Everything about Galaxy Note 5 S Pen

S Pen is the signature accessory for Galaxy Note devices. A lot of special features and functions on Galaxy Note 5 require S Pen.

This guide will try to cover all aspects of Galaxy Note 5 S Pen.  So, this guide will be helpful for you even you are a new user of S Pen.

For experienced S Pen users, the difference between Galaxy Note 5 S Pen and S Pen in previous generations is illustrated.

Because S Pens in all Galaxy Note devices share a similar design. This guide also applies to old generation Galaxy Note devices, e.g., Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy Note II, Galaxy Note, Galaxy Note 10.1, Galaxy Note 8.0, Galaxy Note Pro.

Please note a new S Pen with Bluetooth features was introduced in Galaxy Note 9 as explained in this guide.

If something is exclusive to Galaxy Note 5, it will be highlighted.

Galaxy Note 5 S Pen components and their functions

In your Samsung Galaxy Note 5 box, you should find the following components related to Galaxy Note 5 S Pen:

  1. an S Pen (with an S Pen button) attached to Galaxy Note 5 S Pen slot (see Galaxy Note 5 layout here);
  2. 5 spare S Pen nibs (in 2 colors), and
  3. tweezers.

The 5 spare S Pen nibs and the tweezers were put inside a small plastic bag in the box.

The functions of the Galaxy Note 5 S Pen nib:

  1. Use the S Pen to write, draw, or perform touch actions on the screen.
  2. Hover the S Pen over items on the screen to access additional S Pen features, such as Action button and the Air view feature.

The functions of the Galaxy Note 5 S Pen button:

  1. Hover the S Pen over the screen and press the S Pen button to display the Air command features.
  2. While pressing and holding the S Pen button, drag the S Pen over items to select them.

The function of tweezers is to remove the S Pen nib when replacing the nib.

What are the differences between the white and grey S Pen nibs?

You may notice among the 5 spare S Pen nibs, 3 are white, and 2 are grey.

By default, the S Pen attached to Galaxy Note 5 is white in most regions.

The color is not random. The white nibs are different from the grey ones.

The white one is harder, and it is easy to move it on the screen with less friction. The grey one, on the other hand, is like rubber. It provides more friction.

So, these two types of S Pen nibs give you different S Pen experience depending on your habit.

But if you apply a screen protector to your Galaxy Note 5 screen, you may find it is hard to use the grey one.

How to replace Galaxy Note 5 S Pen nib?

You may need to replace the Galaxy Note 5 S pen nib when:

  • You want to get more friction (grey) or less friction (white).
  • The S Pen nib is dull or not responsive as usual.

Please note, S Pen nibs are NOT reusable.  So, don’t waste your S Pen nibs.

You may follow these steps to replace Galaxy Note 5 S Pen nib.

Step 1: Remove the old nib with tweezers

You need to hold the nib firmly with the tweezers, then pull it out as shown below. Do not use any other tools.

Step 2: Insert the new S Pen nib.

Insert the new S pen nib into the S pen with your hand as shown below.

Do not insert the rounded end of the nib into Galaxy Note 5 S Pen.

How to detach Galaxy Note 5 S Pen?

To detach Galaxy Note 5 S pen, you need press the end of the S Pen to disengage it. Then, pull the S Pen from the slot as shown below

This is different from detaching S Pen from previous Galaxy Note devices. The Galaxy Note 5 S Pen is loaded with a spring. And you must press the end to disengage it.  For S Pen in Galaxy Note 4 and older devices, you can pull out the S Pen directly.

In Galaxy Note 5, the S Pen is fully inserted into the slot, and you cannot pull it without pressing the end.

How to store Galaxy Note 5 S Pen?

To store Galaxy Note 5 S Pen, push it back into the S Pen slot until you hear it click. You need to insert the S Pen’s nib first as shown below. Failure to do so may cause the S Pen to become stuck. Forcefully detaching the S Pen from the slot may cause damage to the S Pen and Galaxy Note 5.

The Galaxy Note 5 S Pen design has a flaw: you may accidentally insert the S Pen in the wrong direction without applying much force until it is stuck. If you pull out the S Pen after it is stuck, your Galaxy Note 5 will not be able to detect S Pen anymore. You have to visit local Samsung service center to repair it.

