Office Settings & Configuration

How to Use the Samsung S Pen Button as an Eraser in OneNote

WPS Editor Oct 10, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to use the physical side button on a Samsung S Pen to quickly erase content while using OneNote on an Android device.

How to Use the Samsung S Pen Button as an Eraser in OneNote

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: Android
Scenario: Drawing, highlighting, or taking handwritten notes using a Samsung S Pen.
Observed behavior: The user needs a convenient way to erase digital ink without repeatedly navigating back to the toolbar to select the eraser tool manually.

Before you start

Ensure your Samsung S Pen is securely connected to your device and that you have updated Microsoft OneNote to the latest version available in the Google Play Store.

Solution 1Recommended

Enable the Eraser Tool Using the S Pen Side Button

Activate the eraser tool from the Draw tab and use the S Pen side button to clear strokes seamlessly.

In Microsoft OneNote for Android, the S Pen's side button functionality works in tandem with the selected tools in the Draw tab. Holding the button allows you to erase content, provided the correct tool mode is engaged.

Open Your Notebook

Launch Microsoft OneNote on your Android device and navigate to the page where you want to write or draw.

Select the Draw Tab

Tap on the 'Draw' tab located in the top menu ribbon to reveal the pen and drawing options.

Choose the Eraser Tool

Tap the 'Eraser' tool icon from the available drawing tools.

Erase Content with the Button

Press and hold the side button on your Samsung S Pen, then write or swipe over the strokes on the screen you wish to remove.

Enable the Eraser Tool Using the S Pen Side Button

Device Compatibility: The specific behavior of the S Pen side button can vary slightly depending on your exact Samsung device model, Android version, and the current build of OneNote.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn't my S Pen button working in OneNote?

If the button isn't responding, check your device's Advanced Features in Settings to ensure 'S Pen' and 'Air Actions' are enabled. Additionally, verify that your OneNote app is fully updated, as outdated versions may suffer from compatibility issues with stylus inputs.

Can I customize the S Pen side button to do something else in OneNote?

Within the OneNote app itself, the side button is generally hardcoded to trigger the eraser or lasso select tool. However, you can use Samsung's system-wide Air Actions settings to configure the button's single or double-click actions to open OneNote or perform other system tasks.

Does the S Pen eraser function work the same way on Windows versions of OneNote?

Yes, if you are using a Windows-based Samsung device (like a Galaxy Book) with an S Pen, holding the side button typically activates the eraser tool in the desktop versions of OneNote just as it does on Android.

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