iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
The S Pen works as both a precise stylus and, on compatible tablet-and-pen combinations, a Bluetooth remote control. Touch the display with the tip to write, draw, select, or tap; use Air command for Samsung’s note and screen tools; and treat Air Actions, charging, battery status, and remote gestures as optional features that depend on your exact Galaxy Tab model and S Pen.
First identify the tablet model in Settings → About tablet. Then open Settings and search for S Pen. Samsung changes menu names and available tools by model, One UI version, and market, so the settings shown on your tablet are the authoritative list. Samsung’s current walkthrough is Master the S Pen of your Galaxy Tablet.
Before you start: identify what your pen can do
All compatible S Pens provide pen input through the display digitizer, but wireless capabilities are separate. A pen can write normally without pairing, a battery, or charging contacts. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is required for remote functions such as Air Actions; BLE models may also expose charging and battery information.
Recommended Free Tools
| Capability | What it enables | Is it universal? |
|---|---|---|
| Basic pen input | Writing, drawing, tapping, scrolling, and selecting with the tip | No; use a pen designed for the tablet model |
| Air command | Floating shortcut panel for notes and screen tools | Available on supported tablets; contents vary |
| BLE pairing | Wireless communication between pen and tablet | No |
| Charging and battery percentage | Power for wireless features and a visible charge state | No |
| Air Actions | Button-held gestures and app commands | No; both pen and tablet must support it |
Samsung’s compatibility guidance says to use “only the S Pen specifically designed for your tablet model.” Check the model-and-function table in Learn about the different Samsung S Pens before replacing a lost pen or buying an optional one.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Use the S Pen for everyday touch and writing
Write, draw, and tap
- Hold the S Pen as you would a normal pen and place the tip on the screen.
- Write in Samsung Notes or another compatible app, draw with a brush, or tap controls as you would with a finger.
- Drag the tip to scroll, move an object, select text, or adjust a control. Lift the pen to finish a stroke or tap.
The side button is not required for ordinary writing. If the tablet does not react at all, remove a thick or magnetic case, check that the nib is seated, and test another area of the display. A pen that writes but cannot perform wireless actions may simply be a non-BLE model.
Open Air command
On supported tablets, hover the pen near the display and tap the floating Air command icon. Some configurations also open Air command when you press the pen button while hovering or touching the screen. If the button does nothing, use the floating icon and inspect Settings → Advanced features → S Pen; the exact control can differ by model and software.
Configure Air command
Air command is the S Pen shortcut panel. Its entries are model- and software-dependent. Common entries include Create note, View all notes, Smart select or AI Select, Screen write, Translate, PENUP, and Live messages. A newer tablet may call its selection tool AI Select while another uses Smart select; do not assume both names or every shortcut will appear.
Add or remove shortcuts
- Open Air command with the floating icon or supported pen-button action.
- Tap the add, edit, or settings control on the panel.
- Choose supported app shortcuts and arrange or remove entries shown by your tablet.
- Close the panel and reopen it to confirm the new order.
If an expected tool is missing, search Settings for “S Pen” and check whether the tablet software supports it. Installing a different pen cannot add a tablet feature that the model does not provide.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Take notes in Samsung Notes
Create a quick note from Air command
- Open Air command.
- Tap Create note.
- Write with the S Pen. Use Samsung Notes’ pen, eraser, color, and selection controls as needed.
- Tap Back to close the pop-up. Samsung says the note is saved when you go back.
Tap View all notes in Air command to open notes already saved in Samsung Notes. The quick-note window and available editing controls can vary with the tablet’s software.
Use screen-off memo when supported
On tablets that provide Screen off memo, press and hold the S Pen button while tapping the display with the pen when the screen is off. Write the memo, then save it to Samsung Notes. If pressing the button does nothing, the model may not support screen-off memo, the pen may not be the matched model, or the feature may be disabled in S Pen settings. Do not treat the absence of this option as a fault on an unsupported tablet.
Write directly into text fields with S Pen to text
S Pen to text converts handwriting into typed input in supported fields. Samsung says it is enabled by default on supported devices.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
- Tap a text field so the on-screen keyboard appears.
- Hover the S Pen over the field or keyboard and tap the handwriting icon.
- Write in the handwriting input area. The tablet converts the strokes into text.
- Use the keyboard’s correction or delete controls, then tap elsewhere to finish.
The keyboard layout and icon location differ by device and software. If the handwriting icon is absent, open Settings, search for “S Pen,” and inspect the S Pen to text setting. A keyboard or app that does not expose a compatible text field may not offer handwriting input.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Use screen tools from Air command
Smart select or AI Select
These tools let you mark part of the current screen and apply actions offered by your tablet, such as adding the selection to a note. Newer Samsung tablet software may label the feature AI Select; other models show Smart select. Select a shape or area, adjust its borders with the pen, and choose one of the actions displayed for that model.
Screen write
Screen write captures the current screen and opens a markup layer. Write or draw over the capture, use the eraser or undo controls, and save or share it using the options shown. Because the capture is a still image, annotations do not alter the underlying app document.
Translate and other tools
Where available, hover over text and choose Translate from Air command, then follow the language and selection prompts. PENUP, Live messages, and other entries are optional shortcuts rather than features every Galaxy Tab includes.