If the Galaxy Note 5 S Pen is stored properly, the whole S Pen should be in the S Pen slot.

What can I do if I accidentally insert Galaxy Note 5 S Pen into the slot in the wrong direction?

As mentioned, Galaxy Note 5 S pen has a design flaw. You may insert the S Pen in the wrong direction without getting any warnings until it is stuck.

It is too late!

If this happened to you, you might damage the S Pen slot. Galaxy Note 5 will unlikely to detect whether the S Pen is in the slot or not from now on.

This means you cannot use screen off memo. You have to use air command by pressing the S Pen button.

As it is hardware damage, you have to visit local Samsung service center to repair the S Pen slot.  Factory data reset will NOT solve the problem.

Do you have any questions on Galaxy Note 5 S Pen?

If you have any questions about using Galaxy Note 5 S Pen, please let us know in the comment box below.

The community will try to help you.

For other Galaxy Note 5 features and detailed Galaxy Note 5 how-to guides, please check Galaxy Note 5 how-to guides page.

You may also download and read the official Samsung Galaxy Note 5 user manual here.

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  • Have finally figured out how to use ACTION MEMO but...when I go to "Internet" to get the results, the pages come up, but they are in Koean or some such Asian dialect. My internet setting specify my language as English, but I can't seem to figure out how to get my queried web pages to come out in English. This ACTIOM MEMO tool is not much good to me otherwise !!!

    • What did you try to do? Action Memo is now rebranded as action link in Note 8 and 9. But in Note 5, it should still work.

      Also, you should add a Samsung account on the phone. Samsung tends to direct you to the region matching your SIM card carrier, or location, or Samsung account.

      If you wrote a website and choose the Internet as the action, it should bring you to the website with the default browser.

  • Hi my galaxy note 5 touch screen is not responding to finger but only for sale pen
    How can I solve this

    • Very likely, you messed up some accessibility settings. The quick and easy way to fix is to reset the settings in Settings --general management -- Reset --Reset settings,

  • My xalasy note 5 screen is not responding on finger but s pen only work and two touch button on both sides of home button is responding to finger but the srreen only not working on my finger I guess it has happened by some setting but I can't see that in setting

  • My spen seems to be stuck in "scroll" mode. It will move things around on my screen but it won't let me actually tap to make a selection. It just keeps moving the screen or the items on the screen. Is this a problem with the pen or did I mistakenly click something to make it do this? The pen is virtually useless like this and I use my pen to write and select a lot. Thank you.

  • Just a quuck question. I need to buy a replacement S pen for my Galaxy Note 5 DUOS (SM-9208). Are all the Note 5 S pens the same?
    The store im looking at buying from says that their Note 5 S pen is compatible with Samsung Galaxy Note 5 SM-N920T, SM-N920A, N920I but does not mention the SM-9208?
    Please help!

    • I cannot confirm this. But as I know, it should work on all Note 5 devices. And it should fit into the S Pen slot of all Note 5 devices. (S Pen actually works on all Note devices. The main concern is the size.)

      In don't think there are any dimensional differences between N9208 and other note 5 devices.

  • why i cant write using my s pen in my note 5??
    but detaching the s pen it appears air command and when inserting it the air command disappear..
    why when my s pen dettached to my note 5 it is not responding.???

    • it is a bit confusing. Did you get the air command? If not, check the settings to enable the air command. You may check this guide on using air commands in Note 5.

    • You may just buy a new S Pen because the repair cost may be higher than a new one in the service center. Local Samsung service center should sell S Pen. Some sellers in Amazon also sell S Pens at slightly lower price. But you need to make sure it's for Note 5 and authentic.

  • Someone give the text software engineers a atomic Melvin for messing up the text drawing mode. That was not a cool thing to leave out ! Not VERY nice at all .

  • My s pen will not draw a straight line diagonally. In one certain part of my phone I'll try to draw a diagonal straight line it seems the pen gets a mind of its own and goes wherever it wants. I'm frustrated because I like to play draw something and I cannot because of this issue.

  • I'm now realizing that the draw mode is missing. I no longer see it anywhere especially when I'm messaging someone and I want to draw a pic within the message. Please help!

  • The tip of my pen (nib) apparently broke off and the stem is still inside the pen. Anyway I can remove it without having to buy a whole new pen?

