Connecting a stylus to a tablet Xiaomi Pad: a complete guide with secrets

Xiaomi Pad tablets have become a popular tool for work, learning and creativity — especially when it comes to models that support an active stylus. However, many users face difficulties when connecting the pen for the first time: Bluetooth connection is not established, sensitivity is lost, the tablet simply “does not see” the accessory. This article will once and for all close the question of how to properly synchronize the stylus with the Xiaomi Pad 5, Pad 6 or other models of the series, and will also reveal hidden settings, which even the official instructions are silent.

We'll not just go through the basic steps, but go into the technical details, from choosing a compatible stylus (including alternatives to the original Xiaomi Smart Pen) to calibrating pressure and adjusting gestures. We'll focus on the typical errors that cause connectivity to break down, and give unique recommendations for artists and students to optimize the performance of the pen. If you want to turn your tablet into a full-fledged graphics tool, read on.

1. Compatibility of styluses with Xiaomi Pad: which one to choose?

Before you plug in a stylus, make sure it's compatible with your tablet model.The original Xiaomi Smart Pen (or Xiaomi Smart Pen 2 for newer models) is guaranteed to work with:

• 📱 Xiaomi Pad 5 / Pad 5 Pro / Pad 5 Pro 12.4"
• 📱 Xiaomi Pad 6 / Pad 6 Pro / Pad 6 Max 14"
• 📱 Redmi Pad Pro (Smart Pen 2 only)

However, not everyone knows that Xiaomi tablets support third-party styluses with the Wacom AES 2.0 protocol or Microsoft Pen Protocol (MPP). For example, Lenovo Precision Pen 2 or HP Tilt Pen can work, but with limitations:

