Introduction

Over the years, the Samsung S Pen has evolved far beyond a simple stylus for writing and drawing. One of its standout capabilities has been its Bluetooth connectivity and associated remote control features—allowing users to trigger the camera, control media playback, present slides and much more from a distance. In this article, we’ll explore how the Bluetooth S Pen works, what features it offers, compatibility, how it’s changed, and what to watch out for.

Bluetooth & Remote Control: What Does It Do?

Some versions of the S Pen include Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) functionality, enabling remote features such as:

• Pressing the S Pen button to trigger the camera shutter or switch between front/rear cameras. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
• Using “Air Actions” or gestures (swing the pen, flick left/right/up/down) to launch apps, control media, or perform custom actions. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Pairing the S Pen with the device via Bluetooth so the stylus can act as a remote control up to ~10 m away. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

How to Set Up the Bluetooth S Pen

For devices that support it, the setup is straightforward:

1. Go to Settings → Advanced features → S Pen. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
2. Enable “S Pen remote” or “Air actions”. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
3. Ensure the S Pen is paired and charged (some models charge when docked in the device). :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
4. Customize actions for the button press, double-press, and gesture flicks under App actions or Media gestures. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Which Devices & S Pen Versions Support Bluetooth Features?

Not all S Pen versions support Bluetooth remote features. It depends on both the pen model and the host device. For example:

• The S Pen on older Galaxy Note and S Ultra smartphones (e.g., Note9 → S24 Ultra) typically included BLE and remote features. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
• The S Pen on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, however, **does not** include Bluetooth remote features. Samsung clarified that Bluetooth functionality was removed in that model. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• For accessories like the S Pen Pro or S Pen Fold Edition, Bluetooth features are supported but require separate pairing. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Why Did Samsung Remove Bluetooth Features in Some Models?

There are a few reasons:

• Cost and complexity: Removing Bluetooth components reduces manufacturing cost and battery drain in the stylus. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
• Space constraints: In ultra-slim devices or for more battery and cooling space, removing the module frees up design headroom. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
• Usage analysis: Samsung may have found that the remote features were used less frequently compared to core writing/drawing use, prompting the shift. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

Core S Pen Features (Regardless of Bluetooth)

Even in models without Bluetooth remote support, the S Pen remains highly capable:

• Writing, sketching, annotating with low latency and high precision. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
• Features like Screen-off memo, Smart Select, Translate, Magnify and Live Message. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
• Samsung Notes improvements: auto-formatting, AI summarizing, clean-up handwriting (on supported devices). :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

“These last few tips leverage the S Pen’s built-in Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) capabilities and motion sensor.” — Samsung Business Insights :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

Should You Care About Bluetooth Support?

If you often use your stylus for remote actions (e.g., capturing photos, controlling media or presentations), then Bluetooth support is a meaningful feature. But if your usage is mainly writing, drawing, annotating or note-taking, the core S Pen experience remains strong even without BLE.

So when choosing a Galaxy device with S Pen support, check the specs: if the promotional material mentions “remote control / Air actions via S Pen button”, that likely implies Bluetooth support. If not, you may still get excellent stylus experience but without remote features.

Conclusion

In summary, the Samsung S Pen remains one of the most flexible and powerful styluses in the mobile world. Bluetooth remote features add convenience, but they’re no longer guaranteed in every model. Whether you’re a note-taker, digital artist or productivity user, understanding which S Pen features your device supports ensures you get the right stylus experience for your needs.