Office Performance Issues

Fix OneNote Select Tool Not Working on Android Tablet

Natalie Taylor Oct 7, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user is unable to use the Select tool in OneNote for Android and is experiencing general app slowness.

How to Fix OneNote Select Tool Not Working on Android Tablet

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: Android (Galaxy Tab S6 Lite)
Scenario: Attempting to select text or objects and navigating the OneNote app on an Android tablet.
Observed behavior: The Select tool does not function correctly, and the application performs noticeably slower compared to the Windows version.

Before you start

Verify that your tablet's touch screen and stylus (such as the S Pen) are functioning correctly in other applications to rule out hardware recognition issues before modifying OneNote settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear App Cache and Restart Device

Clearing the temporary app cache often resolves minor glitches and improves performance without affecting your saved notebooks.

Over time, cached data can become corrupted, leading to unresponsive features like the Select tool and general app lag on Android devices.

Open Device Settings

Navigate to your tablet's home screen and open the 'Settings' app.

Locate OneNote Storage

Scroll down and tap on 'Apps', then search for 'OneNote' in the application list and select it. Tap on 'Storage'.

Clear Cache

Tap the 'Clear cache' button at the bottom of the screen. Do not tap 'Clear data' unless you intend to reset the app entirely.

Restart Tablet

Hold down the power button and restart your Galaxy Tab. Reopen OneNote and test the Select tool.

Solution 2

Update or Reinstall OneNote

Running an outdated version of OneNote can cause compatibility issues and missing features on newer Android updates.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Fast, Reliable Editing on Android Tablets

If OneNote continues to lag or lack features on your Android tablet, WPS Office provides a highly responsive, lightweight, and free alternative. It is fully optimized for mobile devices, offering smooth document editing and reliable selection tools without the performance overhead.

1. Download the App: Get WPS Office for free from the Google Play Store.
2. Open a Document: Launch the app and create a new document or open an existing file.
3. Edit Without Lag: Experience smooth text selection, formatting, and note-taking optimized for your tablet.

Optimized for Android tablets with smooth text selection and drawing tools.Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx), Excel (.xlsx), and other Office formats.Lightweight architecture ensures fast performance on devices like the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite.Free to use with seamless cloud synchronization for cross-platform access.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is OneNote slower on my Android tablet than on Windows?

The Android version of OneNote is developed differently and may lack the robust hardware acceleration found in the full Windows desktop version. This can cause the app to feel heavier or slower on certain Android tablets.

Will clearing the OneNote app cache delete my notebooks?

No, tapping 'Clear cache' only removes temporary files used by the app to load faster. Your synced notebooks remain safely stored in OneDrive. However, tapping 'Clear data' will log you out and remove local unsynced changes.

How do I report a broken feature in OneNote for Android?

You can report issues directly to Microsoft by opening OneNote, tapping your profile picture or the settings gear, and selecting 'Send Feedback'. Detail the exact issue you are having with the Select tool.

Office App Problems