    • Hi! I dropped my Note 5 by mistake and my S pen came out and broke. Now I glued it almost to where the button is, but now the tip of my S pen doesnt work. When I bought my Note 5 the extra tips and the tweezers never came. Can you please let me know if I either have to buy another S pen or just the tips. Thank You!

      • Extra tips are in a small plastic bag together with the tweezer.

        Anyway, if I were you, I would buy a new S Pen.

  • while you article and comments were very informative you are giving people wrong information. my spen flew apart so i purchased one from amazon, it was completely useless. my phone would not even acknowledge it, so i bought a different it was slightly better but still not fully functional. i bought one more and it still didnt work. because all of them had those stupid little clicky pointer while mine which is the none clicky one, original out of the box no replacement nibs included. so please stop telling people they are all alike i am out quite a bit of money, and am noe stuck carrying my broken one in my pocket because i cannot just replace the nib as it is all one piece and no one seems to know where i can get a replacement that actually works

    • You can replace the nib by yourself. You can find the spare ribs and the tweezer in your Note 5 box.

      If you cannot pull out the old nib, you can visit local Samsung service centre and ask them too replace it for you.

  • How to change the appearance of the small dot on the phone screen when using S-PEN? Also is it possible to put some movement magic when it moves on the screen along with the S-PEN (i.e. meteor tail, magic glitters.)? I have read this whole section including the comments but i didn't find what am looking for. I hope you can help me.

    • I don't think these features are available. Third-party app developers haven't shown must interest because Samsung sometimes changes the framework abruptly for new Note devices.

  • Suddenly my keyboard has an icon for txting, etc with my S Pen. How can i get rid of that? It's inconvenient, right next to my symbol key, and emoji jey!

    • Can you share the screenshot in our Facebook page? Which keyboard are you using, the default Samsung keyboard or other keyboards?

  • I mistakenly dropped my S pen while taking notes. Since then, it has been malfunctioning. Once the s pen is close to the screen, without touching the screen, it starts drawing on d screen as I move my hand. It selects colours on its own, becomes non responsive as I try to write with it, erases notes when I haven't selected the eraser option and stuff like that. I can't get to write properly with it. Do I change the s pen completely or just d nib?

    • It sounds like you need to get a new S Pen. But you call always try a new nib which (together with the tweezers) can be found in your Note 5 box.

  • I accidentally placed my Spen the wrong way and its back tip got stuck so I gave my phone to a shop so he can get that tip out without opening my phone instead he cut the Spen in half and said that it is impossible to take that tip out without opening the phone.Now the part of the Spen that has Samsung written on it he got that stuck in the phone on purpose I guess.So I got my phone opened finally and purchased a new Spen from another shop and it was not working the guy said to reset the phone then it will work so I reset my phone and the Spen is not working.The problem is that I live in Pakistan and I went to Dubai for holiday thats where I got my phone fixed he offered 130 dirhems thats around 40$ and the samsung repair center said 200 dirhems thats around 60$ my mum said to get it fixed from the shop thats offering 130 dirhems.I just want this Spen to work.Just give me a solution.Now I am back in Pakistan and I can not catch that guy who was a fraud.

    • You should not pull out the S Pen when you insert the pen in wrong way. It will damage the lever inside and the slot.

      You should only use trusted shops.

      Anyway, it's better to visit Samsung service centre to check the S Pen slot.

      S Pen should work even the slot is damaged.

  • I have lost my s pen for my note 5. Honestly, I never ever use it (it fell out during a drop). I was just wondering how essential it is that I replace it? Like will my phone be drained of battery, etc., without it?

    Thanks!

    • If you don't use S Pen, then it's not necessary to replace it. S Pen only offers additional functions.

      Battery usage related to S pen is very marginal. You can turn off S Pen detection/alert, air commands in Settings - S Pen to avoid any possible battery usage.

    • Yes, you can. All S Pens for Note 5 are identical except the color.

      S Pen for other Note devices also work on Note 5; but you should NEVER put them into the slot in Note 5.

  • I bought a new s pen for my note 5. It works on everything but the action memo. What do I need to do for it to work?

  • Hi. My note 5 pen has mysteriously developed a whole new functionality. Instead of opening air command, pressing the pen button now opens apps and pretty much acts as my finger, for example pressing and holding the button now lets me scroll through pages instead of highlighting text. It doesn't write anymore and the screen only recognised it if I press the button. What can I do to change this?

