How to turn on Xiaomi Smart Pen: full instructions for all models

The Xiaomi Smart Pen stylus turns a typical tablet or smartphone into a powerful tool for drawing, writing notes or working with documents. But before the first use, many people are faced with the question: how to turn this device on and plug it in? Despite its apparent simplicity, the activation process is nuanced depending on the stylus model and the Xiaomi device you connect it to.

In this article, we will discuss all the official ways to enable Xiaomi Smart Pen (including the Mijia Smart Pen, Mi Smart Pen 2 and Xiaomi Smart Pen Pro models), consider compatibility with different devices, as well as typical errors that prevent successful connection. If your stylus does not respond to touch or is not determined by the system, here you will find a solution.

What Xiaomi Smart Pens Are and How They Are Different

Xiaomi has released several versions of stylus, and their features vary significantly.

• 📱 Mijia Smart Pen (1st generation) is a base model with 2048 sensitivity levels, compatible with the Mi Pad 4 and Mi Pad 4 Plus. AAA.
• 🖋️ Mi Smart Pen 2 is an improved version with support for magnetic mounting, compatible with the Mi Pad 5, Mi Pad 6 and some Xiaomi smartphones (such as Mi 11 Ultra). USB-C.
• ✏️ Xiaomi Smart Pen Pro is a flagship model with 4,096 sensitivity levels, tilt support and gestures.Works with Mi Pad 6 Pro and Xiaomi 13 Ultra.

The main difference between the models is the type of power and the way they connect. For example, the Mijia Smart Pen requires manual button activation, whereas the Mi Smart Pen 2 activates automatically when removed from the magnetic mount, which affects the process of first switching on.

Also note compatibility: not all styluses work with all Xiaomi devices. For example, the Mi Smart Pen 2 will not work for the Mi Pad 4, and the Xiaomi Smart Pen Pro will not work fully with smartphones other than the Xiaomi 13 Ultra.

Preparation for the first inclusion: what to check

Before you turn on the stylus, make sure all the prerequisites are met:

Make sure your device (tablet/smartphone) supports this stylus model.|

Check the battery level of the stylus (for models with removable batteries – install a new one)|

Update your device to the latest version (especially important for the Mi Pad) 5/6)|

Disable other Bluetooth devices that may interfere|

Prepare the charger (for USB-C models)

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Pay special attention to the firmware versions of your tablet or smartphone. For example, Mi Smart Pen 2 with Mi Pad 5 requires MIUI 12.5 or later. If the firmware is outdated, the stylus may not be determined by the system.

For removable battery models (Mijia Smart Pen), use high-quality AAA alkaline batteries. Cheap analogues can quickly discharge or cause malfunctions. In battery styluses (Mi Smart Pen 2, Smart Pen Pro), check the charge level through the Bluetooth settings menu.

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If the stylus has not been used for a long time, charge it for 10-15 minutes before the first switching on – this will help to avoid connection problems.

How to turn on Xiaomi Smart Pen: step-by-step instructions

The process of switching on depends on the stylus model, and below is a general-purpose instruction that is suitable for most versions.

Mijia Smart Pen (1st generation)

1. Install the AAA battery in the stylus compartment (unscrew the cap counterclockwise).
2. Press and hold the power button on the stylus body for 3-5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing blue.
3. Activate Bluetooth on your Xiaomi device and find the Mi Smart Pen in the list of available devices.
4. Confirm the pairing. Once successfully connected, the stylus indicator will burn continuously.

For Mi Smart Pen 2 and Xiaomi Smart Pen Pro

1. Remove the stylus from the magnetic attachment (if it was attached to the tablet).
2. Press the power button once (closer to the tip of the stylus) and the indicator should flash green or blue.
3. On a Xiaomi device, go to Settings → Bluetooth and select the Mi Smart Pen 2 (or Xiaomi Smart Pen Pro).
4. Wait for pairing to complete. In some cases, you will need to confirm the connection on the device screen.

If the stylus is not detected, try restarting the tablet or smartphone and then repeating the connection process. Also make sure that the distance between the devices is less than 10 meters - otherwise the Bluetooth signal may be too weak.

Compatibility of Xiaomi Smart Pen with devices: full table

Not all Xiaomi styluses work with all the brand’s devices, and the following is a compatibility table for popular models:

Note that even if your device is on the compatible list, the functionality of the stylus may differ. For example, on Mi 11 Ultra Mi Smart Pen 2 smartphones, it only works in drawing mode, without gesture support.

⚠️ Note: If you connect the Xiaomi Smart Pen Pro to the Mi Pad 6 (not the Pro version), some features, such as tilt recognition, may be disabled.

Typical Errors When Turning On and How to Fix Them

Even if you do the instructions correctly, the stylus may not turn on or malfunction, and let's look at some of the most common problems and their solutions.

• 🔋 The stylus does not respond to the press of the button → Check the battery or replace it. For models with a battery, try charging the stylus for 15 to 20 minutes.
• 📱 The device does not see the stylus in the Bluetooth list → Reboot your tablet/smartphone, disable other Bluetooth devices, update your firmware.
• 🔄 The stylus is plugged in but not working. → Make sure the device has Stylus Recognition enabled (in screen settings).
• ⚡ The indicator flashes red. → This indicates low charge. Charge the stylus or replace the battery.

If the problem persists, try resetting the stylus settings.

1. Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds.
2. Wait until the indicator flashes red and blue alternately.
3. Release the button and repeat the connection process.

⚠️ Warning: Resetting the stylus will remove all the conjugated devices, and then you'll have to reconnect it.

How to check the performance of the stylus after switching on

After the successful connection, make sure that the stylus is working correctly.

1. Open any drawing app (e.g. Xiaomi Notes or SketchBook).
2. Try drawing several lines with different pressures – the sensitivity should change.
3. Check the response to double-touching (if supported by your model).
4. Make sure the stylus leaves no trace when pointing (only when touching the screen).

If the stylus is not working properly (e.g. lines are interrupted or appear late), this may indicate:

• 📶 Interference from other Bluetooth devices → Turn them off.
• 🔋 Low battery charge → Charge the stylus.
• 📱 Unoptimized software → Update the device's firmware.

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If the Xiaomi Smart Pen Pro stylus does not recognize tilt, make sure that the tilt sensitivity option is enabled in the drawing app settings.

Additional settings and stylus customization

Once you have the stylus plugged in, you can customize it to your needs, for example, the Mi Pad 5/6 has the following options:

• ⚙️ Assignment of buttons → You can reassign double tap to launch the application or return back.
• 🎨 Sensitivity to pressure → Adjustable in the range from 1024 to 4096 levels (depending on the model).
• 🖌️ Eraser regimen → In some applications, you can enable the erasure function when turning the stylus.

To change the settings:

1. Go to Settings → Connected Devices → Mi Smart Pen
2. Select the Settings of the stylus.
3. Set the parameters as you wish.

For Xiaomi Smart Pen Pro models, gesture settings are also available, for example, you can assign:

• 👆 Double touch of the button → screenshot.
• 👇 Long hold. → Opening the Quick Action Menu.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Xiaomi Smart Pen