How to connect a stylus to Xiaomi Pad: instructions for all models (2026)

Xiaomi Pad tablets are popular devices for work, learning and creativity, but their full potential is only revealed with an original or compatible stylus. Many users face difficulties when connecting for the first time: the stylus does not recognize, does not respond to touch or works with delays. In this article, we will discuss all ways to connect the stylus to Xiaomi Pad 5/5 Pro/6/6 Pro/6S Pro models, including solutions to typical problems.

It is important to understand that the connection process depends on the type of stylus: original accessories (such as Xiaomi Smart Pen or Xiaomi Smart Pen 2) are connected automatically when you first touch the screen, while third-party styluses (such as Wacom or Adonit) may require manual tuning via Bluetooth.

If youโ€™ve just purchased a stylus or tablet, start by checking the trim: the box with the original Xiaomi Smart Pen should contain a short wire to charge (via a USB-C connector), and the stylus itself should have an on button. Without these elements, connection may not be possible.

1. Compatibility of stylus models with Xiaomi Pad

Not all styluses work with all Xiaomi tablets. For example, the Xiaomi Smart Pen (first generation) is only compatible with the Xiaomi Pad 5 and Pad 5 Pro, while the Xiaomi Smart Pen 2 supports the Pad 6/6 Pro/6S Pro and new models.

Model of a stylusSupported tabletsType of connectionFeatures
Xiaomi Smart PenPad 5, Pad 5 ProBluetooth + EMRCharging via USB-C, 2048 sensitivity levels
Xiaomi Smart Pen 2Pad 6, Pad 6 Pro, Pad 6S ProBluetooth 5.0 + EMRMagnetic fastening, 4096 sensitivity levels, gestures
Wacom Bamboo InkPad 5/6 (with manual setting)Bluetooth + MPPRequires driver installation, not all functions work
Adonit Note+Pad 5 Pro, Pad 6 ProBluetooth + EMRSupport for tilt, but no magnetic fastening

If your stylus is not on this list, check its specifications on the manufacturer's website. stylus with EMR technology usually does not require charging and connects automatically, whereas Bluetooth stylus should be synchronized manually.

โš ๏ธ Note: Styluses from other brands (such as Samsung S Pen or Apple Pencil) are not compatible with Xiaomi Pad tablets due to different communication protocols.

2. Connecting the original Xiaomi Smart Pen stylus

Xiaomi's original stylus plugs in semi-automatically. Here's a step-by-step instruction:

  1. Charge the stylus. Connect it to a tablet or charger via USB-C for 10-15 minutes. The indicator on the stylus should light up red (when charging) or green (full charge).
  2. Turn on the stylus. Press and hold the power button on the stylus for 3 seconds until the indicator starts flashing blue.
  3. Touch the screen. Touch the tip of the stylus to the tablet display, and it should show a notification of connection.
  4. Confirm pairing. The tablet will request connection โ€” click Connect.

If the stylus doesn't connect, try:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Reboot the tablet.
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Check the stylus charge (the indicator must burn).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Update the firmware of the tablet to the latest version (path: Settings) โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Updating the system).

Charge the stylus through USB-C|Turn on the stylus with the power button|Update the firmware of the tablet|Reset the device-->

Important: the original Xiaomi styluses do not require the installation of additional drivers, but for proper operation it is necessary to enable permission to use accessories in the settings: Settings โ†’ Connected devices โ†’ Accessories.

3. Connecting third-party styluses (Wacom, Adonit, etc.)

Third-party styluses connect via Bluetooth, but may require additional settings. Consider the Wacom Bamboo Ink process:

  1. Turn on Bluetooth on your tablet. Go to Settings โ†’ Bluetooth and activate the function.
  2. Turn on the stylus. Press the power button on the stylus (usually held for 2-3 seconds). The indicator should flash blue.
  3. Find the device in the list. In the Bluetooth menu on the tablet, the name of the stylus (like Bamboo Ink) will appear โ€” click on it.
  4. Confirm the pairing. If necessary, enter PIN-code (usually 0000 or 1234).

Once connected, check the stylus in any graphics editor (such as Xiaomi Notes or Adobe Fresco).If the lines are delayed or not displayed, try:

  • ๐Ÿ”ง Install a stylus manufacturer app (e.g. Wacom Center for Bamboo Ink).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฒ Calibrate the stylus in the screen settings (Settings) โ†’ Display. โ†’ Sylus calibration).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Reconnect the stylus, removing it from the list of Bluetooth devices.

โš ๏ธ Note: Some third-party styluses (e.g. Adonit Note)+) They may conflict with built-in functions. MIUI, You can use these things like smart menus or gestures. โ†’ Additional features if the stylus is not working properly.

The original Xiaomi Smart Pen|Third-party (Wacom, Adonit, etc.)|Not yet.|Other-->

4.Study the stylus after connection

Once you've successfully connected, you can customize the stylus to your needs.

