wacom tablet not detecting pen

Wacom pen not working? Here's how to fix it

(Image credit: Jesse Wild/MacFormat Magazine/Future via Getty Images)

You sit down with your Wacom digital tablet, ready to work on your next great design project but...nothing's showing up on the screen. You follow the age-old advice of IT departments everywhere and turn your device off and on again. Still nothing. Then you wonder - is the Wacom pen not working?

Below, we've come up with five ways to fix your Wacom pen if it's suddenly stopped working. Some of these bits of advice may seem quite obvious, but others perhaps less so. In any case, one of these solutions could be just what you need to get your Wacom pen working properly again.

Once your fix your Wacom pen, broaden your skills with any of these brilliant drawing tutorials or check out the best free graphic design software you can download right now. If all else fails with your Wacom pen, put on your DIY hat and learn how to make your own stylus using only four household items if you're feeling particularly ambitious. And if you're still deciding between tablets, then don't miss our best drawing tablet roundup and our guide to the best cheap Wacom tablet deals.

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.

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There is a possibility that your Wacom pen is not working due to an outdated driver.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.

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. This tutorial above goes into more detail on how to clean your Wacom pen and tablet.

wacom pen not working display — The nib on your pen could also be the problem (Image credit: Philip Sowels/MacFormat Magazine/Future via Getty Images)

A worn-down pen nib can not only affects 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.

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, even after following the tips above? At this point, it's worth reaching out to Wacom's tech support team for further insight. 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:

Read more:

The best cheap Wacom tablet deals
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.