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16 Effective Solutions to Fix Samsung S Pen Issues

Like any other gadget, Samsung's S Pen is not immune to problems. Users may encounter issues such as the S Pen not connecting, not working in certain areas of the screen, or persistent disconnected notifications. If you're experiencing any of these problems, don't worry. In this article, we will explore various solutions to fix S Pen issues and get it working seamlessly again.

1. Check Compatibility

Before troubleshooting any further, it's crucial to ensure that your S Pen is compatible with your Samsung phone. Samsung now offers S Pens for various devices, including the Galaxy Fold and S series. To verify compatibility, visit Samsung's S Pen compatibility web page and check if your phone is listed.

2. Restart Phone

The simplest and often effective solution is to restart your Samsung Galaxy phone. Press and hold the Power button to access the Power menu, then select Restart. Restarting the phone can resolve minor issues or conflicts that may be causing problems with the S Pen.

3. Re-pair S Pen

If your S Pen isn't working or shows a disconnected notification, try re-pairing it with your phone. Insert and remove the S Pen from your phone at least twice. This method works only for devices with an integrated S Pen.

4. Charge the S Pen

Some S Pens require charging, and if the battery is low, certain features like Air Actions may not function properly. To check the S Pen's battery level and charge it:

  1. Go to Settings > Advanced features > S Pen.
  2. Tap on Air Actions to view the battery level.
  3. If the battery percentage isn't visible, enable the toggle next to Air Actions. If the S Pen disconnected message appears, wait a few seconds for it to disappear. If it persists, remove or insert the S Pen in your phone.
  4. If the battery is low or empty, charge the S Pen. For regular S Pens, insert it into your phone. For tablets with an S Pen, attach it to the charging area. Use a USB C cable to charge the S Pen Pro.

5. Remove Screen Protector or Cover

Accessories like screen protectors or covers, especially those with magnetic closures or clasps, can interfere with the S Pen's functionality. In some cases, the S Pen may not work properly in specific areas of the phone due to magnetic interference from the case or cover. Remove any problematic accessories and try using the S Pen again.

6. Enable Air Actions

If you can't use S Pen gestures or take pictures using the S Pen, Air Actions might be disabled on your Samsung Galaxy phone. Enable Air Actions by going to Settings > Advanced features > S Pen > Air actions. Enable the toggle next to Off to turn it on.

7. Turn off Air Actions

If your phone repeatedly shows a disconnected notification and fails to connect to your S Pen, try turning off Air Actions temporarily:

  1. Go to Settings > Advanced features > S Pen > Air actions.
  2. Turn off Air Actions on the next screen.
  3. Restart your phone.
  4. Enable Air Actions again by repeating step 1. The S Pen should connect instantly.

8. Grant Permissions to Air Command

The Air Command app requires permissions for Nearby Devices and Physical activity to work correctly with the S Pen. To check and grant these permissions:

  1. Open the Settings app on your phone.
  2. Go to Apps.
  3. Tap the Sort & Filter icon, enable the toggle next to Show system apps, and click OK.
  4. Select the Air Command app, followed by Permissions.
  5. Make sure Nearby devices and Physical activity are allowed. If not, tap on each permission and choose Allow on the next screen.

9. Clear Air Command Cache

Clearing the cache and data for the Air Command app can resolve temporary S Pen issues. Follow these steps:

  1. Open the Air Command app by following steps 1-3 from the previous method. Then, tap Storage.
  2. Press the Clear cache button, followed by Clear data.
  3. Restart your phone.

10. Check Power Saving Mode Settings

By default, the Power saving mode should not affect the functionality of the S Pen unless the “Limit apps and Home screen” setting is turned on. If enabled, S Pen functions may not work correctly.

  1. Go to Settings > Battery and device care > Battery.
  2. Tap on Power saving and turn it off. Disable the toggle next to Limit apps and Home screen.
  3. You can re-enable Power saving mode after ensuring the S Pen works properly. If the S Pen still doesn't work, turn off Power saving mode completely.

11. Turn off Bluetooth

If you encounter the “Couldn't connect to your S Pen” error, try turning off Bluetooth on your phone. Other Bluetooth devices may interfere with the S Pen connection. To disable Bluetooth, go to Settings > Connections and toggle off Bluetooth. Afterward, reconnect the S Pen and enable Bluetooth again.

12. Update Phone Software

Outdated software can sometimes cause S Pen issues. Check for software updates on your phone by going to Settings > Software update > Download and install.

13. Replace S Pen Tip

If you need to exert excessive pressure on the S Pen or if your phone doesn't recognize its touches easily, the problem might lie with the S Pen tip. Remove and reinsert the tip. If the issue persists, consider replacing the S Pen tip. Check your phone's box for extra tips, or purchase them separately if not included.

14. Reset S Pen

Resetting the S Pen can restore its default settings, resolving various issues.

  1. Go to Settings > Advanced features > S Pen > Air Actions.
  2. Tap the three-dot icon at the top and select Reset S Pen. Your S Pen will reset. If the Reset S Pen option is not visible, enable Air actions.

15. Try on a Different Device

If none of the above solutions work, try using the S Pen on a different compatible device. If it still doesn't work, there may be a problem with the S Pen itself.

16. The Last Magical Solution: Warm Your S Pen

As a last resort, you can try heating the S Pen slightly. This unconventional method has received positive feedback from users. Heat the S Pen with a hairdryer or gas stove while keeping a safe distance. Alternatively, you can warm it using your palms. After heating, insert the S Pen into your phone, and it should start working again.

Once your S Pen is functioning correctly, explore its features further. Learn how to utilize the Smart Select feature effectively and discover the best apps and games designed for the S Pen. Additionally, you can also learn how to find your S Pen in case you lose it.

By following these solutions, you can overcome various S Pen issues and enjoy a seamless user experience.