If your stylus pen is not working, the problem is almost always one of three things: the battery is dead, the stylus is not paired correctly, or it is not compatible with your device. Because Apple Pencil and Samsung S Pen models charge and pair in different ways, the exact fix depends on which generation you own, and the steps below cover each model.
Check the battery or charge status first
An Apple Pencil (1st generation) pairs and charges by plugging directly into the iPad’s Lightning or USB-C connector, depending on the iPad model. An Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and Apple Pencil Pro pair and charge when attached to the magnetic connector on a compatible iPad. An Apple Pencil (USB-C) charges while plugged into a compatible iPad, and pairing and charging happen through the USB-C connector or cable.
Some Samsung S Pen models do not support charging at all. This includes the S26 Ultra S Pen, S25 Ultra S Pen, Z Fold6 S Pen, Z Fold5 S Pen, Tab S10 FE+ S Pen, Tab S10 FE S Pen, Tab S9 FE+ S Pen, Tab S9 FE S Pen, S Pen Fold Edition, and S Pen Creator Edition. If you have one of these, the stylus pen not working is not a battery issue, move directly to the pairing and compatibility checks below.
Make sure the stylus is paired or connected correctly
Apple Pencil pairing
- For Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and Apple Pencil Pro, Bluetooth must be turned on in Settings > Bluetooth before attaching the Pencil to the iPad’s magnetic connector.
- Attach the Pencil to the magnetic connector on the side of a compatible iPad. A pairing prompt should appear.
- For Apple Pencil (1st generation), remove the cap and plug the Pencil into the iPad’s Lightning or USB-C port. Tap “Pair” when the prompt appears.
- For Apple Pencil (USB-C), plug the Pencil into the iPad’s USB-C port using the included cable. Tap “Pair” when the prompt appears.
Samsung S Pen pairing
- On supported Galaxy tablets such as the Tab S6, Tab S7, Tab S8, Tab S9, and Tab S10, place the S Pen in the designated slot on the back of the tablet. On some models, this automatically pairs and charges the pen.
- Some S Pens lack Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) pairing entirely. BLE features such as pairing and battery charging are unavailable with the S26 Ultra S Pen, S25 Ultra S Pen, Fold5 S Pen, S Pen Fold Edition, and S Pen Creator Edition. If you have one of these, no pairing step is needed, the pen works immediately when placed near the screen.
Verify your device and stylus are compatible
Apple Pencil compatibility depends on the Pencil generation, the iPad model, and the iPadOS version. An Apple Pencil (USB-C) works only with these iPad models and iPadOS 17.1.1 or later: iPad Pro 13-inch (M4 and M5), iPad Pro 11-inch (M4 and M5), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st-4th generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd-6th generation), iPad Air 13-inch (M2, M3, M4), iPad Air 11-inch (M2, M3, M4), iPad Air (4th or 5th generation), iPad (A16), iPad (10th generation), iPad mini (A17 Pro), and iPad mini (6th generation). An Apple Pencil (2nd generation) works only with iPad mini (6th generation), iPad Air (4th or 5th generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd-6th generation), and iPad Pro 11-inch (1st-4th generation). An Apple Pencil (1st generation) works only with iPad mini (5th generation), iPad (6th-9th generation), iPad (A16), iPad (10th generation), iPad Air (3rd generation), and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd generation). Apple Pencil (1st generation) works only with iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd generation).
Samsung S Pens are designed for specific device lines. An S Pen from one Galaxy tablet line may not work with a different tablet or phone model. If you are using an S Pen that does not support charging or BLE pairing, it will still function as a basic input tool on its intended device, but advanced features such as Air Actions will not work.
Still not working? Try these extra checks
- Check the Batteries widget on your iPad for Apple Pencil Pro battery status. If the widget does not show the Pencil, it may not be paired or charging. Apple says to check the Batteries widget for Apple Pencil Pro battery status, and to go to Settings > Apple Pencil on iPad.
- Navigate to Settings > Apple Pencil on your iPad. This menu shows the Pencil’s battery level and provides options to unpair and re-pair if needed.
- If the stylus still does not respond, contact the manufacturer’s customer support or consider replacing the stylus. A hardware fault is possible after all power, pairing, and compatibility steps have been exhausted.
Understanding stylus pen usage and basics helps you avoid these issues in the future: always check the power source, confirm the pairing method for your specific model, and verify compatibility before purchasing a new stylus or upgrading your device’s operating system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any stylus with any smartphone or tablet?
No. Many devices, especially older models, do not support stylus input at all. Check your device’s specifications to see if it is stylus-enabled and whether it requires a specific brand or type of stylus.
How can I improve the accuracy of my stylus pen?
Clean the tip of the stylus to remove dirt or debris that can affect accuracy. Adjust the pressure sensitivity settings in your device’s system preferences, and try different drawing or note-taking apps, as some have better stylus support than others.
How do I choose a replacement stylus pen?
Consider your device model, the type of tasks you perform (drawing, note-taking, or general navigation), and whether you need features like pressure sensitivity or tilt recognition. Reading user reviews and comparing specifications will help you find a stylus that matches your needs.
