One of the fantastic and well-known features of the Apple Pencil is that it charges quickly, regardless of the version.
So, it can be frustrating if your Apple pencil’s charging speed slows down suddenly.
Hence, if you’re having an issue with how your Apple pencil charges slowly, you will want to know the causes.
And this is what brings up this question; why does it take so long to charge my Apple pencil?
Two main reasons could cause your Apple pencil to charge slowly. The issue could either come from your Apple pencil itself or your iPad. You might need to plug your Apple Pencil into your iPad correctly. Dirt or dust might also be blocking your Apple pencil lightning connector or the charging port of your iPad.
In this article, I will reveal why charging your Apple pencil takes so long.
I will further explain how to fix such an issue and also how you can make your Apple pencil charge faster.
Why Does My Apple Pencil Take Long to Charge?
Several reasons could cause your Apple pencil to take so long to charge.
The issue revolves around two main things: the Apple pencil itself and the iPad you use to charge the Pencil.
Therefore, the reasons your Apple pencil takes so long to charge are:
- Loosened connection.
- Faulty adapter
- The iPad lacks enough charge.
- The iPad or Apple pencil’s battery is faulty.
- The operating system of your iPad is outdated
#1. Loosened Connection
One of the reasons why it takes your Apple pencil so long to charge is that the connection between your Apple Pencil and the iPad you’re using to charge it is loose.
Confirming if the connection is the issue depends on the mode of charging the Apple pencil since both generations charge differently.
So, if it’s the first generation Apple pencil, ensure that you plug it into your iPad appropriately.
And if you’re using an adapter, ensure that your Apple pencil is well connected.
However, if it’s the second generation Apple pencil, ensure the Pencil’s flat side latches tightly to the magnetic side of your iPad.
#2. Faulty Adapter
Sometimes, everything might be okay with your adapter.
One fact about the first-generation Apple Pencil is that it charges faster when you connect it to its compatible iPad than when you charge the Pencil with the adapter that comes with it.
So, if you’re the type that used to charge your Apple pencil with your iPad, you may need to learn the difference in the charging period.
Hence, try charging your Apple pencil with your iPad to test-run such an issue; usually, this should fix the problem. Nevertheless, your adapter could also be faulty.
So, to confirm if the adapter has an issue, change the adapter to another one using the same USB cable and connect the adapter to a power source.
If the problem persists, your adapter is indeed faulty.
#3. The iPad Lacks Enough Charge.
If you need to charge your iPad better, it can cause your Apple pencil to take so long before it charges.
Since your iPad is the one that charges your Apple Pencil, it’s incredibly essential to ensure that the iPad stays well charged every time.
#4. The iPad or Apple Pencil’s Battery Is Faulty.
If your iPad battery is faulty, it can cause your Apple pencil to charge slowly.
The same thing applies to your Apple pencil; if its battery is defective, it affects the charging speed of the Pencil.
So many reasons can cause your iPad and Apple pencil batteries to become faulty. Below are some of the reasons :
- If you’re the type that works with your Apple pencil while charging it, it’s high time you stopped it. This act weakens both the batteries of your iPad and the Apple pencil itself.
- Also, leaving your Apple pencil for a long time without charging exposes the Pencil to a deep discharge, which can eventually weaken the internal battery of the Pencil.
- Furthermore, your iPad’s battery might be old enough and due for replacement, which directly affects your Apple pencil’s charging speed.
- Charging your iPad at public charging stations or inside a car causes the iPad’s battery to weak. And, of course, if anything is wrong with your iPad’s battery, it also makes your Apple pencil charge slowly. Therefore, cultivate the habit of charging at home.
#5. The Operating System of Your iPad Is Outdated.
Just like computers, your iPad can also experience glitches, and most times, an outdated operating system is the one that causes the glitches.
Hence, if your iPad experiences glitches, your Apple pencil won’t also charge properly.
To confirm if you need to update the operating system of your iPad, check if any software updates are available on your iPad.
Meanwhile, you may be curious to know more about the first and second generations Apple pencils; therefore, check the table below:
| First Generation Apple Pencil | Second Generation Apple Pencil |
|---|---|
| This Pencil has a round shape. | This Pencil has a flat shape. |
| The Pencil charges when you connect its lightning connector to the charging port of its compatible iPad or by using an adapter. | Charges by latching their flat side onto the magnetic side of their compatible iPad. |
| The first-generation Apple pencil is glossier. | The second-generation Apple pencil has a matte finish. |
| This Apple pencil is longer. | This Apple pencil is shorter than the first-generation one. |
| The first-generation Apple pencil lacks the double-tap feature. | This Apple pencil has a double-tap feature. |
How Can I Make My Apple Pencil Charge Faster?
