Fix problems with charging Surface Slim Pen

If your pen isn't charging in a Surface keyboard's storage tray or with the Surface Slim Pen Charger, you might need to update its firmware. Here's how:

1. Connect your charging accessory to your Surface.

2. Place your pen in the storage area.

3. Select Start > Settings > Windows Updates > Check for updates, then install any available updates.

4. Keep your accessory connected until the update finishes. You might need to restart your PC.

If using a Surface Pro Keyboard, please view Troubleshoot Surface Type Cover or Keyboard for more troubleshooting steps.

How you check your battery depends on the device you have and the version of Windows you have. 

Windows 11

Select Start > Bluetooth & devices. Under Mouse, keyboard, & pen, look for Surface Slim Pen or Surface Slim Pen 2.

Windows 10

Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices. Look for Surface Slim Pen or Surface Slim Pen 2 to see how much battery is left.

Surface Duo 2

For info on checking your pen's battery on this device, go to Connect Surface Slim Pen to Surface Duo.

Your pen is a rechargeable accessory. When you're not using your pen, we recommend charging it in storage area of your charging accessory or device. Once charged, you can get up to 15 hours of use from it. 

We recommend charging your pen when you aren't using it, so it's ready and available when you need it.

Your Surface Slim Pen or Surface Slim Pen 2 can be charged with these devices and accessories:

• Surface Laptop Studio

• Surface Pro Signature Keyboard

• Surface Slim Pen Charger

• Surface Duo 2 Pen Cover

You can also charge your pen with these accessories, but they require a firmware update: 

• Use Surface Pro X Signature Keyboard

• Use the Surface Slim Pen charger

For info on how to update the firmware, review the next section, My pen won't charge with my charging accessory. 

The LED light on your pen can tell you when to charge the battery and more.

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.
Flashing amber and white when placed into a USB-C charging base.	Your charging accessory needs to be updated.

You need to charge your pen before using it. Place it in the storage area of your device or charging accessory for 1 second. When you’re ready, use Bluetooth to pair your Slim Pen to a Surface.

Windows 10

1. Select Start  > Settings  > Devices  > Add Bluetooth or other device  > Bluetooth.

2. 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.

3. Select Surface Slim Pen or Surface Slim Pen 2 to pair your pen.

Windows 11

1. Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add a device > Bluetooth.

2. 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.

3. Select Surface Slim Pen or Surface Slim Pen 2 to pair your pen.

If you're having problems with inking on your Surface, go to Troubleshoot your Surface Pen.

Surface Duo

1. Swipe down from the top of the screen, then tap and hold Bluetooth in quick settings.

2. On the Connected devices screen, tap Pair new device.

3. Press and hold the top button of the pen for 5-7 seconds until the LED light flashes white. This puts the pen into pairing mode.

4. Tap Surface Slim Pen or Surface Slim Pen 2 to pair your pen with your Surface Duo.

If you'd like to request a replacement pen, go to Device service and repair. 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. To learn more about the Surface Warranty you can visit Surface Warranty Information.