an issue with your Bluetooth, the Apple Pencil’s battery icon might not display the correct information, or it may not show the device is connected at all.
Turn your Bluetooth off, then turn it back on and see if the battery indicator updates.
If that doesn’t work, try unpairing the device and then pairing it again. In your iPad’s settings, tap Bluetooth>My Devices. Find your pencil, tap the info button beside it, and select Forget This Device.
Restart your iPad for good measure, then pair your Apple Pencil again.
Try a Different Cable
If you have an Apple Pencil that charges with a cable, the cable itself may be to blame. This is especially true if you have an old, worn, or dirty cable.
Troubleshoot your cable the same way you’d troubleshoot a phone charging issue. Switch the cable out with a different Lightning or USB-C cable, plug in your Apple Pencil, and see if the problem persists. While you’re at it, try a different outlet as well.
Clean Your Port
If you have a 1st-generation Apple Pencil or an Apple Pencil (USB-C) that won’t charge, there may be an issue with the port. Cleaning loose dust or debris may be all your device needs to charge.
However, you’ll need to be careful: cleaning the port on your own can damage the device if done incorrectly.
Grab a flashlight to look for any debris inside the port. If you see anything, try to dislodge it with a wooden toothpick and very light pressure. Never use sharp or metal objects inside your Apple Pencil’s port.
Apple does not recommend using compressed air on any of its devices, though some users find success with it. This substance can dislodge smaller particles, but it can also shoot them further into crevices within your Apple Pencil’s port. Be careful!
Get Apple Pencil Repair
If your Apple Pencil still isn’t working after you’ve tried the steps above, you may have a battery issue you can’t fix on your own. The lifespan of the average Lithium-ion battery is long, but heavy use can degrade it over time.
If you’ve left your Apple Pencil uncharged for a long period, you may have damaged the battery by accident. Like your phone’s battery, these devices are designed to remain active and should have at least a small charge at all times.
Whatever the cause of your battery issues, a repair expert can solve them. By troubleshooting various hardware and software issues, they can help you decide whether you should repair or replace your Apple Pencil.
Trust Us if Your Apple Pencil Is Not Charging
If you rely on your iPad for work or school, there’s nothing more frustrating than an Apple Pencil that’s not charging. Fortunately, following the steps above can help you troubleshoot the problem, which might save you a lot of headaches.
If the issue seems too complicated to figure out, don’t struggle with it alone! The experts at Fruit Fixed make sure broken devices don’t stay that way for long. Find your nearest store for device repairs or contact us today with questions.