    • It's normal if the S Pen touches the screen.

      Did you turn on any accessibility settings? Did you check Settings - S Pen -pointer?

      Anyway, you can try to reboot the phone to see whether it helps as well.

  • i had note 3 and note 10.1 tablet and now i have note 5.
    to be honest changing the nib with that thing in the box is impossible. don't do it yourself take the phone to samsung shops
    i bought 3 spen. until i find this

    • The tweezer is for you to hold the nib, then pull it out. Once the nib is held tightly, you can pull with force.

  • The nib of my Note 5 Spen will not come out using the provided tweezers. I watched several videos and read your instructions and tried several times but it will not budge. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

    • It's the way to replace the nib. There are no buttons or other mechanisms to help you. If you feel it may break the S Pen, you can visit local Samsung service centre. It should take less than a few mins for them to pull it out.

  • When my S Pen is inserted into the S Pen holder, the ringtone mutes after a few hours.
    This problem is appeared when I update android 7.
    there's no problem without S Pen.

  • Hi, my S Pen when inserted into S Pen Holder after a few hours muted ringtone! This problem have been when After updated android 7! Whitout S Pen no problem! may I help you? Thank you

  • hi there, so if i puchase a new s pen to replace my faulty one it shld be able to wok just by inserting the new pen? no setup or smth required?

    • Yes, if the S Pen is for Note 5. There are no setup for S Pen. The size of S Pen for different Note devices are different. Anyway, just make sure it's for Note 5. Otherwise, you may damage the S Pen shoot.

  • Is there way to remove the S-Pen button from the screen? When playing games on the phone with the S-Pen, sometimes it gets in the way and I am tired of having to move the button around the screen so that I can push buttons associated with the game without opening the Air Command menu.

    • It depends on your region. In most regions, the warranty period is about 1 year. In some regions, S pan and battery may only have a warranty period of 6 months.

      Anyway, in most regions, Samsung warranty does not cover physical damages.

  • Hi. My Galaxy Note 5 S-Pen was damaged, so I purchased an official Samsung replacement, but the replacement pen is too long!! It extends out past the end of the phone about 1/2 inch when fully inserted i to the slot. Anyone else had this issue? My Note 5 is fairly new (I am in the middle of my 2-yr plan). Any insight would be helpful. Thanks!

    • You should check with the seller whether the S Pen is for Note 5. The package should also state it clearly if it's for Note 5. The dimensions of S Pen for different versions of Galaxy Note are slightly different. Also only S Pen for Note 5 and Note 7 has the spring in the end.

      Anyway, if the S Pen is not for Note 5, you should NOT insert it into the slot. You may damage the slot.

    • Yes, it should work because there are only cosmetic changes. Most owners will not feel the the change in pressure levels.

    • OEM S Pen Replacement for Note 5 Galaxy.

      I am having a heck of a time finding and OEM replacement Pen for my Note 5. Official Samsung parts stores (Online too) in Canada and States do not carry and there seem to be many imitators out there. Called into the Samsung stores in Edmonton and Mississauga to no avail.
      OMG 3 hours of my life wasted and counting....

      Any direction appreciated...

      • I think you can get from Samsung US online store. There are a few legitimate seller in Amazon US store as well. On Amazon, you can choose the one sold (not just fulfilled) by Amazon.

        Yes, there are many fake ones.

  • My Note 5's S pen's top click button is not working properly. Means sometimes the click button dont come back after clicking it and gets stucked until it is pulled out forcefully..I guess there's a problem of its spring mechanism.. So Plz tell me how to fix it...

    • My note 5 pen sensor has become over sensitive and becomes active even I haven't taken out the pen from the slot....how can this be rectified..it's too annoying that during normal viewing air command screen pops up again n again even pen is inside the slot only....please help

    • I guess you have to get a new S Pen from local Samsung service center.

      I am not impressed with the new S pen in Note 5 and Note 7. Yes, the spring is usually the source of problem. I still prefer the S Pen design of Note 4 and Note 3.....

    • Not much difference in S Pen between Note 4 and Note 5.