  • ๐Ÿ–‹๏ธ Press sensitivity: adjustable in drawing applications (e.g. Krita or Infinite Painter).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Stylus buttons: in Xiaomi Smart Pen 2, two buttons can be programmed to actions (eraser, cancellation, highlight). โ†’ Connected devices โ†’ Xiaomi Smart Pen.
  • ๐ŸŽจ Turning off the palm: Activate this feature to avoid accidental touching of the screen when drawing (Settings) โ†’ Special facilities โ†’ Hand-off).

For professional work, it is recommended to install specialized applications:

  • ๐Ÿ“ Xiaomi Notes โ€“ built-in application with stylus support and handwritten text conversion.
  • ๐ŸŽจ Concepts or SketchBook โ€“ for design and illustration.
  • ๐Ÿ“Š OneNote โ€“ for notes with support for search by handwritten text.

๐Ÿ’ก

If the stylus has stopped responding to presses, try โ€œresetโ€ its connection: remove the device from the Bluetooth list, restart the tablet and connect the stylus again.

5. Troubleshooting: The stylus doesn't connect

If the stylus is not defined by the tablet, check the following points:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Stylus's out of order.Battery dischargedCharge the stylus for 15-20 minutes via USB-C
Tablet doesn't see stylusBluetooth shut down or crashTurn on Bluetooth, restart the tablet
The stylus connects but doesn't drawFirmware incompatibilityUpdate MIUI to the latest version
Drawing delaysBackground processesClose unnecessary applications, activate the โ€œPerformanceโ€ mode

If none of these methods helped, try resetting the network settings on your tablet:

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ Reset settings โ†’ Reset network settings.
  2. Confirm the action and restart the device.
  3. Repeat the attempt to connect the stylus.
What if the stylus connects but works with artifacts?
If lines shake or random dots appear when drawing, the problem may be electromagnetic interference from other devices (e.g. wireless headphones or routers). Try: Disable all Bluetooth devices except the stylus. Remove metal cases or accessories from the tablet. Check the screen for mechanical damage (cracks or scratches may interfere with work) EMR-If the problem persists, contact the service center - there may be a defect in the screen digitizer.

6. How to check the charge of the stylus and the working time

The charge level of the original Xiaomi stylus is displayed in the status bar of the tablet (near the Bluetooth indicator) or in the Settings menu โ†’ Connected devices โ†’ Xiaomi Smart Pen. For third-party styluses, you may need to install a branded application (for example, Wacom Center).

Average stylus operating time:

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Xiaomi Smart Pen: Up to 8 hours of active use, charging โ€“ 1 hour.
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Xiaomi Smart Pen 2: Up to 12 hours, charging โ€“ 40 minutes (thanks to magnetic mounting).
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Wacom Bamboo Ink: Up to 15 hours, charging 2 hours.

If the stylus discharges quickly:

  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Use the original cable USB-C charger.
  • โšก Turn off the stylus when not in use (prolonged retention of the power button).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Check the tablet for apps that consume a lot of power via Bluetooth.

๐Ÿ’ก

The magnetic mount on the Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro is not only convenient for storing the stylus, but also automatically charges it when attached to the side panel of the tablet.

7. Alternative ways of using the stylus

The Xiaomi Pad stylus is not just for drawing, but here are some non-obvious scenarios:

  • ๐Ÿ“ Handwriting: You can write by hand in Gboard or Xiaomi Notes, and the text will be automatically converted to printed text.
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Game Controller: Some games (such as Minecraft or Stardew Valley) support stylus control as an alternative to touch.
  • ๐Ÿ“ Accurate measurements: in applications like Adobe Acrobat, the stylus is easy to mark up PDF-document.
  • ๐ŸŽฌ Video editing: in CapCut or KineMaster, the stylus allows you to more accurately highlight fragments on the timeline.

For advanced features (such as gestures or macros), you can use applications like MacroDroid or Tasker, but this requires manual adjustment and can conflict with MIUI.

FAQ: Frequent questions about styluses for Xiaomi Pad

Can I use a stylus from Xiaomi Pad 5 with Pad 6?
No, the Xiaomi Smart Pen (first generation) is not compatible with the Pad 6 due to different communication protocols. The Pad 6 requires the Xiaomi Smart Pen 2.
Why does the stylus only work in some applications?
This depends on the support of the stylus API in the app. For example, Xiaomi Notes and Adobe Fresco are fully optimized, and in some games the stylus can be recognized as a normal touch.
How to calibrate the stylus if the lines are shifted?
Go to Settings โ†’ Display โ†’ Calibration of the stylus and follow the instructions on the screen. If you donโ€™t have an option, install the Pointer Location app from Google Play for manual calibration.
Can I connect the Apple Pencil to the Xiaomi Pad?
No, Apple Pencil uses Appleโ€™s proprietary protocol and is not physically compatible with Android tablets, including the Xiaomi Pad.
How to reset the Xiaomi Smart Pen stylus to factory settings?
To reset, press and hold the power button of the stylus for 10 seconds until the indicator flashes red, after which the stylus is reset, and it can be reconnected.