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How to Switch from Pen Mode to Keyboard Input in OneNote for Android
Question details
The user is unable to seamlessly switch back to keyboard input after using pen mode in the Android application.
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote
- Device & OS
- Android 13
- Scenario
- Attempting to type text using the on-screen or physical keyboard immediately after drawing or handwriting with a stylus.
- Observed behavior
- The application successfully switches from keyboard to pen input, but switching back to keyboard input requires exiting and reopening the current note page.
Ensure your Android OS and the Microsoft OneNote app are updated to the latest versions, as developers frequently release patches to improve stylus and input behaviors.
Workaround: Reload the Note Page
Since a direct toggle button is currently unsupported in the Android app, reloading the page is the quickest workaround to restore keyboard input.
The current version of OneNote for Android does not feature a dedicated button to exit drawing mode. Exiting and reloading the specific note forces the application to reset its input state.
Tap the back arrow located in the top-left corner of the screen to exit the current note page and return to the notebook list.
Tap on the exact same note page from your list to reopen it.
Tap anywhere on the blank space of the note with your finger (avoid using the stylus) to bring up the text cursor and your on-screen keyboard.
Submit Feature Feedback to Microsoft
Report the missing input toggle feature directly to Microsoft to encourage them to implement it in a future update.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Mobile Document Editing
Frustrated by input limitations in Microsoft Office apps? WPS Office provides a lightweight, user-friendly alternative with excellent stylus support for PDF annotations, document editing, and a seamless typing experience.
- 1. Download the app: Search for WPS Office in the Google Play Store on your Android tablet and tap Install.
- 2. Grant permissions: Open WPS Office and grant the necessary storage permissions to allow it to read and save your documents.
- 3. Start creating: Tap the '+' icon to create a new Document, Spreadsheet, Presentation, or PDF, and enjoy seamless input switching.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does OneNote for Android get stuck in drawing mode?
Currently, OneNote for Android lacks a dedicated user interface toggle to revert from stylus input back to keyboard input. The app registers the stylus and remains in drawing mode until the page is refreshed.
Does this input switching issue affect other Android tablets besides the Samsung Galaxy Tab?
Yes, this is an application-level limitation within the Android version of OneNote. It affects various Android tablet models that utilize active stylus input, not just Samsung devices.
Will Microsoft add a switch to keyboard button in future OneNote updates?
While Microsoft has not published an exact timeline for this feature, heavily requested interface improvements submitted through their feedback portal are regularly evaluated and added in future app updates.
