I'm experiencing exactly the same thing. The pen works long time ago, and then I haven't used for a while. When I tried to reconnect the pen and computer, this is what happened:

1. Pen: I pressed the top button for some seconds and the light blinks every seconds.
2. Computer: add bluetooth, they are paired and connected.
3. Pen: but right after that, pen's light blinking fast about 5 times and lights off.
4. Computer: the bluetooth menu says it's paired, not connected.

I keep trying it but it still goes connected for few seconds and then go back to paired.

Once I read a post that there are 2 different types of battery on the pen. So I bought both long ones and small ones and put them in, but it's the same. I have a couple of Dell laptop and the other one has the same situation. so I believe it's pen's issue.

I'm having the exact same issue. Not sure what to do. I changed the batteries with brand new ones and it stil won't connect with the laptop anymore. One day when I was using it, the pen died. I changed the batteries with new ones and the light on the pen comes on again. but it won't pair with the laptop anymore nor will it stay on very long (but my laptop says the pen has a full battery); the light on the pen, after holding the top button for a few seconds, will blink once and then blink 5 or so times in rapid succession after that first light and then it turns off again. If I were to describe it differently it would go like this (oh also then light color is the same as it has always been when working):

-Hold top Button for a Few Seconds-

Blink-...-BlinkBlinkBlinkBlinkBlink- and then the light stays off

Has this issue been addressed by Dell? I just started having this issue after not using the pn556W with my XPS 9365 after a few months.

I have same issue. Didn't use PN556W stylus for a couple of month and it doesn't work now. Changed all batteries with no effect. My laptop is XPS 13 2in1. Thought I have to buy a new pen, but then found this forum. Any suggestions will be very welcome.

Same issue here with Dell PN557W Pen.

The barrel buttons work but the Top Pen Button does not work as the Bluetooth mode is "paired" only, not "connected".

Exchanged the AAAA and the coin batteries. Turned on/off bluetooth. Removed device and added again. All without effect.

Hello XP 08,

Please check if your machines are a part of the compatible list. Review our article here. This also lists some possible issues and solutions.

Check on the coin cell battery holder and spring within for loose connections or spring damage. Ensure the coin cell batteries are installed with the correct polarity. Download the manual here for details.

We are having the same issue, and when I say we, I am talking about 3 Dell 5285s and 2 5290s, all with the same issue with the pen.

I am having the same issues as mentioned for the PN556W....and before anyone asks YES my computer is compatible that's why I bought it! I have an XPS 9365 2-in-1. The top button works but the pen does not write nor do barrel buttons work.....It was fine before, just all of a sudden stopped after some Windows and other Dell updates....Tried re-installing drivers to no avail. Essentially I am now upset. I spent $80 for a pen that I only got to use a handful of times! Also get no support as I would have to pay $60 for them to "diagnose" the problem. Come on Dell, stand by your product. This is a joke. I use my laptop to have client's sign documents. Embarrassing for what is supposed to be a "business solution" and why many people turn to Dell in the first place.

Try hold the top buttons for a long time or throughout the bluetooth pairing process. The pen is expected to say 'paired' only most of the time. It's only 'connected' when the button is pressed to conserve energy. My pen was behaving as described by most others. After this last pairing with the top button pressed for a long time, I can get the top button to trigger app launch while the 'Bluetooth & other devices' page in settings is only showing 'Paired'.

Any update? Still having this issue. I only bought this pen because the tech support recommended that it is compatible with my laptop (XPS 9575 13 in 2-n-1).