How do I connect the Apple Pencil to an iPad Pro with USB-C?

Date 25/11/2023
Category
Apple Blog, Apple How to?, Apple iPad Blog
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How do I connect the Apple Pencil to an iPad Pro with USB-C?

 

Connecting the Apple Pencil to an iPad Pro with USB-C is a straightforward process that enhances your productivity and creativity. Here’s a quick guide to effortlessly pair and charge your Apple Pencil with your iPad Pro’s USB-C port.

What is the process of connecting the Apple Pencil to an iPad Pro with USB-C?

To connect an Apple Pencil to an iPad Pro equipped with a USB-C port, follow these steps for initial pairing and charging:

Pairing the Apple Pencil:

  1. Check Compatibility: Ensure your Apple Pencil is compatible with your iPad Pro model. The original Apple Pencil (1st generation) pairs with iPad Pro models released before 2018, while the Apple Pencil 2nd generation pairs with newer iPad Pro models (2018 and later).
  2. Remove the Cap: If you’re using the first-generation Apple Pencil, remove the cap at the top to reveal the Lightning connector.
  3. Charge the Pencil: For the first-generation Apple Pencil, connect it to the iPad Pro’s USB-C port using a Lightning to USB-C adapter or a USB-C to Lightning cable. For the second-generation Apple Pencil, magnetically attach it to the side of the iPad Pro (where it will automatically pair and charge).
  4. Follow On-Screen Instructions: Your iPad Pro should recognize the Apple Pencil and display pairing instructions on the screen. Follow these instructions to complete the pairing process.

Charging the Apple Pencil:

  1. Magnetic Attachment (2nd Generation): If you’re using the 2nd generation Apple Pencil, attach it magnetically to the side of the iPad Pro. The Pencil will automatically charge while attached.
  2. Lightning Connector (1st Generation): If you’re using the 1st generation Apple Pencil, connect it to the iPad Pro’s USB-C port using a Lightning to USB-C adapter or a USB-C to Lightning cable. This will charge the Pencil. Alternatively, you can charge the 1st generation Apple Pencil using the iPad Pro’s Lightning to USB-C charging cable by removing the Apple Pencil’s cap and plugging it directly into the iPad Pro’s port.
  3. Check Battery Status: To check the Apple Pencil’s battery status, go to “Settings” on your iPad Pro, then navigate to “Bluetooth” and look for your Apple Pencil in the list of connected devices. The battery percentage should be displayed there.

By following these steps, you can successfully pair and charge your Apple Pencil with your iPad Pro’s USB-C port, ensuring optimal functionality and a fully charged stylus for your creative and productive tasks.

Can you charge the Apple Pencil on the iPad Pro without using the USB-C port?

For those using the 10th generation iPad or the 5th generation iPad Pro, alternative charging methods exist for the Apple Pencil, especially for the first-generation model that relies on a Lightning connector. If your iPad lacks a built-in Lightning port, you can utilize Apple’s Lightning to USB-C adapter or a USB-C to Lightning cable to connect the first-generation Apple Pencil to the iPad Pro’s USB-C port. This adapter acts as a bridge between the USB-C port on your iPad and the Lightning connector on the Apple Pencil, facilitating charging and connectivity. By employing these adapters or cables, users of the first-gen Apple Pencil can easily charge their stylus using the USB-C charging port available on the latest iPad models, ensuring the compatibility and charging capability of their current tool.

Moreover, some users might opt for wireless charging options, especially for the second-generation Apple Pencil, which supports wireless charging through the magnetic attachment feature on certain iPad Pro models. While the wireless charging method primarily relies on the magnetic attachment to the iPad Pro’s side, it eliminates the need for direct cable connections, offering convenience and ease of use as one of its key features. For those preferring a cable-based solution, leveraging Apple’s adapters or cables extends compatibility, allowing users to charge their first-generation Apple Pencil despite the differing port configurations on their iPads, ensuring that their preferred stylus remains a viable and functional tool.

Where can I check the battery status of the Apple Pencil on the iPad Pro to ensure it’s charging properly?

For users concerned about monitoring the battery status of their Apple Pencil during charging on their iPad Pro, accessing the battery information is crucial to ensure proper charging. On certain iPad models like the 10th generation iPad or the 5th generation iPad Pro, checking the battery status of the Apple Pencil involves navigating through the device’s settings. After connecting the Apple Pencil to the iPad Pro’s USB-C charging port using an appropriate adapter such as the Apple Pencil adapter or a USB-C cable (in the case of the first-generation Apple Pencil), users can verify the charging status. To access the battery information, go to the iPad Pro’s “Settings” menu, then navigate to “Bluetooth.” Within the Bluetooth settings, locate the connected devices, and the Apple Pencil should be listed there. The battery percentage of the Apple Pencil will be displayed beside its name, allowing users to track the charging progress and ensure it’s properly charging through the USB-C charging port.

Furthermore, for those using wireless charging capabilities, especially with the second-generation Apple Pencil on compatible iPad Pro models, the battery status is typically viewable in the same location within the iPad’s settings. This method offers users the convenience of wirelessly charging their Apple Pencil through magnetic attachment while easily monitoring its battery status through the settings menu. Whether charging via USB-C or wirelessly through the iPad Pro’s key features, the ability to check the Apple Pencil’s battery level ensures users stay updated on the charging progress, ensuring that their current tool remains adequately charged and ready for use.