      Also, there are no differences in pressure levels of the screens. Both screens can sense 2048 pressure levels. But Note 5 screen should be better than that in Note 4.

  • Will the note 5 work without the pen, my husband lost his and it takes a week to get a replacement. Will he still be able to make and receive calls

    • Galaxy Note 5 (and all Galaxy Note devices) works without S Pen. Actually, a lot of the Galaxy Note 5 owners never use S Pen at all.

      The only feature that "requires" S Pen is air command.

      Anyway, you can use Note 5 without S Pen. You can turn off S Pen detection if the missing S Pen notification annoys you.

  • Is it technically possible to use 2 S pens at once on the Note 5? (I don't own a Note 5, just thinking about buying a new Note 7.) Once I had a Nokia 5800 which used a touch pencil, it just worked by physical touch, of course not the same technology as the S pen, and typing messages with two plastic items, one in each hand, was very like typing normally, quite fast. So with 2 S pens, not using the buttons, would a similar typing experience be possible?

    • I guess it depends on apps. But so far, none apps have this feature supports two S Pens simultaneously, as I know.

      By default, at any time, only one touch can be registered.

      • Thanks for the reply. Agreed - one tap at a time is required. Like a keyboard, only one key at a time. The idea was to be like drumsticks, one after the other. It can be done with fingers, especially in landscape orientation that works reasonably well with the Note on a table. Two pens, like drumsticks, left-right-left-left-right-whatever, might work in portrait orientation if the Note doesn't get confused by the two rapidly-moving pens. I'll try it in a shop when I get the chance.

  • Hi, do you know the average lifespan of each colored s pen nib or how often they should be replaced?

  • Hii.. I wonder, Can S pen nibs for note 3 become compatible and insertable into S pen note 5??? Thanks coz I lost my nibs part for my note 5.

  • Is there an app or a way to detect the location you last used your s pen? I lost it and was trying to figure where I last left it. Thank you.

    • You can go to settings and search s pen alerts and it will give you the time and date you last detached the s pen

    • I am not aware of such apps. But by default, Note 5 should alert you if S Pen is not in slot.

  • Hi! Im really freaking out, my s pen does not come out. Its in the right way and all bur when i press de click it just doesnt pop ?? helo please

    • Visit the service centre to take it out. You can ask them to check the slot and test with their S Pen. If there are no physical damages, they should replace the side panel.

      The new design for the S Pen and the slot is totally a disaster. Owners seldom have such problems in previous generations of Note devices.

      Personally, I encountered this issue one time. Initially, the service centre said physical damage is not covered under warranty. I then asked them to show me the damage. Of course, they cannot find any. It seems the first batch tends to have this issue.

  • what does the clicking of the spen tip do, I cant seem to find a setting that makes use of it, thanks -

    • I think you're referring to the clicking of the end which is the locking mechanism for storage...other than that I'm not aware of any change in functionality.

  • Hey, recently I snapped my note 5 S pen but, it still works. However, I want a new one, is it possible to purchase only the S pen for the note 5? Or is the S pen that comes with it the only one that works. As i realize the S pen doesn't work on any other samsung devices.

    • S Pen works on other Note devices. It also works on some laptops using wacom touch screen technology (for example some HP and Lenovo laptops).

      S Pen from previous Note devices should also work on Note 5. But you cannot (and never try) put them in the slot.

      You can get spare S Pen from Samsung (about $30-$40) our from Amazon (don't buy the unofficial ones).

      You can also get wacom stylus (the ones with a button). It should tell you whether it is designed for Note devices. It's easy to carry them ( not too small) in a bag.

  • Is there a setting so that when my hand touches the screen while using the stylus that things don't change (like hitting the back button)?

    • You can only lock the screen for S Pen when using S Note. But this doesn't include the hardware buttons.

      • Thanks for the answer! Rather disappointing I might add. Yesterday I was trying to write some notes - about five sentences - and it took nearly a half hour cuz I kept hitting the back arrow and losing what I wrote.

        • Yes, back button on the right side is not a good idea.

          Some time ago, I tried to use S note in portrait orientation, but upside down. But S note app supports all other 3 orientations except this one. So, I understand your frustration.

          In S7, the game mode now can lock these buttons. Maybe Samsung will extend this feature for S Note in Note 6.