Air Actions: remote gestures and media control
Air Actions are not the same as ordinary pen input or Air command. They use the S Pen’s side button, motion sensors, and BLE connection to trigger commands in compatible apps.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
- Open Settings → Advanced features → S Pen → Air actions on a supported tablet.
- Turn Air actions on and review the listed apps and commands.
- Select an app or command and note its configured gesture.
- Open that app, hold the S Pen’s side button, and make the gesture shown by Samsung.
Available gestures, apps, and commands vary. Some Galaxy Tab FE, Lite, and newer generations use S Pens without BLE or Air Actions. The compatibility table at Samsung’s S Pen guide is the authority for a particular model; never infer support from the fact that a pen fits in the tablet’s holder.
What must be true for an Air Action to work?
- The tablet model supports Air Actions.
- The installed pen supports BLE and the relevant gesture.
- The pen has sufficient charge where charging is required.
- Air Actions is enabled and the app or command is configured.
- The pen is within wireless range and the gesture is made as shown.
Samsung’s US troubleshooting guidance specifies up to 30 feet (unobstructed) for Air Actions, but walls, cases, interference, and other radio conditions can reduce practical range. See Galaxy device not responding to S Pen Air actions or gestures for Samsung’s troubleshooting sequence.
Pairing, charging, and battery status
BLE-enabled pens generally pair through the tablet’s S Pen controls rather than ordinary Bluetooth accessory pairing. Keep the pen attached to its designated charging area or follow the model’s charging instructions, then check the S Pen panel for a connection or battery indicator. The exact indicator and charging method vary.
If your pen has no battery percentage, no charging prompt, and no pairing option but still writes, that combination can be expected. Basic digitizer input does not require wireless power. Do not attempt to “fix” a non-BLE pen by repeatedly resetting Bluetooth settings.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Choose a replacement or an additional S Pen
For a lost or damaged original
The safest replacement is the S Pen designed for the exact Galaxy Tab model. Confirm the full model name and regional variant in Settings → About tablet, then compare the replacement’s supported functions against Samsung’s current compatibility guide. A pen that physically fits may still lack pressure behavior, button functions, charging, or BLE support expected by your tablet.
Compare the functions separately
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Is it designed for this exact tablet? | Determines basic input behavior and supported firmware features. |
| Does it support basic writing? | Required for notes, drawing, and touch actions. |
| Does it have BLE? | Required for wireless pairing and Air Actions. |
| Does it charge and show a battery? | Needed for models whose remote features depend on stored power. |
| Which Air Actions and apps are listed? | Support differs by pen, tablet, software, and app. |
| Do you need multi-device support? | May justify considering S Pen Pro, but compatibility is still conditional. |
When S Pen Pro makes sense
S Pen Pro is an option for users with multiple supported Galaxy devices or a need for functions Samsung lists for the Pro model. It is not universally compatible, and Samsung documents Air Actions exclusions for several tablets. Check both the tablet and pen entries in the current guide and in Use S Pen Pro features with your Galaxy device before purchase. Do not assume that the Pro name guarantees charging, battery display, or remote gestures on every Galaxy Tab.
Troubleshoot by the function that fails
The pen does not write or tap
- Remove magnetic or unusually thick accessories and test the bare display.
- Inspect the nib for damage and reseat or replace it if the model permits.
- Restart the tablet and test Samsung Notes as well as another app.
- Confirm that the pen is the model intended for the tablet.
- Test another compatible pen. If multiple compatible pens fail, the tablet may need service.
Writing works, but Air Actions do not
- Verify that both the tablet and pen support BLE and Air Actions.
- Charge the pen if the model requires it and keep it within range.
- Open Settings → Advanced features → S Pen → Air actions and enable the feature.
- Check the selected app, command, and gesture.
- Review the tablet’s permissions for Air command, including Nearby devices and Physical activity, where shown.
- Remove third-party cases or accessories that could interfere and test again.
Reset a supported BLE S Pen
On models that provide the control, go to Settings → Advanced features → S Pen → More options → Reset S Pen. Resetting restores customized remote settings to their defaults. The reset option is unavailable on tablets without BLE support, so its absence is not itself an error.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Separate a pen problem from a tablet problem
Try the original pen on another compatible Galaxy device, or a known-compatible pen on your tablet. If the original fails everywhere, replacement or service is appropriate. If another pen works on your tablet, the original pen is the likely cause. Samsung’s troubleshooting article covers this isolation process at its official support page.
A practical daily workflow
- Keep the matched pen with the tablet and store it where it cannot be bent or lose its nib.
- Use direct pen input for writing and navigation; do not enable BLE features unless you need remote control.
- Open Air command for Create note, View all notes, selection, or screen markup instead of searching through app menus.
- Use S Pen to text for short handwritten entries and the keyboard for long, heavily edited text.
- Check the S Pen settings after a major software update because Samsung can rename, add, or remove shortcuts.
- When buying a replacement, compare model compatibility and each function independently rather than relying on the word “S Pen” alone.
What to remember
The S Pen’s most dependable function is direct writing and touch input. Air command adds fast access to Samsung Notes and screen tools on supported tablets. BLE pairing, charging, battery reporting, and Air Actions are optional layers that require a compatible pen-and-tablet combination. Identifying the exact Galaxy Tab model first—and checking its S Pen settings and Samsung’s current compatibility table—prevents most setup and replacement mistakes.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
