Xiaomi smartphones and tablets have long since ceased to be just devices for calling or watching content — they have become full-fledged tools for work, creativity and learning. And if you used to draw or write notes using fingers or uncomfortable third-party styluses, today the brand offers its own smart pens that turn the screen into a canvas or notebook. But what is a Xiaomi pen, how does it differ from ordinary styluses, and how to choose it? In this article, we will analyze all the nuances from technical specifications to practical applications.
Many users mistakenly think that Xiaomi pens are just art accessories, and in fact, they are much more functional than just fine text input, to managing presentations, or even to use as a camera remote, and not all models are compatible with all the brand's devices, and some require special settings, and if you're planning to buy one or have already become a pen, but don't know how to unleash its potential, this guide is for you.
What is Xiaomi pen and why you need it
Xiaomi’s pen (or stylus) is an accessory for precisely controlling touchscreens on smartphones, tablets, and even some of the brand’s laptops. Unlike conventional capacitive styluses (which simply mimic a finger), Xiaomi’s smart pens feature active technology that recognizes pressure, tilt, and even gestures, making them indispensable for:
- 🎨 Artists and designers – precision drawing with pressure support (up to 4,096 levels in top models).
- 📝 Students and teachers - convenient notes with the ability to convert handwriting into text.
- 📊 Businessmen – document annotation, signatures, presentation management.
- 📸 Photographers – retouch photos in mobile editors (for example, Lightroom Mobile).
It’s important to understand that not all Xiaomi pens are the same, for example, Mi Smart Pen for Mi Pad tablets won’t work with Redmi smartphones, and Xiaomi Smart Pen 2 requires Wacom support. AES 2.0 on the device.Be sure to check compatibility before buying!
In addition, some models support magnetic attachment to the device body (for example, Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro), while others are sold separately, there are pens with replaceable tips (for different types of surfaces) and even with a vibration response to simulate the sensation of writing on paper.
Types of pens Xiaomi: comparison of models
To date, Xiaomi has released several smart pen models, each geared toward specific tasks and devices, and below is a comparison table of key features:
| Model | Compatibility | Pressure levels | Delay (ms) | Nutrition | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Smart Pen (1st generation) | Mi Pad 5/5 Pro, Mi Pad 6 | 4096 | 12 | 200mAh battery (USB-C) | Magnetic mount, 2 programmable buttons |
| Xiaomi Smart Pen 2 | Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro, Redmi Pad Pro | 4096 | 8 | 250 mAh battery (wireless charging) | Wacom support AES 2.0, vibratory response |
| Redmi Smart Pen | Redmi Pad, Redmi Pad SE | 2048 | 15 | A 150 mAh battery (Micro-USB) | Budget version, without magnetic fastening |
| Xiaomi Mijia Stylus Pen | Universal (EMR-technology) | 4096 | 20 | Battery AAAA | Works with most Android devices (but without advanced features) |
Critical note: pens with technology EMR (For example, Mijia Stylus Pen) does not require recharging, but has a large delay and does not support gestures or additional buttons (AES).
If you own Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro, the Xiaomi Smart Pen 2 will be the perfect choice thanks to minimal latency and support for Xiaomi Super Notes, a proprietary note-taking app with advanced features (for example, converting handwriting to printed text).
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For Xiaomi tablets with Wacom support AES 2.0 (e.g. Pad 6 Pro) only handles with active technology are suitable.MR-Stylus will work, but without recognition of tilt and pressure.
How to connect Xiaomi pen to the device
The process of connecting the pen depends on its model and device. For example, the Mi Smart Pen for the Mi Pad 5 connects automatically when the first magnetic mount is attached, and the Xiaomi Smart Pen 2 requires manual synchronization via Bluetooth.
- Charge the pen (if it is an active model) and make sure that the charge level is at least 20%.
- Turn on Bluetooth on your device: go to Settings → Bluetooth and activate search.
- Activate the pen: For the Mi Smart Pen: attach it with the magnetic side to the tablet. For the Xiaomi Smart Pen 2: press and hold the side button for 3 seconds until the indicator flashes. For the Redmi Smart Pen: insert the battery (if required) and press the power button.
Confirm the conjugation
Once connected, check the pen's performance in any stylus-supporting app (such as Xiaomi Notes or Adobe Fresco).
Make sure the handle is charged (the indicator should be green)|Check the compatibility of the pen model and device|Reboot the tablet/smartphone|Update the device to the latest version|Reset the pen settings (for active models: hold the 10 seconds button)
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⚠️ Note: Some apps (like the standard Google Keep) may not support all of Xiaomi's pen functions. Use proprietary software (Xiaomi Super Notes) or professional tools like Concepts or Infinite Painter for full-time work.
