topic S-pen not working properly in Tablets

S-pen not working properly

kidneyblocker2000 — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 02:03:04 GMT

I can't seem to turn off the air command function on the S-pen on mu Galaxy Tan 10. I've been using it as a stylus to play games etc but something has happened to it so now it will only swipe and move the page. I've turned the function off in settings, reser the pen and restarted my device and nothing is working. Any suggestions would be appreciated 🙂

Re: S-pen not working properly

MoreiraNote — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 10:08:35 GMT

I am not really sure of what you are experiencing from your description. 😔

The basic functionality of the S-Pen is to tap the screen like it would register a finger tap. Additionally, it so has a pointer in the screen, so that we can know where the tap will land when we touch the screen with the tip of the S-Pen. If this behaviour is not working for you, you should check if you have some case with magnets, as these will impact the way the screen knows the S-Pen is touching it.

One thing that can be turned on or off is the quick menu for the S-Pen, when removing it from its regular charging place. Since this can impact the taping on a particular part of the screen in games, you can disable it on the app Settings - Advanced Features - S-Pen - Air command and deactivate the "Show Air command icon".

Lastly, there are advanced controls when waving the S-Pen around the screen, while pressing its button. If this is interfering with your gaming, then go to the app Settings - Advanced Features - S-Pen and turn off "Air actions".

Re: S-pen not working properly

kidneyblocker2000 — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 20:31:02 GMT

Thanks for the reply. All I want to use the pen for is to tap the screen as if it were a finger tap. This is the bit that has stopped working and there's no interference or anything similar. Turning off the Show Air command icon doesn't seem to affect it.

Re: Re: S-pen not working properly

MoreiraNote — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 15:53:54 GMT

In that case, you may be experiencing a hardware failure. The first thing to try is another S-Pen. From my experience, all S-Pen are able to perform this basic function of tapping the screen. If you don't have another S-Pen, go to a Samsung store and try one. Don't forget to remove your current S-Pen from the silo, or the phone will not recognize the other S-Pen.

In the off-chance you have an issue with your silo, you can also immediately try a fix. Go to the Settings app - Advanced features - S Pen - More S Pen settings - Allow multiple S-Pen: turn this on. It may say that there will be an increase in battery consumption; in my experience, I never felt that it is significant (I have it always on).

There is a digitizer below the screen, which is the thing that registers the tapping on the screen. It can be disconnected or somehow damaged. If the above did not work, I suggest you visit a Samsung repair center and have it analysed.