Samsung S Pen not working? Try these fixes

⚡Fast fix

• Time to recharge. Pop the Samsung S Pen™ back into its charging spot for a quick nap, then try again.
• Ditch the magnetic case. Magnets might block your S Pen.
• Say goodnight (for a few seconds). Restarting your phone or tablet can clear any glitches.
• Still nothing? If your S Pen connects over Bluetooth, reset it in your device's Settings.

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You pull out your Samsung S Pen to add something to your to-do list or sign a document. But when you glide the tip across your screen, nothing happens. It's not like you've run out of ink, so why is your S Pen not working?

An unresponsive S Pen is one of the most common Galaxy® tablet problems. At Asurion, we help millions of people get their tech back on track. Here's why your S Pen is not working and how to fix it, whether you have a Galaxy S Ultra phone or a Galaxy Tab device.

Why your S Pen isn't working

If your S Pen is not connecting, here are a few possible culprits: 

• Low battery: If you left your S Pen out of the charging slot or just had a long note-taking session, it might be out of juice.
• A loose connection in the charging slot: When the pen doesn't fit snugly in the slot, it may not charge properly.
• A magnetic case or thick screen protector: These can make it harder for the S Pen to communicate with the screen.
• A software glitch or outdated software: When your device's software isn't in top shape, it may not connect to your pen.
• A worn or damaged S Pen tip: Even a small crack can prevent your S Pen from responding.
• Bluetooth pairing issue: If your Bluetooth stops working, your S Pen might not be able to communicate with your device.
• An unresponsive touchscreen: Your S Pen won't work if you have a Galaxy touch screen that stops responding.

Newer models, such as the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S9 series and later, don't support Bluetooth features. If you can't find S Pen Air Actions, it might just not be part of your device. d

Fixes to restore your Samsung S Pen

If your S Pen won't connect, these troubleshooting tips could get it working again. 

1. Reinsert and charge the S Pen

A dead S Pen won't write, just like a regular pen that runs out of ink. On a phone, pull the S Pen out of the charging slot, then push it all the way back in.

For tablets, the charging spot is usually on the back. Attach the S Pen and make sure the tip is correctly lined up with the slot. If you have an S Pen Pro, use a USB-C cable to charge it.

2. Remove the case and screen protector

Cases often have magnetic clasps, which can interfere with the S Pen. It may also not write properly if your screen protector is too thick or smudged. Try removing both and test the pen again.

3. Restart and update the device

A quick reset is often all it takes to clear minor software glitches. 

To restart a Samsung tablet or phone, hold the Power and Volume Down buttons together for around 10 seconds. Let go when the device powers off.

Once it reboots, follow these steps to check for available software updates:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Software Update > Download and install.

4. Check the S Pen settings

Make sure that the wrong setting is not responsible for an S Pen not connecting:

1. Open your Samsung device's Settings app.
2. Tap Advanced Features > S Pen > More S Pen settings.
3. Toggle off Allow multiple S Pens.
4. If your device supports Air Actions, toggle it on and make sure Bluetooth is on.

5. Reset the S Pen

If your S Pen connects over Bluetooth, try resetting it: 

1. Return the S Pen to its charging slot or spot.
2. Open Settings.
3. Tap Advanced Features > S Pen > More options.
4. Tap Reset S Pen.

6. Replace the tip or the S Pen itself

Do you see a pointer on the screen, but it doesn't respond to your pen, or do you need to press harder than usual? These touch sensitivity issues are often caused by a worn tip. Try testing the pen on another compatible device. If it doesn't recognize it, the problem is probably with the pen. 

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FAQ

Can a Samsung S Pen be replaced?

Yes, you can replace an S Pen, but they're not universal. Be sure to get one made for your specific Galaxy model.

Does Samsung replace S Pen for free?

If you have protection for your Samsung phone, the company might replace your pen for free depending on the specific warranty and the type of damage.

How do I know if my S Pen is broken?

If your Samsung Pen is not working after you've tried all our fixes, it may be broken. Consider getting a replacement.