⚠️ Note: Samsung stylus (e.g. S Pen) is not compatible with Xiaomi Pad due to different technologies EMR vs Wacom AES. Connection attempts can damage the charging port of the stylus!If you buy a non-original stylus, check in the description for support for the Wacom protocol AES 1.0/2.0 or MPP. For creative tasks (drawing, design) it is better to stop at the original Xiaomi Smart Pen. 2 — It offers minimal delay (9 ms) and tilt support. 📊 What stylus do you use with Xiaomi Pad?Original Xiaomi Smart PenThird-party compatibleUntil you bought Another option 2. Preparing the tablet for connecting the stylus Before connecting the stylus with the tablet, follow the mandatory preparatory steps: Update MIUI Up to the latest version, turn on Bluetooth and GPS Charge the stylus to at least 30% Remove old paired devices from Bluetooth Reboot the tablet--> Pay special attention to the version MIUI. Style operation is required for stable operation: 📲 Xiaomi Pad 5: MIUI 13.0.4 or later 📲 Xiaomi Pad 6: MIUI 14.0.2 or later You can check the version in the Settings menu → The phone. → Version. MIUI. If the update is available, install it through Settings → Updating the system. Don’t ignore this step in the older versions. MIUI The stylus can connect, but there will be problems with the: 🖌️ Delayed entry (lag before) 50 miss) 🔄 Unintentional shutdown when blocking the screen ⚡ Quick discharge of the stylus battery ⚠️ Note: If you use custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), stylus support may be compromised. wacom_i2c. 💡Before connecting the stylus, turn off the “Energy Saving” mode in Bluetooth settings – this will reduce delays and prevent connection breaks. 3. Step-by-step: How to connect a stylus The connection process differs depending on the stylus model. Consider both options: For Xiaomi Smart Pen / Smart Pen 2 (Original) Remove the stylus from the package and remove the protective film from the charging contacts (on the end of the pen). Turn on Bluetooth on your tablet: go to Settings → Connections → Bluetooth and activate the switch. Press and hold the button on the stylus (for Smart Pen) 2 — double-pressing 5-7 From the list of available Bluetooth devices, select the Xiaomi Smart Pen (or Xiaomi Smart Pen) 2) Wait for the "Stylus Connected" notification to appear, and some tablet models will need to reboot to activate all functions. AES/MPP) The algorithm is similar, but there are nuances: Make sure the stylus supports Wacom AES 2.0 (for Xiaomi Pad 6) or MPP (pad 5). Enable the stylus pairing mode (usually a long push on a button or cap extraction). In the Bluetooth tablet settings, select the stylus model from the list. If the device doesn't show up, try turning off and turn on Bluetooth again. Once connected, check the Notes app or WPS Office. Third-party styluses may not support gestures (e.g. double-pressing eraser). ⚠️ Attention: If the stylus doesn't connect, check if the tablet has "Audio Device Only" on the Bluetooth settings. This mode blocks pairing with peripherals like keyboards and styluses. What if the stylus is connected but doesn't work? If the stylus successfully mated over Bluetooth, but the tablet does not respond to touch, follow the following steps: 1. Go to Settings → Additionally. → Special facilities → Stylus and enable the option "Allow Stylus Entering." 2. Make sure that the application you are using (e.g. Adobe Fresco or Krita) includes stylus support in the tool settings. 3. Reboot the tablet with the stylus connected – sometimes the drivers are only activated after the reboot. 4. If the problem persists, reset the stylus settings: in the Bluetooth menu, click on the gear icon next to the device and select “Forget this device”, then repeat the pairing. 4. Sensitivity adjustment and stylus calibration Once connected, the stylus will work "out of the box," but calibration is required to work accurately (especially in graphic editors). MIUI This process is hidden, but you can run it through the engineering menu: Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##6484### In the menu that appears, select Pen Test. Follow the instructions on the screen: swipe the stylus across the crosses in the corners and center of the display. After calibration, save the settings and restart the tablet. For fine-tuning sensitivity: Go to Settings → Additionally. → stylus. Problem Solving: The stylus is not connected or is not working properly If you encounter errors when connecting or using the stylus, use this diagnostic table: Problem Possible cause The stylus solution is not determined by tablet Diluted stylus battery or Bluetooth disabled Charge stylus (15 minutes from) USB-C port of the tablet), turn on Bluetooth and repeat pairing Stylus connects, but the cursor "jumps" Interference from other Bluetooth devices or damaged screen Disable other Bluetooth gadgets, perform calibration, check the screen for cracks Delay input (lag) when drawing Power saving or background processes Disable "Energy saving" in battery settings, close background applications Stylus spontaneously shuts down Weak Bluetooth signal or outdated firmware Update MIUI, Reset network settings (Settings) → Connections → Adjust the slider "Push Sensitivity" (recommended value — 70-85% Turn on the option "Ignore palm" if you plan to write by hand, this will prevent accidental touch of the screen. For professional tasks (for example, working in Adobe Photoshop or Clip Studio Paint), additionally configure: 🎨 Pen pressure: in the parameters of the hand, set the dependence of the line thickness on pressure. 🖋️ Inclination: activate the option “Sensitivity to slope” to simulate calligraphic instruments. ⚡ Delay: in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — slip 7 once) disable "Window animation" and "Change animation" to reduce the lag. 💡Calibration of the stylus must be repeated after each major update. MIUI — Resetting driver settings can cause cursor shift. 5. Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth) No buttons on the stylus Incompatible firmware or mechanical damage Update the stylus driver via Mi PC Suite or contact the service center If none of the methods did not help, reset the stylus settings: Open the Bluetooth menu and forget the Xiaomi Smart Pen device. Remove the stylus battery (if possible) or hold the switch on button 10 - Just put the stylus on the charger. 30 minutes, then repeat the pairing. ⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI The stylus stopped working, don’t try to roll back on the old firmware version – this can lead to loss of driver support. Instead, wait for a patch from Xiaomi (usually comes out during the next few months). 2-3 weeks after major update). 6. To unlock the full potential of the stylus on Xiaomi Pad, take advantage of these tips: For artists and designers 🎨 Install pressure and tilt apps: Adobe Fresco (free for tablets), Krita (open source) Clip Studio Paint (optimized for Xiaomi Pad 6) 🖌️ Set up the hot keys: Double pressing the stylus button - eraser Long press - pipette 📐 Use grids and guides in graphic editors for accurate drawing. For students and office tasks 📝 Notes app with stylus support: Xiaomi Notes (built-in, synchronized via Mi Account), Nebo (handwriting recognition) GoodNotes (for notes and notes) PDF-abstract) 📊 Set up stylus gestures in Settings → Additionally. → stylus → Gestures: Swipe left/right - cancel/repeat swipe up - deploy toolbar 🔍 Activate a handwriting search in Xiaomi Notes, which will allow you to find entries by keywords. To improve the accuracy of the input, turn off the option “Predicting the trajectory” in the stylus settings – this will reduce the “smoothing” of lines, but require more accurate writing. 💡If you use a stylus for presentations often, set up in PowerPoint or WPS Office Laser Pointer Mode – The stylus will work as a pointer on slides. 7. Stylus care: how to extend the life of a stylus is a precise tool that requires careful handling: 🔋 Charging: Charge the stylus only from the original cable or tablet (via a magnetic connector). 2 If you don't use the stylus, recharge it once a month. 10-15 minutes to prevent a deep discharge. 🧹 Cleaning: Wipe the stylus tip with a lilaless napkin soaked in isopropyl alcohol (at least) 70%). Do not use abrasive materials - this will damage the touch layer of the tip. To clean the charging contacts, use a toothpick with a cotton tip. 🛡️ Storage: Store the stylus in a case or on the tablet's magnetic mount (for Xiaomi Pad) 6). Avoid direct sunlight and temperatures above 40°C. Don't drop the stylus - the impact can disrupt the calibration of the pressure sensor. If the stylus tip wears out (burrows appear or accuracy decreases), replace it. The original tips for the Xiaomi Smart Pen can be ordered under the KL397ZM article (5 pieces in the kit). To replace: Carefully tweez the old tip. Insert a new tip before clicking (don't apply excessive force!). Perform a recalibration of the stylus. 8. Alternatives to the original Xiaomi stylus If the original Xiaomi Smart Pen seems too expensive (price from the top of the list) 5 000 ₽), Consider the budget analogues: Model Price (≈) Compatibility of the Baseus Active Pen 2 500 ₽ 4096 Xiaomi Pad 5/6 Magnetic anchorage, USB-C Charging, but no Zagg Pro Stylus buttons 4 000 ₽ 4096 Pad 6 (Basic features only) Tilt support, but no MoKo Active Pen gestures 1 800 ₽ 2048 Pad 5 Budget option, but high delay in Adonit Note input+ 6 000 ₽ 4096 Pad 6 Pro Two Programmable Buttons, Tilt Support When choosing an alternative stylus, pay attention to the: 🔋 Type of power: stylus with a replaceable battery AAAA It is cheaper but requires regular replacement of the components. 🖋️ Tips technology: resistive styluses are cheaper but less accurate than capacitive or AES. ⚡ Delayed input: in budget models, lag can reach 30-50 MS, which is critical for drawing. ⚠️ Attention: Cheap styluses without a brand (price below) 1 500 ₽) They often use outdated drivers that conflict with the MIUI. This can cause the screen to lose sensitivity after the stylus is turned off. Check reviews on thematic forums before buying (for example, check reviews on thematic forums, 4PDA or XDA Developers). 💡Even the most budget stylus can be pumped with calibration and sensitivity settings, and the key is that it supports Wacom protocol. AES or MPP. FAQ: Frequent questions about styluses for Xiaomi Pad Can you use a stylus from Samsung or Apple with Xiaomi Pad? No, the S Pen (Samsung) and Apple Pencil styluses use their own protocols (Wacom) EMR Bluetooth LE + Apple chips, respectively, that are not compatible with Xiaomi tablets. Why does the stylus work in notes but doesn't work in games? Most games don't support stylus input because they're optimized for touch control. To make the stylus work in games: Turn on the original Xiaomi Smart Pen's charge level (if available). Use apps like Octopus to map the stylus touches to a virtual joystick. Check the game settings - some (like Genshin Impact) have a separate mode for the stylus. How to check the charge level of the original Xiaomi Smart Pen displays charge level: In the appends, you's 2-3 seconds on the appends (like appends) For third-party styluses, the charge level usually shows an LED indicator on the case (for example, red is less than 20%, green is charged). The stylus connects, but the cursor is shifted. How to fix? The problem with the cursor shift is solved by calibrating: Go to the engineering menu with code # # # #6484#. Select the Pen Test and calibrate the X. If the problem persists, check if the tablet has a protective film installed - some films (especially matte) distort the stylus signal. Update the firmware of the tablet - in older versions. MIUI There were calibration bugs for Pad 6. Can you use a stylus without Bluetooth? The original Xiaomi Smart Pen requires a Bluetooth connection to work with buttons and gestures, but the basic input (writing/drawing) will work without it thanks to Wacom technology. AES. However, in this case: The hot keys (double press, swipes) will be turned off). The input delay may increase to 15-20 ms. Pen tilt tracking will not work. Third-party styluses (such as Baseus or MoKo) most often require Bluetooth for any job.