Unlocking the Galaxy S26 Ultra S Pen: A Comprehensive Features Guide

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Unlocking the Galaxy S26 Ultra S Pen: A Comprehensive Features Guide

The Galaxy S26 Ultra has truly redefined mobile interaction with its innovative S Pen. This incredible tool not only acts as a quick access point for essential functions but also opens the door to advanced AI features that can elevate your smartphone experience to new heights. Whether you’re a seasoned S Pen user or new to the Samsung ecosystem, this guide will provide you with all the necessary information to harness the full potential of the S Pen and enhance your Galaxy S26 Ultra experience.

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Disclaimer
The Galaxy S26 Ultra stands in a league of its own thanks to the S Pen, which reshapes how you interact with your phone. The stylus does two things: acts as a high-speed shortcut to core functions and unlocks a suite of exclusive AI tools that a fingertip simply can't replicate. The S Pen features are simple to use, but first-time users may still need some help setting them up or finding out how they work. Here’s your full guide to the S Pen features and how to use them to improve your Galaxy S26 Ultra experience.
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S Pen and Circle to Search with Google

Offering better precision than using your finger, it lets you mark even the smallest objects. You can also scribble additional queries right in the search bar with the S Pen.

How to use Circle to Search with Google:

  1. Tap and hold the Home button to wake up Circle to Search with Google, or long press the navigation handle for users with gesture controls.
  2. Once the Circle to Search with Google bar appears, circle an item with the S Pen.
  3. Results appear at the bottom.
  4. Swipe up to get more relevant results or add a follow-up question in the “Ask Anything” bar.

Screen Off Memo

Screen Off Memo allows you to sketch, jot down notes, or make to-do lists on the go without unlocking your device. You can pin notes to the Always On Display for quick reference.

How to enable Screen Off Memo:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Find Advanced Features and tap on it.
  3. Select S Pen.
  4. Locate Screen Off Memo and toggle it on.

How to pin a Screen Off Memo on Always On Display:

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Find Lock screen and AOD and tap on it.
  3. Turn on Always On Display.
  4. After creating a Screen Off Memo, use the pin icon to have it appear on your Always On Display.

Air Command

  • AI Select - select an item and draw on it, pin it to the screen, create GIFs, or translate text.
  • Creative Studio - create new images, edit photos, and make custom stickers.
  • Magnify - magnify the screen up to 400% for reading small text.
  • Screen Write - capture screenshots and write directly on them.
  • Create Note - create and pin a note on the screen.
  • View all notes - open the Samsung Notes app.
  • Translate - translate text by hovering with the S Pen.
  • Write on Calendar - write directly on your calendar.
  • PENUP - quick access to PENUP for coloring and artwork.

What’s new in Air Command:

  • Creative Studio - this feature replaces Drawing Assist and enhances image creation with AI.

How to enable Air Command:

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Select Advanced Features.
  3. Tap S Pen.
  4. Go to Air Command menu and enable the icon or set it to trigger with the S Pen button.

S Pen to Text

The S Pen can recognize handwriting and convert it into text.

How to use S Pen to Text:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Advanced features.
  3. Select S Pen.
  4. Ensure the “S Pen to text” toggle is on.

Air View

How to enable Air View:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to Advanced features.
  3. Select S Pen.
  4. Tap Air View.
  5. Toggle the feature on and choose your preferences.

Quick Notes

The Quick Notes feature allows you to create notes that you can minimize and move on the screen.

How to enable Quick Notes:

  1. Select Settings.
  2. Tap Advanced Settings.
  3. Go to S Pen.
  4. Toggle Quick Notes on.

Samsung Notes

Samsung Notes integrates seamlessly with the S Pen, offering features like:
  • Fix geometrical shapes - draw the perfect shapes as Samsung Notes can auto-fix your drawings.
  • Handwriting to text - convert handwritten notes into text.
  • Solve math equations - enable Math Solver for quick solutions.

Annotate over PDF files

Use the S Pen for taking notes directly on PDF files from various apps.

How to open PDF files:

  1. Find the PDF in Files.
  2. Long press the file.
  3. Select more from the menu.
  4. Tap Open with and choose your preferred PDF app.

Frequently asked questions

1. How to use the S Pen to take pictures?

You cannot use the S Pen to take photos on the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

2. What does the S Pen button do?

The S Pen button is customizable; you can set it to trigger Air Command or other features.

3. How to replace the S Pen tip?

  1. Purchase a replacement kit.
  2. Use tweezers to pull out the old tip.
  3. Insert a new tip gently.

4. Does the S Pen need charging?

No, the S Pen does not need charging.

5. Does the S Pen support Air Actions?

No, the S Pen does not support Air Actions.
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