What do you do if your Wacom pen doesn't work?
Get started with your Wacom stylus
Follow these steps and get started creatively with your stylus and drawing tablet.
- Measure the pen nib
- Use a new pen nib
- Replace the pen nib
- Update
Step 1: measure the pen nib
Find out if your pen nib is really worn down. You need a ruler for this.
- Put the ruler next to the pen and measure the length.
- When the pen nib is shorter than 1mm, you have to replace it.
- Is it longer than that? Go to step 3 and perform an update.
Step 2: use a new pen nib
All Wacom drawing tablets come with a spare pen nib. It's often hidden in the pen itself.
- With Intuos models, you can slide open the hatch on the backside.
- With Intuos & Cintiq drawing tablets, you can twist open the pen holder.
- Don't you have spare pen nibs? Buy new pen nibs. You can buy a spare pack at Coolblue.
Step 3: replace the pen nib
You can read how to replace the pen nib of your Wacom pen in 2 steps.
- Pull the old nib straight out of the pen with tweezers, pliers, or similar tools.
- Slide the new pen nib straight into the shaft of the pen and push the pen nib in slowly until you feel resistance.
- Now test if the pen does respond. Does the pen still not work? Go to step 4.
Step 4: perform an update
The cause is not at the nib. Probably the problem is caused by a software error, for example:
- The Wacom driver is no longer up-to-date
- An update has been performed for the operating system
- An installation error has occurred during installation of the Wacom driver
These software errors can be solved by updating the Wacom driver.