The reMarkable tablet offers a paper-like writing experience that many users love. However, some people notice their Marker pen losing sensitivity over time or having accuracy problems. This can be frustrating when trying to take notes or draw on the device.
Several simple solutions can restore proper functionality to an unresponsive reMarkable pen. These fixes include cleaning the screen, checking for magnets nearby, restarting the tablet, or replacing the pen tip when it becomes worn down.
Most sensitivity issues with the reMarkable pen are easily fixable without needing to replace the entire device. Sometimes, the solution is as simple as powering down the tablet completely and letting it rest for a while, especially if there are specific dead spots on the screen.
Understanding reMarkable Pen Sensitivity
The reMarkable pen works with many levels of pressure sensitivity, allowing users to create varying line thicknesses based on how hard they press. When functioning properly, this creates a natural writing experience, but several factors can affect this sensitivity over time.
How the reMarkable Pen Works
The reMarkable tablet uses electromagnetic resonance (EMR) technology to detect both the position and pressure of the pen on the screen. The pen itself contains no batteries or electronics. Instead, the tablet screen emits electromagnetic signals that interact with a coil in the pen.
When you press the pen tip against the screen, the tablet detects the pressure and position. The 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity let you draw thicker lines with harder pressure and thinner lines with lighter touches.
The marker tips are replaceable and wear down over time. They're designed to create just the right amount of friction against the screen, simulating the feel of writing on paper.
Common Signs of Sensitivity Loss
Several symptoms indicate your reMarkable pen may be losing sensitivity:
Inconsistent line thickness - Lines appear the same width regardless of how hard you press.
Skipping or gaps in writing - The pen fails to register some strokes, especially with light pressure.
Delayed response - There's a noticeable lag between your movement and marks appearing on screen.
Random marks appearing - The tablet registers touches when the pen isn't actually touching the surface.
Distorted writing - Lines appear in slightly different positions than where you placed the pen.
These issues often develop gradually. Many users first notice problems when trying to write with very light pressure or when making precise drawings that require varying line weights.
Initial Troubleshooting Steps
Before sending your reMarkable tablet for repairs, there are several basic troubleshooting steps you can try at home. These simple fixes often resolve pen sensitivity issues and can save you time and frustration.
Checking Pen Tips
The pen tip is often the culprit behind sensitivity problems. Over time, tips wear down from regular use and may need replacement.
Examine your Marker or Marker Plus tip for visible wear. A worn tip appears flattened or uneven rather than properly rounded.
To replace the tip, use the small metal ring tool that came with your reMarkable. Insert it around the old tip, pull gently, and remove the worn tip. Then firmly press a new tip into the pen until it's secure.
Make sure the tip is seated properly. A loose tip will cause inconsistent writing experiences. Push it firmly into the Marker until you feel it click into place.
ReMarkable recommends replacing tips every 3-4 months with regular use.
Ensuring Tablet Surface Integrity
The tablet's surface directly impacts pen sensitivity and accuracy. Keeping it clean is essential for optimal performance.
Power down your device completely before cleaning. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the screen. For stubborn marks, slightly dampen the cloth with water—never use chemical cleaners.
Check for screen protectors that might be interfering with the pen's functionality. While some users add protectors for texture, non-recommended protectors can reduce sensitivity.
Inspect for physical damage like scratches or dents that might affect the electromagnetic field necessary for pen detection. Even minor damage can disrupt the tablet's ability to track pen movements accurately.
Battery and Charging Checks
Both your tablet and Marker Plus (if you're using that model) rely on proper power to function correctly.
For the Marker Plus, check the battery level by going to Settings > Help > Marker Plus. If the battery is low, charge it using the USB-C port at the top of the pen. A full charge takes approximately 90 minutes.
For the tablet itself, ensure it has sufficient battery. Low power can cause performance issues including decreased pen sensitivity. Connect it to power and wait for at least 15 minutes before testing again.
Restart your reMarkable tablet by holding the power button for 3 seconds and selecting "Restart." This simple step refreshes the system and often resolves temporary glitches affecting pen sensitivity.
Advanced Fixes
If basic troubleshooting hasn't resolved your reMarkable pen sensitivity issues, these more technical solutions might help. Each approach requires a bit more technical knowledge but can effectively address persistent problems.
