This guide will help you get your Surface Slim Pen 2 working again with your Surface device after it's stopped working or even refuses to make the initial connection.You can use these tips to use your Surface Slim Pen 2 with a Surface tablet, laptop, computer, or a dual-screen smartphone such as the Surface Duo.

While some of the fixes shown on this page may work with other Surface stylus models, most of the solutions are written with the Surface Slim Pen 2 in mind.

How to Fix it When the Surface Slim Pen 2 is Not Working

Here are some checks to perform if your Surface Slim Pen 2 isn't working correctly with your Surface device, along with several solutions and fixes.Working through this list in the order presented here is best because we organized these tips from easiest and fastest to more time-consuming and complex.

1. Restart your Surface device. It's a common bit of advice but a basic restart can fix many tech issues.

2. Charge your Surface Slim Pen 2. Only the Surface Laptop Studio, Surface Duo 2 Pen Cover, Surface Pro X Signature Keyboard, and Surface Pro Signature Keyboard officially support the Surface Slim Pen 2 charging. If you don't own one of these, you'll need to purchase a Surface Slim Pen Charger accessory.

3. Check the Surface Slim Pen 2's device compatibility. The stylus is designed to work with Surface Laptop Studio 1-2, Surface Pro 8-9, Surface Pro X, Surface Duo 2, and Surface Hub 2S-3.

4. Check the app for compatibility information. There are many great drawing apps for Surface devices but not all of them support all the Surface Pens' features. Have a look at the app's help or settings menus to see what is and isn't supported. The app page in Microsoft Store may also list device compatibility.

5. Turn off Airplane mode. If this mode is on, it will disable all wireless connectivity, which means your Surface device and pen won't be able to connect with each other.

6. Turn on Bluetooth. Bluetooth must be enabled for your Surface device to connect with your Surface Slim Pen 2.

   Can't get Bluetooth to work? Check out our guide on how to fix Windows 11 Bluetooth problems.

7. Pair the Surface Slim Pen 2 with your device. Before you can use a new Surface Pen with your device, you need to pair it.

   This is explained in detail in that guide, but to get started in Windows 11, go toSettings>Bluetooth & devices>Add device.

8. If your Surface Slim Pen 2 is already paired, delete it from the list and re-pair it.

   To do that in Windows 11, go toSettings>Bluetooth & devices>Devices. Select the three-dot menu next to the stylus' entry in the list and selectRemove device. Then, add it again using theAdd devicebutton on that same page.

9. Connect the device you use to charge your Surface Slim Pen 2 to your Surface and then check for Windows updates. If necessary, this process will install firmware updates to the connected devices which can fix charging issues.

10. Turn off other Bluetooth devices. If you've paired the Surface Slim Pen 2 with another device, make sure it's turned off so your stylus isn't connecting to the wrong product.

11. Turn on tactile signals. If your Surface Slim Pen 2's tactile signals feature isn't working properly, enable it viaSettings>Bluetooth & devices>Pen & Windows Ink>Tactile signals.

12. Enable the touchscreen in Windows. It's possible the touchscreen may have been disabled by an app, another user, or even malware.

Causes of When the Surface Slim Pen 2 is Not Working

If your Surface Slim Pen 2 suddenly stops connecting to your device, the likely cause is a flat battery. Incompatibility, disabled wireless settings, pairing issues, and touchscreen problems can also cause this problem.

• How do I fix it when my Surface Pen eraser is not working?

  If your Surface Pen eraser isn't working, check the battery and restart the device you're using it on. If you're still having trouble, run the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit.
  

• How do I turn off my Surface Slim Pen?

  The only way to turn off a Surface Pen is to remove the battery. You can take out the battery, flip it upside down, and put it back in the pen for safekeeping.

• How do I check my Surface Slim Pen's battery?

  To check your Surface Pen battery, press and hold the eraser button for five seconds until an LED light turns on. A green light means the battery is charged; a red light means the battery is low; no light means the battery is dead.