  • Hello, this may sound weird, but I dropped my S pen to my note 5 and the spring came out of the pen. I have no idea where the spring went so it is currently lost. I still have my pen I just need a spring for it. Is there any where that I can get a spring from? Or do you know why type of spring is used in the note 5 pen?

    • Hi I did the same thing. All I want is a spring. Don't want to get a new stylus. Did you figure out a way?

  • Good day

    When I use my S pen it works properly but only on certain button for example when I use it to type a sms, it does not press all the buttons. Even if I select a picture and want to outline it, it suddenly stops at a certain place, thus I cannot outline the whole picture. Do I have to calobrate it, or what do you suggest.

    • if you create a new S Note, can you use S Pen to draw in all locations.

      Please note, when using S Pen for drawing or selection, you should not hold the S Pen button.

  • For S Pen stuck in slot backwards I found a video with a simple solution. Near the tip of pen there is a notch on the sides. When pen is inserted correctly a small arm sticks out and rests in slot. When inserted backwards the arm gets stuck on the clicking button on the end. To remove pen you can try this at your own risk:
    1. Cut a thin strip of paper longer than the s pen
    2. Fold paper in half long ways
    3. Wrap paper around 2 sides of s pen
    4. Slide the paper along pen and into the slot
    5. Once paper is in the length of pen gently try to remove pen. DO NOT FORCE IT.

    • Thank you for sharing the info.

      Anyway, if possible, visit service center to solve such issues.

  • My pen doesn't give me that pen on paper feel or the resistance feeling anymore . Is there a setting for this pen response?

    • The service center may help you adjust it. But what's exactly the issue? Too sticky? Did you try a different S Pen nib?

      • Just no resistance at all. Didn't notice a change until update to "M". I will try changing nib to see if that helps. Thanks

        • The resistance or the drag is purely a physics (between screen and the nib). It should has nothing to do with software update.

          Anyway, if the screen is over-responsive, you can ask the technicians in the service center to adjust it.

  • Hey, can I get the perfect dimensions of the s pen of note 5 and of the adapter or can you tell me on which site would I get the perfect dimensions? Because I am doing a study on this phone but I am not getting the dimensions of this anywhere. I would appreciate if you could help me with it.

    • You may check with local Samsung office for the details. We do not have the detailed information of the dimension of the pen and slot.

  • Is there Anywhere I can go to get Official (Says "Samsung"on it) Note 5 S-Pens, either Cheap or even better Free??

    • Check with local Samsung service center or local distributor. I don't think it will be free or cheap.

      • Hi , i have the same problem and even the service centre cudnt fix it, they told me the only thing i can try is to do a factory reset ( to get the aircommand back) (its grayed out on my phone as well)or wait for another update , so now my phone doesnt feel like a note anymore

        • Why don't you do the factory data reset? You just backup the phone to the PC with SmartSwitch. Then you can reset it.

  • I got mud stuck all up in the s pe. lot of my note 5. Is there a way to clean the s pen chamber so I van get all the mud out?

    • The service center should have tools to clean it. Do not try it yourself as there is a lever inside the slot for S Pen detection.

  • Air Command is not working after android 6.0 - marshmallow update.the s pen settings its grayed out and is not accessible. even when i take out the pen from the slot , there is no floating air command like we had in 5.1.1 , any body has a solution ?

  • Random question but... I lost the pen of my Note 3 and unfortunately original/good quality pens for that model are hard to find now. As far as I understand, S pens works between devices, but can anyone help me and confirm if the Note 5 S Pen fits
    into the Note 3 S Pen slot? I'd like to know before I place an order, as original Note 5 pens are easier to find.

  • I would like to know whether note 5 - S pen / nib is placed on a spring from inside or not. With the note 3 the s pen nib tend to go in and out as you write on the screen. I'm not seeing that with the note 5 S pen as nib is not going in and out as i write on the screen it is quite fixed. Just would like to make sure that my s pen is normal

  • Hi I Lost my note 5's S Pen. And now I have tried using S pen of my friend's note 5 but that didn't work on my phone, when I take the new S pen out from the slot it shows all the options on the screen and notify that your Samsung pen is out but when I use it on the screen it don't work at all. I got my phone from UK and now I'm in Pakistan. Some told me that it's a model difference that's y it's not working and some told me to reset my phone. What should I do?

