How to turn on Xiaomi stylus: detailed instructions for all models

Xiaomi stylus is not just an accessory, but a full-fledged tool for creativity, document work and accurate control of the device. However, many users face a problem: the purchased stylus does not respond to touch, does not connect to the tablet or simply does not turn on.

In this article, we will discuss how to turn on the Xiaomi stylus on different models (from Mi Smart Pen to Xiaomi Smart Pen 2), which buttons are responsible for what, how to check compatibility with your gadget and what to do if the stylus still does not work.

If you've just unpacked a stylus and you don't know which way to approach it, don't worry. We've collected all the actual activation methods, including those that aren't described in the official instructions.

What Xiaomi styluses are and how they differ

Before you try to turn on a stylus, it’s important to understand what model you’re holding, which is what you’re using, how you connect, what you’re using, and even how long you’re battery life is, and here are the main Xiaomi styluses you’ll find on the market:

• 📱 Mi Smart Pen (1st generation) – the first stylus from Xiaomi, compatible with the Mi Pad 4 and Mi Pad 4 Plus. AAA, It supports 4,096 levels of sensitivity.
• 🖋️ Xiaomi Smart Pen 2 is an improved version with support for magnetic mounting, compatible with the Mi Pad 5, Mi Pad 6 and some smartphones (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra). USB-C.
• ✏️ Xiaomi Smart Pen (for Mi Pad 6 Pro) – premium version with ultra-low latency (2 ms), support for tilt and gestures. Suitable only for Mi Pad 6 Pro.
• 🎨 Redmi Smart Pen (Lite) – budget option for Redmi Pad and Redmi Pad SE. It has a simplified design and fewer functions.

The main difference between the models is the power mode: the first generation is powered by a replacement battery, and all subsequent ones are powered by an integrated battery with connector charging or wireless charging (on some models). Old styluses use Bluetooth 4.2, and new ones use Bluetooth 5.0+ stable.

If you are not sure which model you are holding, look at the box or check the markings on the stylus itself (usually indicated under the cap or on the back), and you can also use the official Mi Smart Pen app (available on Google Play), which will determine the model when you connect.

How to turn on the Xiaomi stylus: universal instruction

Most Xiaomi styluses are included the same way, but there are nuances depending on the model. Here is a step-by-step guide that will suit 90% of devices:

1. Remove the stylus from the package and remove the protective film (if any), some models have a button under the cap.
2. Find the power button: On the Mi Smart Pen (1st generation) is a small button on the case next to the indicator. On the Xiaomi Smart Pen 2 and later, the button is usually located under the cap or on the end.

Press the button for 3-5 seconds.

Activate the pairing mode

If the indicator does not light up, check:

• 🔋 Stylus charge (for models with built-in battery) connect to the charger for 10-15 minutes.
• 🔄 Pressing correctly: Some buttons require a long hold (up to 10 seconds).
• 📦 Protective film on contacts (relevant for new devices).

Make sure the stylus is charged (or battery installed)|Check the integrity of the switch button|Remove protective labels and films|Press and hold the button until the indicator appears-->

Some models (such as the Xiaomi Smart Pen 2) have an additional mode change button (drawing/eraser/selection) that is usually located next to the main power button and pressed briefly (no retention required).

How to connect Xiaomi stylus to a tablet or smartphone

Turning on the stylus is only half the battle, and in order for it to work, it has to be paired with the device via Bluetooth, and the connection process varies depending on the tablet model and version. MIUI.

Here is a general guide for most devices:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your tablet or smartphone. Go to Settings → Connections → Bluetooth.
2. Activate the search mode (click on “Device Search” or “Add Device”).
3. Include the stylus (as described in the previous section) and it should appear in the list of available devices called Mi Smart Pen, Xiaomi Smart Pen or similar.
4. Select the stylus in the list and confirm the pairing. Some devices will need to enter PIN-code (usually 0000 or 1234).

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

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth (turn it off and turn it on again).
• 📱 Update the firmware of the tablet (go to Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 🔋 Completely discharge and charge the stylus (relevant for battery models).

Xiaomi Tablet (Mi Pad) 4/5/6)|Xiaomi Smartphone (13 Ultra, Mix Fold, et al.)|Redmi tablet (Redmi Pad, Pad) SE)|Another brand|I haven't bought it yet.-->

Some models (such as the Mi Pad 6 Pro) require additional system settings. → Additional functions → Stylus and activate options like “Palm Recognition” or “Stylus Gestures».

