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Fix OneNote Lasso Tool Selecting Wrong Location on Samsung Tablet

Rana GarciaRana Garcia Oct 26, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users are experiencing an issue where the OneNote lasso tool selects random locations instead of the intended area touched by an S Pen or finger.

How to Fix OneNote Lasso Tool Selecting the Wrong Location on Samsung Tablets
Product
Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS
Samsung Tablet (Android)
Scenario
Attempting to select handwritten notes, text, or drawings using the lasso tool on a Samsung Galaxy tablet.
Observed behavior
The selection box appears in a random, incorrect location on the screen, and the issue persists even after reinstalling the app or restarting the device.
Before you start

Ensure your Samsung tablet's operating system is fully up to date and clean your screen to rule out any physical touch interference before testing the app again.

Solution 1Recommended

Update OneNote and Perform Input Testing

Verify if the issue is tied to a specific input method and ensure you are on the latest app version to apply any recent bug fixes.

Because this is a known bug on specific devices like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+, the first step is isolating the trigger. Microsoft frequently releases patches for stylus mapping issues.

1
Test with the S Pen

Use your S Pen to draw a selection with the lasso tool in OneNote and note the exact location where the incorrect selection box appears.

2
Test with your finger

Put the S Pen away and try selecting the same area using only your finger to see if the misalignment persists.

3
Check for app updates

Open the Google Play Store, search for 'Microsoft OneNote', and tap 'Update' if a newer version is available.

4
Clear the app cache

Navigate to Settings > Apps > OneNote > Storage on your tablet, and tap 'Clear Cache' to remove temporary data that might be causing glitches.

Update OneNote and Perform Input Testing
Known Bug: If the issue happens with both the S Pen and finger, it is a confirmed software bug on certain Samsung tablets that may require a future patch directly from Microsoft.
Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Reliable Document Management and Annotation

If persistent bugs in Microsoft apps are interrupting your workflow on your Samsung tablet, WPS Office provides a stable, lightweight, and free alternative. It offers powerful PDF markup, document editing, and seamless compatibility with Microsoft Office formats, working flawlessly with touch inputs and styluses.

  1. 1. Install WPS Office: Download WPS Office for free from the Google Play Store on your Samsung tablet.
  2. 2. Open your files: Launch the app and open your existing documents or create a new blank file.
  3. 3. Annotate precisely: Use the built-in draw and markup tools with your S Pen to highlight, write, and select content accurately without misalignment issues.
Free and lightweight office suite optimized for Android tabletsFully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formatsRobust PDF editing and annotation tools with highly accurate stylus supportFamiliar, user-friendly interface allowing for seamless migration
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the OneNote lasso tool select the wrong area on my Samsung tablet?

This is typically caused by a software compatibility bug between the OneNote Android app and Samsung's touch or S Pen drivers. The app fails to properly map the screen coordinates of the selection.

Will reinstalling OneNote fix the lasso tool bug?

Usually, no. Users report that uninstalling and reinstalling the app, as well as restarting the tablet, does not resolve this specific lasso tool positioning error.

Does this lasso tool issue affect all Android tablets?

It is predominantly reported by users on specific Samsung Galaxy tablets, such as the Galaxy Tab S7+, but it may occasionally appear on other Android devices depending on the current OneNote version.

How can I fix the S Pen misalignment in OneNote?

Since this is an app-level bug, ensure you are running the latest version of OneNote from the Google Play Store. If updating does not work, you must report the bug to Microsoft and wait for an official patch.