    • The S Pen is actually universal as I know. I don't think there are any regional differences. Actually, you can use S Pen in Note 4 or Note 3 (but do NOT insert them into Note 5).

      You can try to reboot the phone to see whether it helps.

  • When trying to write with my S Pen it starts to write on the screen before I even touch the screen with the pen..it's almost like that little circle that's controlled by the pen writes on the screen prior to me even touching the screen what can I do about this?

    • Same here. Another odd thing I noticed is that the pen toggles between write-on-screen, write-on-hover and erase. Hold the pen near the screen and find it's writing-on-hover. Move the pen away (8 inches or so). Bring the pen close to the screen again, now it's in erase mode. Move the pen away, bring it back, now it writes like it is supposed to (only when touching the screen). Move away, bring it back, and it writes-on-hover. Arrrgg! I've removed any apps that have anything to do with the pen. Have not found a fix yet.

          • Samsung was very quick to send the new SPen to be via UPS. The new one worked perfectly. So I can confirm that the problem was with the SPen and that replacing it under warranty was quick and easy.

          • I went to Best Buy to talk to the Samsung service rep. Unfortunately, he hadn't arrived yet. But I did try my SPen on a demo Note5. That phone had the same problem with my SPen. Later, I called Samsung customer service and explained what was going on. They offered to replace the SPen free of charge. They emailed a UPS shipping label. I dropped the SPen in a padded envelope and sent it to Samsung. I'll update this thread when I get the replacement pen.

    • Did you install any third party apps for s pen?

      Anyway, you can check with Samsung service center on this. Actually, it's a cool features, although it can be annoying sometimes.

  • Hi, i broke my S-pen when I dropped my phone. It came apart in 2 pieces, the darker grey top with Samsung written on it, and the main barrel of the pen. My question is, when I go to replace it, is there any difference between the Note 5 pen and the earlier versions - and how can I tell? My other problem is I am living in Iraq with limited options and lots of fraudulent merchants,

    • No big difference except shape/size/material.

      You should test all features before leaving. You should test air command, S Note. Of course, you can "feel" the difference between genuine and fake ones. Anyway, if possible, check with the official distributors.

  • The s pen writes without touching the screen, how do I remove that feature? The way the s pen is writing without touching screen makes the writing continuous and words did not break ip.

  • Why is my interface different from the one displayed like oen style/pen point like a speedball point? it has no pen style or setting.

  • I just replaced My S Pen as my daughter lost hers so I gave her mine. and sent her off to college.

    I just got the replacement. The pen options with the various writing tips does not show, just the color choice options. (It used to show different types of pens as well). Please explain, or did I get ripped off from the Amazon company that replaced it?

    • Did you try it in S Note app or other apps?

      You can also check with the seller (Amazon? some are just fulfilled by Amazon). You can also ask the local Samsung service center to check the S Pen (because your phone is affected by the S Pen and they should tell you whether the problem is caused by the S Pen you bought.) Don't just ask them whether the S pen is genuine (because most guys will say this is not a warranty issue...)

  • Ok - After 2 days my S Pen is missing. I don't know if it fell out or what. If there is something that notifies you if the pen is 3 feet away so you don't forget it somewhere, can I also use that feature to try to find it? It has to be somewhere in my house, LOL. Thanks.

    • Your Note 5 can only detect and therefore alart you when the S Pen is not in the slot (settings - S Pen - S Pen alert). It cannot detect S Pen in your room.

      The screen can detect S Pen only when the distance is less than 1cm.

      • Although mine did notify me that the s-pen was detached, it didn't do it until 2 days after I lost it.

  • Hi there, what does the upper click button does besideshe helping get the pen out the upper part feels like a real pen clicking does any function ?
    Thanks

  • My s-pen spring broke. Only have had the phone 3weeks, went to sprint to get a new pen and they sent me a refurbished phone, instead of a new pen. Is there a reason why they would do that? For instance the pen is synced to that phone. I want to keep my phone cuz it was brand new nothing wrong with it, well except i cant get fast charge to come on everytime i plug phone in like it used to, i just dont want to keep this pen and return the phone they sent with my oringal s-pen and be screwed in the end.

    • I don't know. You should ask them and tell them you just want to replace the S Pen.

      S Pen is not associated with any phone.