If you’ve been having an issue with the way the charging speed of your Apple pencil slows down, worry no more, as such an issue is something you can troubleshoot yourself.
Therefore, below are the ways to make your Apple pencil charge faster:
- Ensure the charging connection is tight.
- Clean your iPad’s charging port.
- Change your Apple pencil adapter.
- Check for any available software updates on your iPad
- Visit an Apple store
#1. Ensure the Charging Connection Is Tight
Regardless, first, ensure that your iPad has enough charge before anything.
Once you’re sure that your iPad Is well charged, inspect the charging connection and ensure that you plug in your Pencil’s connector to the lightning charging port of your iPad appropriately.
If you’re using the second-generation Apple pencil, ensure that your Pencil latches properly to the magnetic side of your iPad.
This first troubleshooting step should fix the problem. However, if the problem persists, try the next step.
#2. Clean Your iPad’s Charging Port
There are two ways of cleaning your iPad’s charging port, and they’re; by blowing compressed air into the charging port or by using a toothpick to eliminate the dirt that’s inside it.
To clean your iPad’s port with compressed air, turn the iPad off and blow air using your mouth into the charging port.
As you clean your iPad’s charging port, clean the connector of your Apple pencil as well by using a small, soft, and lint-free cloth to clean the connector.
After you’re through with the cleaning, turn on the iPad and try charging your Apple pencil.
This method should fix the issue. Meanwhile, it’s essential to ensure that the air is free from wet propellants.
If the first method doesn’t work, try the following way, which is cleaning the port with a toothpick.
Therefore, follow the instructions below to clean your iPad’s charging port with a toothpick:
- Turn your iPad off.
- Use a flashlight to see deep inside the charging port.
- Then, put the toothpick into the port and scrape it gently to draw the dirt inside it out.
- Thereon, blow another compressed air into the port to get rid of the remaining tiny dirt.
- Lastly, turn on your iPad and try charging your Apple pencil.
#3. Change Your Apple Pencil Adapter
If you discover that the adapter is faulty when you are test-running it, then you need to replace the adapter with a new one.
Also, ensure that you buy an adapter that’s faster than the one that comes with your Apple pencil, such as the 20W USB-C power adapter.
The 20W USB-C power adapter is four times faster than the standard 5W adapter that mostly comes with your Apple pencil.
#4. Check for Any Available Software Updates on Your iPad
One of the ways to make your Apple pencil charge faster is to update any software available on your iPad’s operating system.
To check for updates, go to your iPad “Settings,” then navigate to the “General” option, then click on “software update.”
If there’s any available software update, click “download & install.
#5. Visit an Apple Store
If your Apple pencil still doesn’t charge faster after updating software, then there might be a problem with your iPad or Apple pencil’s batteries.
Also, the problem might be some other things you need help when fixing. Hence, visit the nearest Apple store for professional service.
How Long Does it Take to Charge an Apple Pencil?
Both the first and second generations of the Apple pencil charge incredibly fast.
It takes 10-20 minutes for an Apple pencil to charge fully, and at most, it takes 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, if you have urgent work, you don’t even need to wait till your Apple pencil charges fully.
Just 15 seconds of charging can get you to work with your Apple pencil for 30 minutes.
How Do I Know When My Apple Pencil Is Fully Charged?
The primary way to know when your Apple Pencil charges fully is to check the charge status on your iPad.
You can check the battery level of your Apple pencil by simply checking the “Today view” on your iPad.
You can also check the battery level of your Apple pencils by adding the “Battery widgets” to your iPad’s home screen.
How Long Does an Apple Pencil Battery Last?
Apple pencils are incredible; they charge fast and last for a long time. According to Apple, a fully charged Apple pencil should last about 12 hours.
Like most technology devices, the Apple pencil’s battery can also discharge even if you don’t use it.
However, Apple’s battery is slightly different. If you leave a fully charged Apple pencil without using it, it only loses 5-10% of its charge.
Conclusion
Both Apple pencil generations charge extremely fast. It takes an Apple pencil just 10-20 minutes to charge fully, which can last 12 hours.
So, if it takes so long for your Apple pencil to charge, something is wrong with either the Apple pencil itself or the iPad or adapter you’re using to charge the Pencil.