How to turn on and configure a stylus on Xiaomi Pad 6: a complete guide to problem solving

Xiaomi Pad 6 is one of the most popular tablets of 2023-2026, which is valued for performance, display with a frequency of 144 Hz and support for active stylus Xiaomi Smart Pen (2nd generation). However, many users face difficulties when connecting the pen for the first time: the tablet does not recognize the accessory, the cursor twitches, or the stylus does not respond to touch at all. In this article, we will analyze all the ways of activating the stylus, from basic synchronization to hidden system settings, and solve typical problems.

It is important to understand that the Xiaomi Pad 6 only supports the original stylus series Smart Pen (models M2106S and newer). pens from other manufacturers or older versions (Mi Pen for Mi Pad 4) will not work - even if they physically connect via Bluetooth. If you bought a used tablet or stylus separately, first check their compatibility.

Before you go to the settings, make sure that:

• 🔋 Stylus charged (the indicator on the body should flash when the button is pressed).
• 📱 The tablet has been updated to the latest version MIUI for Pad (relevant firmware — V14.0.6.0.TMZCNXM higher).
• 🔄 Bluetooth and NFC on the tablet included (the stylus is synchronized by both protocols).

1. Basic stylus synchronization with Xiaomi Pad 6

The official way to connect the stylus takes less than a minute, but requires precise steps, and if you skip even one item, the tablet may not recognize the accessory.

Instructions:

1. Turn on the Xiaomi Pad 6 and unlock the screen.
2. Remove the stylus from the case (if it was stored there) – this will automatically activate it.
3. Hold the pen to the top of the screen (where the front camera is located) at a distance of 1-2 cm.
4. Wait for the pop-up window “Xiaomi Smart Pen Discovered” and click “Connect”.
5. If the request does not appear, click on the stylus button (located closer to the tip) and repeat step 3.

After successful synchronization, a pen icon will appear in the status bar 🖊️, In Bluetooth settings, the Xiaomi Smart Pen device will be displayed (M2106S). If the stylus didn’t connect the first time, try the following steps:

• 🔄 Reboot the tablet and repeat the synchronization.
• 🔋 Check the charge of the stylus: connect it to the tablet through USB-C 10-15 minutes (even if the indicator does not burn).
• 📵 Disable other Bluetooth devices (earphones, keyboards) that may cause interference.

2. Manual connection via Bluetooth settings

If automatic synchronization doesn’t work, the stylus can be manually connected via Bluetooth menus, a technique that is also useful if the pen has previously been paired with another device (like a Xiaomi smartphone).

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth and turn on the function.
2. Click "Add Device" (or "Device Search").
3. Remove the stylus from the case and press the button on its body once - this will put it in pairing mode.
4. In the list of available devices, find the Xiaomi Smart Pen and tap it.
5. Confirm the connection if you receive a password request (usually not required).

If the stylus doesn’t appear on the list, try the following tricks:

• 🔌 Connect the pen to the tablet through USB-C 30 seconds, then disconnect and repeat the search.
• 🧲 Apply the stylus to the back cover of the tablet in the area NFC-chip (top left corner) – sometimes triggered to force activation.
• 🗑️ Remove all previously paired devices from the Bluetooth list (click on the gear next to the device) → "Forget it").

If the stylus was previously paired with another Xiaomi device (such as a smartphone), it must first "sever" the connection.

⚠️ On the previous device, go to Settings → Bluetooth, find Xiaomi Smart Pen and click "Disable" → "Forget the device. Only after that, you can connect the pen to the Xiaomi Pad 6.

Stylus check and calibration

Once you've successfully connected, you need to make sure that the stylus tracks the presses correctly and supports all the functions: pressure, tilt, gestures.

1. Open any drawing app (e.g. Xiaomi Notes or SketchBook).
2. Try drawing lines with different pressures – the thickness should change.
3. Check the response to double-tapping the stylus button (the default is "Swallow" or "Cancel").
4. Make sure the pen works on the entire screen, including the edges.

If the cursor floats, the lines are drawn with a bias, or the stylus reacts with a delay, you need to calibrate. In MIUI for Pad, this function is hidden, but you can run it through the engineering menu:

##6484##

After entering the code:

1. Select the "Pen Test" (pen test).
2. Follow the instructions on the screen: swipe the stylus across the crosses in the corners of the display.
3. Save the settings and restart the tablet.

Typical problems after calibration and their solution:

4.Configure stylus functions in MIUI

Xiaomi Smart Pen supports several additional features that can be customized to your needs: button gestures, pressure sensitivity, automatic shutdown. These options are hidden in the depths of the MIUI for Pad menu.

How to open the stylus settings:

1. Go to Settings. → Connected devices.
2. Find the Xiaomi Smart Pen list and tap it.
3. The menu will open with options: "The function of the button" - the choice of action when pressed (eraser, cancellation, screenshot); "Push sensitivity" - response adjustment (it is recommended to leave "Average"). "Auto-Switch off" - the time of inactivity before the pen sleep (by default 5 minutes).

Optimization tips:

• 🎨 For artists: set the sensitivity to "High" and turn off "Switch off" so that the pen does not turn off during prolonged work.
• 📝 For notes: assign the stylus button the function "Screenshot" - this will accelerate the preservation of the screen with notes.
• 🔋 If the stylus discharges quickly, reduce the auto-output time to 1-2 minutes.

💡

If the stylus settings do not have a "pressure sensitivity" option, upgrade the tablet firmware to the latest version. Older versions of MIUI may not have this option.

Attention! Some applications (such as Adobe Fresco or Krita) have their own stylus settings, which may conflict with the system settings.

⚠️ Go to the settings of this application and find the "Enter" or "Stylus" section. Turn off the "Use App Settings" option (or similar) and restart the program.

5. Solving typical stylus problems

Even after a successful connection, users of Xiaomi Pad 6 are faced with bugs in the operation of the stylus. Let's consider the most common cases and ways to fix them.

5.1 The stylus plugged in, but doesn't draw

Causes and solutions:

• 🖥️ Screen protection conflict: If you have a low-sensitivity film or glass on your tablet, the stylus may not recognize touch. Solution: try drawing without protection or replace it with a Wacom-enabled model. EMR (Spigen Tempered Glass for Xiaomi Pad 6).
• 🔄 Driver Failure: Sometimes After Updating MIUI Stylus driver flies. Solution: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management. Find "System applications" → "Wacom Driver. Click "Clear Cache" and "Stop." Reboot the tablet.

5.2 The stylus is running with a delay

Lags in drawing or writing are usually associated with:

• 📶 Bluetooth overload: Turn off other devices (headphones, fitness bracelets).
• 🔋 Power Saving Mode: Add Drawing Apps to Exceptions (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery → Applications without restrictions).
• 🖥️ Background Processes: Close all apps through “Recent” and restart the tablet.

💡

If delays only appear in a particular app (such as Photoshop), try reducing the canvas resolution or turning off line smoothing in brush settings.

5.3 The stylus spontaneously shuts down

A common problem is when the pen falls asleep after a few seconds of inactivity.

• ⚡ Battery discharge: charge the stylus (full cycle takes up) ~1 hour).
• 📵 Interference from other devices: Bluetooth devices at 2.4 GHz (such as wireless headphones) can interfere with communications.Solution: reconnect the stylus elsewhere or disable the interfering gadgets.
• 🔄 Pen firmware failure: Update the stylus through Settings → Connected devices → Xiaomi Smart Pen → Update (if available).