  • One more time, whats the difference between the tips? Should I switch them and see if I have more glide? More glide is good correct?

    • My previous reply is not correct. I just corrected it. The difference of the white and black/grey nips is explained in the page. The white one is harder and therefore you feel less drag.

      Not exactly, it depends on your preferences and what you are doing.

  • Hi I still dont understand the difference in the pen tip colors. I have a outerbox and it has a screen protector with the case.what color would I use?

    • If you feel insufficient drag with the white S pen tip, you can try to use the black one.

      If you feel comfortable with the white one, just use it and it's not necessary to change it. But for some Galaxy Note 5 owners, after using screen protector, they may prefer black tip. So, it depends on your "feel".

      Technically, the white S Pen tip is harder (stiffer) than the black one.

  • i am using note 5 my problem was when i detach the spen it takes 20 to 30 sec for screen off memo are any spen options to function.
    second blue tooth range issue.if i move just a half foot away the voices gets break in bluetooth.

    • For screen off memo, it usually takes about a few seconds. Did you install any task manager or antivirus apps? These apps may hurt the performance.

      For Bluetooth issues with Note 5, it also depends on the paired device.

  • Hi,
    My spenwas working correctly but one day it stopes to write on the closed screen and when i dattach it from the mobile, the air command do not show automatically i must press the pen button, i made a hard reset and re setup me note5 again but nothing happened, now i got 2 problems
    1. When detachment the pen, air command not automatically appered
    2. Pen stop write on the black closed screen

    Kindly help, thanks
    Tamer

    • Did you check Settings--S Pen? Make sure 1). detachment options are set to Air command and 2). screen off memo is on.

        • If you turn on S pen sound and S pen vibration in Settings--S pen, then pull of the S pen, can you hear the sound and feel the vibration?

          If not, the S pen detection system has problems. You have to visit local Samsung service center to check the S Pen slot. It should be covered under normal warranty in most regions.

  • The top part of my s bote 5 pen, the part where "samsung" is written, got lost. It got detached somehow and I can't find it. Will this affect its functions ? How can I replace it?
    Thanks.

    • It should not affect the function of S Pen. I guess you can get a replacement of S Pen from local Samsung service center.

    • You can buy one from local Samsung distributors. You can also use some wacom pens. Some of them are compatible with Note 5.

  • My spring is broken in my s-pen. I've only had the phone for 3 months but I work in a very dirty environment. Can I replace the spring or clean the pen out?

  • The biggest difference between the tip colors is the line thickness.
    The dark tip is approx 3 times as thick as the white.

    It is not very noticable when looking directly at tips, but if you smudge the screen and slide them both across it's obvious.

    The light tip is a huge performance increase to the note 5 as far as accuracy, particularly with drawing apps and hand write (s pen) apps.

    • My s pen was exellent working but after resetting my phone is not detecting s pen or not working with s pen...my phone is just 2 months old

      • If the S pen cannot be detected, you should visit Samsung service center.

        Normally, resetting should not cause such issues. It sounds like you flashed wrong firmware.

  • Can I get replacement parts (nibs and tweezers) for my S Pen? As well, can the S Pen it self be replaced? If so, can you guide me to where I can get them please.
    Thanks!

    • In your Note 5 box, you can find additional nibs and a tweezer. Only local Samsung service center/official Samsung store may have these parts. Usually, the nibs is sufficient for normal usage of a few years.

      A few Amazon sellers may also sell spare nibs. But I am not sure whether they are genuine.

      The S Pen can be replaced as well. You can get OEM ones from some online stores, in addition form Samsung stores. Actually, S Pen in previous Galaxy Note devices also work on Note 5. But do NOT insert other S Pens into the S Pen slot. You may damage the slot.

      Some Wacom smart stylus also work with Note 5. You can get them from many online stores.

  • I lost my s pen and I want to turn off the s pen indicator in the lower right corner of the screen. Is there any way of doing that?

    • Yes, you can. It is actually floating icon for air command. You can turn it off in Settings--S Pen --Air Command --Floating icon.

    • It doesn't matter whether it's facing upwards or downwards.

      Please remember, you need insert the s pen tip first into the slot. If you insert the bigger part first, you will damage the slot.

  • Hi there . My s pen is not working only where the air command icons are displayed. What wiĺl be the possible problem?