Firmware Updates
Outdated firmware is often the culprit behind pen sensitivity issues. reMarkable regularly releases updates that fix bugs and improve pen performance. To check for updates, go to Settings > General > Software and select "Check for updates."
If your device shows an available update, make sure it's connected to Wi-Fi and has at least 30% battery remaining before proceeding. The update process takes about 10-15 minutes, during which your device will restart several times.
Sometimes, even if you're on the latest version, performing a manual update can help recalibrate the system. You can download the firmware directly from the reMarkable website and follow their installation instructions if your automatic updates aren't working.
Calibrating the Pen
The reMarkable 2 sometimes develops screen calibration issues where ink appears slightly offset from the pen tip. This misalignment can be frustrating, especially for precise drawing or writing.
Some users have found success with this calibration method:
- Power off your reMarkable completely
- Clean the screen thoroughly with a microfiber cloth
- Remove and reinsert the pen tip, ensuring it's firmly seated
- Power on the device and test on different areas of the screen
For persistent calibration issues, community developers have created unofficial calibration tools. These can be found in the reMarkable community forums, though they require some technical knowledge to implement safely.
Factory Reset as a Last Resort
When all else fails, a factory reset may resolve stubborn pen sensitivity issues. This should be your last option as it erases all data from your device. Before proceeding:
- Back up all your documents through the reMarkable app or cloud service
- Make note of any custom templates or settings you want to restore later
To perform a factory reset, go to Settings > General > About > Factory reset. The process takes several minutes. After completion, your device will restart as if new.
Many users report that factory resets fix seemingly permanent pen sensitivity issues, likely by clearing corrupted system files that affect the digitizer's performance.
Taking Care of Your reMarkable Pen
Proper pen maintenance ensures your reMarkable stylus continues to work accurately and extends its lifespan. Regular cleaning, careful handling, and timely nib replacements are essential practices for optimal performance.
Proper Usage and Handling
When using your reMarkable pen, apply gentle pressure on the screen. Pressing too hard can damage both the pen tip and the device's surface. If you notice decreased sensitivity, try cleaning both the screen and pen tip with a microfiber cloth.
For the Marker or Marker Plus, accuracy problems often stem from debris on the screen or worn tips. Clean the screen regularly with a dry microfiber cloth to remove fingerprints and dust that can interfere with pen performance.
If your pen writes even when not touching the screen, the tip might be pressing against the internal sensor. Gently remove the tip and reinsert it, making sure it's not pushed in too deeply.
When writing, hold the pen at a comfortable angle (around 45-60 degrees) for the most natural experience and best pressure detection.
Storage Recommendations
Store your reMarkable pen in a protective case when not in use. This prevents accidental damage and keeps dust from accumulating on the tip.
Avoid exposing your pen to extreme temperatures or humidity, as these conditions can affect the internal components and sensitivity.
Temperature Guidelines:
- Ideal storage: 50-85°F (10-29°C)
- Avoid freezing or extremely hot environments
Never store your pen with pressure on the tip. This can cause permanent deformation of the nib and affect writing accuracy.
If you own the Marker Plus, remember to attach it magnetically to your reMarkable device when not in use. This not only keeps it safe but makes it easily accessible.
When to Replace the Pen or Nibs
Nibs (tips) are consumable parts that need regular replacement. Signs that it's time for a replacement include:
- Scratchy feeling when writing
- Decreased accuracy or skipped lines
- Visible wear or flattening of the tip
- Inconsistent line thickness
Most users replace nibs every 2-3 months with regular use. However, heavy users might need replacements monthly.
If your pen continues to have sensitivity issues after replacing the nib, try a full device restart. Power down your reMarkable completely, then turn it back on after a minute.
When troubleshooting fails, check if your pen is still under warranty. The standard warranty covers manufacturing defects but not wear and tear from normal use.
Shop replacement EMR pen for reMarkable 2 →
Shop replacement USI 2.0 pen for reMarkable Paper Plus →
Contacting reMarkable Support
If troubleshooting steps haven't resolved your pen sensitivity issues, reaching out to reMarkable support is the next logical step. Their customer service team is available 24 hours during weekdays and from 3:00 PM to 11:45 PM on weekends.
There are several ways to contact reMarkable support. You can visit their official website and navigate to the "Contact Support" page to submit a ticket describing your pen sensitivity problem.
