Apple Pencil 1st Gen not charging with iPad

I just got a brand new apple pencil 1st gen for my A16 ipad. It was brand new, had not been opened and I am struggling to charge it. I dont know how long it was sitting on a shelf before it was purchased and I just got it today. Theres no charge indication to know whether it is charging or not. Help is appreciated.

iPad, iPadOS 27

Posted on Oct 19, 2026 7:12 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 20, 2026 3:25 PM

See:

Pair Apple Pencil with your iPad - Apple Support


The first generation Pencil is charged and paired from iPad (A16) using the iPad USB-C charging cable and the Adapter included with the Apple Pencil:

Pair and charge Apple Pencil (1st generation) with iPad - Apple Support


If you experience difficulties, here is one of the better troubleshooting guides:

https://appletoolbox.com/apple-pencil-not-working-heres-our-troubleshooting-guide/


Be aware that if your Pencil has been set-aside for an extended period, unused and uncharged, the Pencil battery may have been damaged through deep discharge. In common with all Li-ion batteries, they must always have some level of charge.


The tiny internal Li-ion battery is susceptible to permanent/irreversible damage through being left discharged for long periods. Even some “new” pencils can exhibit signs of failure out-of-the-box if they are “old stock”. 


It is essential that if you have an Apple Pencil that you charge it regularly - whether used or not - so as to protect the battery from deep-discharge. Do not allow a pencil to remain in low-charge state for any period of time - as the internal battery will fail, rendering the Pencil useless. Setting aside an unused Pencil, for extended periods, is a recipe for premature death of the Pencil battery.


If the Pencil Battery has failed, the only remedy is to replace the Pencil. If the battery has failed and your pencil is within its one-year warranty, you should look to having it replaced by your retailer or at an Apple Store.

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 20, 2026 3:25 PM in response to moxdraws

See:

Pair Apple Pencil with your iPad - Apple Support


The first generation Pencil is charged and paired from iPad (A16) using the iPad USB-C charging cable and the Adapter included with the Apple Pencil:

Pair and charge Apple Pencil (1st generation) with iPad - Apple Support


If you experience difficulties, here is one of the better troubleshooting guides:

https://appletoolbox.com/apple-pencil-not-working-heres-our-troubleshooting-guide/


Be aware that if your Pencil has been set-aside for an extended period, unused and uncharged, the Pencil battery may have been damaged through deep discharge. In common with all Li-ion batteries, they must always have some level of charge.


The tiny internal Li-ion battery is susceptible to permanent/irreversible damage through being left discharged for long periods. Even some “new” pencils can exhibit signs of failure out-of-the-box if they are “old stock”. 


It is essential that if you have an Apple Pencil that you charge it regularly - whether used or not - so as to protect the battery from deep-discharge. Do not allow a pencil to remain in low-charge state for any period of time - as the internal battery will fail, rendering the Pencil useless. Setting aside an unused Pencil, for extended periods, is a recipe for premature death of the Pencil battery.


If the Pencil Battery has failed, the only remedy is to replace the Pencil. If the battery has failed and your pencil is within its one-year warranty, you should look to having it replaced by your retailer or at an Apple Store.

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Apple Pencil 1st Gen not charging with iPad

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