Setup of the Xiaomi pen: subtleties and secrets
Even after you plug in the pen, Xiaomi may require additional customization to unlock all the features. For example, in Xiaomi Smart Pen 2, you can reassign the side buttons or adjust your sensitivity to press.
- 🔧 Pressure sensitivity (in drawing applications).
- 🖱️ Side button functions (e.g. eraser or text highlighting).
- 🔋 Power saving mode (to increase the time of autonomous operation).
- 🎨 Color and thickness of the line by default (in Xiaomi Notes).
To reassign buttons to Xiaomi Smart Pen 2:
- Open the Settings. → Connected devices → Xiaomi Smart Pen 2.
- Select the button setting.
- Assign actions for single/double tapping (such as Lastic or Cancel).
For sensitivity calibration in drawing applications (e.g. Infinite Painter):
- Open the brush settings.
- Find the Pressure Sensitivity section.
- Adjust the pressure curve with a slider or graph.
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If the Xiaomi pen starts to twitch or leave intermittent lines, try cleaning the tip with an alcohol napkin.
⚠️ Warning: After updating the firmware, the pen settings may reset. Always check them after the update, especially if you notice changes in the stylus.
The best apps to work with the Xiaomi pen
To fully unleash the potential of the Xiaomi pen, standard notes are not enough. Here are the top applications for various tasks:
| Category | Annex | Features | Compatible with Xiaomi pens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | Xiaomi Super Notes | Converting handwriting into text, templates, cloud backup | Full (including gestures) |
| Drawing | Concepts | Vector brushes, layers, export to PSD | Full (pressure, tilt) |
| Photo processing | Adobe Fresco | Imitation of watercolors and oils, integration with Photoshop | Full (requires customization) |
| PDF-abstract | Xodo PDF | Signatures, highlighting text, filling out forms | Partial (no gestures) |
| Training | Nebo | Recognition of formulas, diagrams, export to Word | Full (recommended for students) |
For professional artists, Concepts or Infinite Painter are the best choice – they support all pressure and inclination levels of Xiaomi handles, while Xiaomi Super Notes or Microsoft OneNote are suitable for office work (although in the latter case you will have to manually adjust the sensitivity).
How to enable handwriting recognition in Xiaomi Super Notes?
If you are working with Adobe Fresco, be sure to enable stylus support in the settings: Settings → Entering → Stylus and touch input → Pressure on.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even the most reliable devices sometimes fail, and here are some Xiaomi pen problems and ways to fix them:
- ❌ Pen not plugged in: Check battery power (indicator should burn when you press a button). Reset tablet and pen (hold the 10 seconds button). Update the device firmware (in Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
- ❌ Drawing delay: Close background apps (especially games or video players). Enable performance mode in tablet settings. Check the pen's compatibility with your device model.
- ❌ Tip scratches screen: Use only the original Xiaomi tips. paste the protective film on the screen (matt is better for drawing).
- ❌ The buttons of the pen do not work: Reconfigure them to Settings → Connected devices → [Pen name. Reset the pen to factory settings (hold both buttons for 15 seconds).
⚠️ Attention: if the Xiaomi Smart Pen 2 pen has stopped charging wirelessly, check the cleanliness of the contacts on the tablet. Sometimes dust or fat interfere with normal charging.
If none of these methods worked, contact Xiaomi support with a check to buy. The pens have a 12-month warranty, but you will need to confirm the originality of the accessory (purchase in official stores).
How to choose a Xiaomi pen: tips for buyers
When choosing a Xiaomi pen, pay attention not only to the price, but also to the following parameters:
- Compatibility with your device: For Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro, only Xiaomi Smart Pen 2 is suitable. For Redmi Pad, Redmi Smart Pen or universal ones EMR-stylus.
- Technology: AES (Active Electro-Static – better accuracy, tilt support, but requires charging. EMR (Electro-Magnetic Resonance – does not need a battery, but with a delay and without additional functions.
- Pressure levels: 4096 - professional level (for artists). 2048 - enough for notes and office work.
Additional functions
- Magnetic fastening (convenient for storage).
- Programmable buttons (for quick access to functions)
- Vibrational response (simulation of a letter on paper).
If you’re an artist or designer, don’t skimp on a pen – take the Xiaomi Smart Pen 2 with 4,096 pressure levels and tilt support. EMR-And if you want a versatile pen for multiple devices, look at the Mijia Stylus Pen (although it's inferior to the active ones).
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Don't buy Xiaomi's "no-name" handles from manufacturers - they often don't support all pressure levels and can damage the screen.Original accessories are only sold in branded stores or at authorized dealers.