troubleshoot: My Wacom pen isn't working

An image of someone using a Wacom Pen not working

(Image credit: Wacom)

Jump To:

01. Check settings
02. Update the drivers
03. Clean your pen and tablet
04. Replace the nib
05. Charge the pen

It can be a frustrating experience when your Wacom pen stops working or doesn't respond. But don't panic, as there are several ways to fix it.

Wacom pen issues shouldn't happen very often, but many users will at some point sit down with a Wacom digital tablet, ready to work on a project, only to find that the pen doesn't respond. Your first reaction should be obvious. Yes, turn it off and on again. If that fails, read on for our troubleshooting tips.

How to fix a Wacom pen: five potential solutions to a Wacom pen not working

We're big fans of Wacom tablets here at CB, and we've reviewed plenty of them. But during testing, our contributors have inevitably come up against their Wacom pen not working. Below, we compile their top tips for how to fix this annoying problem in different situations. Some solutions may seem obvious; others perhaps less so. In any case, one of these error fixes could be just what you need to get your Wacom stylus pen working again.

01. Check Wacom pen settings

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Wacom pen settings: a potential solution if a Wacom pen isn't working — It's a good idea to check your settings if your Wacom pen isn't working properly(Image credit: Wacom)

Sometimes, fixing your Wacom pen is as simple as modifying your settings. For instance, if you use multiple design programs, you may need to check the application settings to make sure you have the correct configurations in place for the software you're currently using.

You can also check your general settings for pressure sensitivity. Applying too much pressure (or not enough) can render your Wacom pen useless if the level of pressure isn't aligned with its current settings.

02. Update the Wacom pen drivers

Wacom pen not working inkling smart pen — Could your driver be causing the problem? (Image credit: Gavin Roberts/MacFormat magazine via Getty Images)

There is a possibility that your Wacom pen might not be working due to an outdated driver. Regularly updating the drivers for your Wacom pen and tablet ensures your hardware is compatible with your computer's latest operating system. Updating the drivers also maintains the hardware's stability and security.

Go to the Wacom drivers page to see if your drivers are up-to-date. Checking out the latest driver release notes may shed some light on your issue.

03. Clean your Wacom pen and tablet

How to Safely CLEAN Your Drawing Tablet - YouTube

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Cleaning your Wacom pen and tablet on a regular basis prevents a buildup of dust, dirt, and other gunk that can accumulate underneath the pen nib or on the drawing surface. If your pen settings are intact and the hardware drivers are up-to-date, it's time to grab some cleaning supplies.

When cleaning your pen, a microfibre cloth (and minimal pressure) will do. You may slightly dampen the cloth with water and a little bit of soap, but avoid alcohol and harsh detergents. Carefully remove the pen nib and clear away any trapped dirt.

As for your drawing surface, simply use an anti-static, microfibre cloth and wipe in a circular motion. The tutorial above goes into more detail on how to clean your Wacom pen and tablet.

04. Replace your Wacom pen nib

The nib of a Wacom Bamboo Ink pen — (Image credit: Wacom)

A worn-down pen nib can not only affect the overall performance of your Wacom pen, but it can also leave scratches on your drawing surface, which will look especially unbecoming on a Wacom Cintiq or other interactive pen display.

Wacom suggests replacing the pen nib when it's either down to 1mm or has a sharp edge. That timeline can vary among artists depending on how often they use their tablet and how much pressure they apply with their pens. Most pens include spare nibs, but you can also purchase nibs separately.

Be careful not to damage your Wacom pen when removing the nib. Most pens include a designated nib removal tool for safe removal and replacement.

05. Charge your Wacom pen (or change its batteries)

Is your Wacom pen not working due to a lack of juice? Depending on which Wacom tablet you own, you either need to hook your pen up to a charging device or give it a fresh set of batteries. This may seem like the most simple fix of all, but hey – sometimes we're so busy and/or sleep-deprived that we overlook such minor things!

Is your Wacom pen not working still?

wacom pen not working display — Wacom pen not working still? Time to ask for help (Image credit: Philip Sowels/MacFormat Magazine/Future via Getty Images)

Is your Wacom pen not working, even after following the tips above? At this point, it's worth reaching out to Wacom's support team for suggestions. If your pen is still under warranty, you may be able to receive a replacement. Note that warranty terms usually don't cover things like misuse or accidental damage, so make sure to read the fine print first.

If there's absolutely no hope for your Wacom pen, it's time to purchase a replacement. You don't have to overpay for one, though. Check out the best Wacom pen deals below. If all else fails, you could even put con your DIY hat and make your own stylus using only four household items. And if you're worried about whether a Wacom pen and tablet are kid-safe, check out our pick of the best drawing tablets for kids.

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Alison is a freelance writer and editor from Philadelphia, USA. She's been sharing buying advice and retail news for over a decade. When she isn't hunting for deals, Alison can be found teaching/training in martial arts, fawning over skincare, and indulging in her quarantine-borne hobby: cooking. She has written for a number of publications including TechRadar, Forbes and Business Insider.

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