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi styluses are not compatible with other brands (such as Samsung or Apple) and even if they connect via Bluetooth, the drawing and fine input functions will not work.

What to do if Xiaomi stylus is not switched on or connected

If the stylus doesn't respond to the press or is not determined by the tablet, don't rush to bring it to the service. In 80% of cases, the problem is solved independently. Here are the most common reasons and ways to fix them:

If none of these things worked, try resetting the stylus settings.

1. Turn on the stylus (hold the power button).
2. Press and hold both buttons (power and extra if any) for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes red.
3. Release the buttons and the stylus will return to factory settings.

Important: after resetting the stylus will have to connect again, as in the first use.

Hidden features of Xiaomi stylus, which you did not know

Many users use the Xiaomi stylus only for drawing or writing notes, but it does a lot more. Here are a few hidden features that the manufacturer doesn't always mention:

• 🖱️ Cursor control: On some models (such as the Xiaomi Smart Pen 2), the stylus can be used as a mouse – just hold it to the screen without touching the surface.
• 📸 Quick screenshots: Twice tap the button on the stylus to take a screenshot (not working on all models).
• 🔄 Cancel/repeat gestures: in some applications (e.g. Notes or Notes) WPS Office) can be erased by swiping the stylus button.
• 🎵 Music management: one click on the button – pause/playback, double – next track.

To activate these functions, it may be necessary to:

• Update the stylus firmware (via the official Mi Smart Pen app).
• Enable the appropriate options in the tablet settings (Settings) → Additional functions → stylus).
• Install special apps (e.g. Xiaomi Quick Ball for gestures).

There's another interesting feature on the Xiaomi Smart Pen 2, which is tilt recognition, which is that if you tilt the stylus at an angle, the line will get thicker or thinner (like a real brush), which only works in supported applications (like Adobe Fresco or Concepts).

💡

If the stylus starts to "glutch" (skip touches or draw curved lines), try calibrating it. → Screen. → Calibration of the stylus and follow the instructions on the screen.

How to check the charge of Xiaomi stylus and increase the working time

The charge level of the stylus depends not only on the time it works, but also on the stability of the connection, and if the charge is below 20%, you can experience delays in drawing or spontaneous shutdowns.

Check the level of charge can be in several ways:

• 📊 Through notification: after connecting the stylus to the tablet, an icon with a percentage of charge will appear in the status bar.
• 🔋 In Bluetooth settings: Go to Settings → Bluetooth, press the connected stylus - there will be a charge level.
• 📱 Mi Smart Pen (available on Google Play).

If the stylus discharges too quickly, try:

• ⚡ Disable power-intensive functions (e.g., tilt recognition or gestures).
• 🔌 Use the original charging cable (low-quality cables may undercharge the battery).
• 📵 Disable the stylus when not in use (prolonged pairing over Bluetooth consumes charge).

Average operating time of Xiaomi stylus:

• Mi Smart Pen (1st generation): up to 10 hours (battery) AAA).
• Xiaomi Smart Pen 2: Up to 15 hours (built-in 150 mAh battery)
• Xiaomi Smart Pen (for Mi Pad 6 Pro): up to 20 hours (200 mAh battery)

⚠️ Warning: Do not leave the stylus on charge for more than 24 hours - this can shorten battery life. 10W.

Compatibility of Xiaomi stylus with different devices

Not all Xiaomi styluses work with all the brand’s devices, such as the first-generation Mi Smart Pen is not compatible with the Mi Pad 6, and the Xiaomi Smart Pen 2 will not work fully on the Redmi Pad.

If your device isn't listed, it doesn't mean that the stylus won't work at all. It can connect via Bluetooth, but:

• 🖌️ The sensitivity to pressing will be lower (for example, instead of 4,096 levels, only 1024 levels will be used).
• ⏱️ Drawing delay will increase (up to 20-30 ms instead of 2-10 ms).
• ❌ Some functions (gestures, cursor control) will not be available.

Before buying a stylus, be sure to check compatibility on the official Xiaomi website or in the documentation for your device.

💡

Xiaomi styluses work only with devices that support Wacom technology AES 2.0 or Xiaomi Super Pen Protocol. Unless your tablet or smartphone has a special digital layer in the screen, the stylus will not recognize as a pen, even if connected via Bluetooth.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi styluses