In today’s post, we will present some issues you might encounter with charging the Surface Slim Pen, and then provide necessary troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the problems. The Surface Slim Pen is Microsoft’s greatest in stylus technology – integrated with wireless charging and better compatibility for the new Surface Pro X. If you don’t care for wireless charging (with the Surface Pro X) or an integrated rechargeable battery, then the classic Surface Pen is a suitable option.
Troubleshoot Surface Slim Pen charging issues
The Surface Slim Pen issues you might have, ranging from but are not limited to as follows:
- Pen runs out of battery more often than previous pens.
- The Pen hasn’t been used in a while, and it isn’t working.
- Don’t have a way to charge the Pen.
- What does the light on the Pen mean?
- Need help pairing the Pen.
- Pen still doesn’t work.
Now, let’s delve into the detailed troubleshooting steps, which Microsoft has suggested.
1] Pen runs out of battery more often than previous pens.
Your Surface Slim Pen is a rechargeable accessory. When you’re not using it, it’s recommended that you charge it in your USB-C charging base or in the storage tray of your Surface Pro X Signature Keyboard. It takes up to 90 minutes to fully charge your pen. Once the battery is charged, your pen will ink for 14 hours of active use or remain in sleep mode for up to 2 weeks.
2] Pen hasn’t been used in a while, and it isn’t working.
The Slim Pen can hold a charge for only two weeks. After that, you’ll need to charge it before using it again.
3] Don’t have a way to charge the Pen.
The Surface Slim Pen has a Surface Pro X Signature Keyboard or a USB-C charging base. Either of these accessories can charge your pen, and there are no other charging options.
4] What does the light on the Pen mean?
The LED light on your Surface Slim Pen can tell you when to charge the battery and more. See the table below.
| When the light is | It means |
| Flashing white after you press and hold the top button for 5 seconds. | Your pen is in pairing mode and you can pair it with your Surface. |
| Solid white after you select pair on your Surface. | Your pen successfully paired to your Surface. |
| Fading in and out white when placed in the storage tray of your keyboard or charging base | Your pen is docked and will charge if necessary. |
| Fading in and out amber. | Your pen is running low on battery power. |
5] Need help pairing the Pen.
It would be best if you charged your pen before using it by placing it in the storage tray of your Surface Pro X Signature Keyboard or your charging base for 1 second. When you’re ready, use Bluetooth to pair your Slim Pen to a Surface.
Here’s how:
- Select Start > Settings > Devices > Add Bluetooth or other device > Bluetooth.
- Press and hold the top button of your pen for 5-7 seconds until the LED light flashes white to turn on Bluetooth pairing mode.
- Select Surface Slim Pen to pair your pen.
See this post if you’re having problems with inking on your Surface.
6] Pen still doesn’t work.
You can request a replacement Surface Slim Pen. Do the following:
- Head over to Device Service and repair page on Microsoft.com.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account and select a surface or register a new device.
Once you select a registered device, you’ll see replacement offers based on your warranty status and eligibility for exchange.
Indicate in the comment section below if you’re having any issues not listed in this guide!