They also offer an AI agent that's available 24/7 to help with common issues. This can be a quick way to get basic troubleshooting advice without waiting for a human agent.
When contacting support about pen sensitivity issues, be prepared to provide:
- Your device model (reMarkable 1 or 2)
- Marker type (standard or Plus)
- When the problem started
- Troubleshooting steps you've already tried
- Any visible damage to the pen or tablet
Taking clear photos or videos that demonstrate the pen sensitivity issue can be extremely helpful for the support team to diagnose the problem accurately.
Most pen sensitivity issues can be resolved through software fixes or replacement tips, but in some cases, the support team might determine that hardware replacement is necessary.
Preventing Future Sensitivity Issues
Regular maintenance can help keep your reMarkable pen working well. A few simple habits will extend the life of your pen and maintain its sensitivity.
Replace pen tips regularly. When tips wear down, they affect writing accuracy. Most users should replace tips every 2-3 months depending on usage.
Clean the screen surface with a microfiber cloth weekly. Fingerprints and dirt can interfere with pen sensitivity.
Protect your device from extreme temperatures. Excessive heat or cold can affect both the pen and tablet performance.
Store carefully when not in use. Keep the pen in its holder or case to prevent damage to the tip.
Avoid dropping the pen or tablet. Physical impact can damage internal components that affect sensitivity.
Check for software updates regularly. The reMarkable team often releases fixes for sensitivity issues.
Maintenance checklist:
- Replace pen tips when worn
- Clean screen weekly
- Update software regularly
- Store properly
- Avoid temperature extremes
If sensitivity problems persist despite preventative measures, contact reMarkable support. They can provide specific troubleshooting for your device model.
Taking these simple precautions will help maintain your pen's sensitivity and ensure a consistent writing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many reMarkable pen users face common issues with sensitivity, responsiveness, and general performance. These problems can often be solved with simple adjustments and proper maintenance.
How can I calibrate the sensitivity of my reMarkable 2 pen?
The reMarkable 2 doesn't have a built-in calibration setting specifically for pen sensitivity. However, users can improve performance by ensuring the screen is clean and free of oils or debris.
Restarting the device can also help reset the digitizer. Power down your device completely, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on to refresh the system.
If problems persist, try removing and reinserting the pen tip to ensure it's properly seated in the pen barrel.
What should I do if my reMarkable pen isn't responding?
First, try a complete restart of your tablet. Power it down fully, then turn it back on after a few seconds.
Check if the pen tip is worn down or damaged. Replace it with a new tip if necessary.
Make sure the pen tip is firmly inserted into the Marker. A loose tip can cause responsiveness issues.
Clean the screen with a microfiber cloth to remove any debris or fingerprints that might interfere with pen detection.
Why does my reMarkable pen register writing before physically touching the screen?
This is a known issue with some reMarkable 2 devices. The digitizer might be detecting the pen slightly before it makes physical contact with the screen.
Try removing and reinserting the pen tip to ensure it's properly balanced. An unbalanced tip can cause premature detection.
A full restart of the device may help recalibrate the digitizer and fix this hovering issue.
How do I change the tip of my reMarkable pen when it becomes unresponsive?
Grip the old tip firmly and pull it straight out of the Marker. Don't twist or bend, as this could damage the pen.
Take a new tip from the Marker tip card (stored in the tablet folio if you have one) and insert it firmly into the pen.
Make sure the new tip is seated completely and straight. Give it a gentle push to ensure it's secure.
Test the pen on your reMarkable to confirm the new tip is working properly.
What are common issues with reMarkable pens and how can I troubleshoot them?
Inaccurate writing or distorted lines can appear after extended use. Try restarting your device and replacing the pen tip.
Unresponsive areas on the screen may indicate a digitizer issue. A full restart often resolves this problem.
A scratchy writing experience usually means the tip is worn down and needs replacement.
Ghost lines or marks occurring without touching the screen typically indicate an unbalanced tip. Remove and reinsert it properly.
How can I tell it's time to replace my reMarkable 2 pen tip?
Visual wear is the most obvious sign. If the tip appears flattened or significantly shorter than a new one, it's time for replacement.
Writing feels rougher or scratchier on the screen as the tip wears down.
Lines become less accurate or skip when writing, especially at certain angles.
Most users replace tips after 2-3 months of regular use. But this varies based on writing pressure and frequency of use.