Dell Active Pen PN338M Support Center

Summary: This article provides information about how to identify the PN388M Active Pen, determine what computers support the PN388M, and how to download the manual.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
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Instructions

Table of Contents:

  1. Compatible Systems
  2. Setup
  3. Buttons Functionality
  4. Troubleshooting
  5. Frequently Asked Questions

Compatible Systems

The Dell Active Pen PN338M is supported by the following Dell Laptops:

  • Inspiron 5378 2-in-1 *
  • Inspiron 5379 2-in-1 *
  • Inspiron 5481 2-in-1
  • Inspiron 5482 2-in-1
  • Inspiron 5578 2-in-1 *
  • Inspiron 5579 2-in-1 *
  • Inspiron 5582 2-in-1
  • Inspiron 7370 (Touch Screen only)
  • Inspiron 7373 2-in-1
  • Inspiron 7378 2-in-1 *
  • Inspiron 7386 2-in-1
  • Inspiron 7570 (Touch Screen only)
  • Inspiron 7573 2-in-1
  • Inspiron 7579 2-in-1 *
  • Inspiron 7586 2-in-1
  • Latitude 3190 2-in-1
  • Latitude 3390 2-in-1 (Selected configurations only. See the following article to find out if your computer supports the pen: How to Identify if the Latitude 3390 and 3330 2-in-1 Support Dell Active Pens)
 
Note: * Models come with both Pen-Enabled and Non-Pen Enabled panels. Only models that have the label "Support Active Pen" support the stylus.
 
Note: The Pen has only been tested with the above computers. Computers not listed do not support the pen.

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Setup

See the Dell Active Pen PN338M Quick Start Guide in Product Support Page and follow the instructions to setup your pen.

Note: Once the battery is installed, the pen can be used to write straightaway. There is no Bluetooth feature for this pen.

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Buttons Functionality

SLN305294_en_US__4Dell_Pen_PN338M_ASM_04

 
Barrel Button Functionality
  1 - Bottom Barrel Button      
  • Erase: Press and hold the button, then drag on the screen to erase the contents.    
  2 - Top Barrel Button  
  • Right-Click: Touch the screen with a pen tip, then press and release button to show a context menu.  
  • Select: Press and hold the button, then drag the pen tip on the screen to select contents.

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Troubleshooting

Problems Possible Causes Possible Solutions
Pen Does not Work. Computer is not supported. See the list of Compatible Systems.
The battery is inserted incorrectly. Ensure that the battery is inserted with the positive sign facing in.
The battery is out of charge. Insert a new battery.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I pair the pen with my computer using Bluetooth?
    There is NO Bluetooth feature for this pen.

     
  • What is the recommended battery type?
    Alkaline battery is recommended for this pen. The pen uses 1 AAAA battery.

     
  • How do I preserve battery life?
    To preserve battery life, ensure that the tip is not pressed when the pen is not in use. For example: When storing the pen, ensure that the pen is secure so that the tip is not accidentally pressed. Pressing the tip is equivalent to writing and this drains the battery.

     
  • Does the pen have a power off option?
    The pen does not have a power off option. When the pen is not in writing mode, the power consumption is lower.

     
  • What information is required when contacting Dell Tech Support?
    Before contacting Dell Tech Support, get the following information ready:
    1. Order Number
    2. System Service Tag
    3. PPID found on the box or on the label inside the pen. The PPID starts with CN

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Affected Products

Dell Active Pen - PN338M, Inspiron 13 5378 2-in-1, Inspiron 13 5379 2-in-1, Inspiron 7370, Inspiron 7373 2-in-1, Inspiron 13 7378 2-in-1, Inspiron 7386 2-in-1, Inspiron 5481 2-in-1, Inspiron 5482 2-in-1, Inspiron 15 5578 2-in-1 , Inspiron 15 5579 2-in-1, Inspiron 15 5582 2-in-1, Inspiron 7570, Inspiron 7573 2-in-1, Inspiron 15 7579 2-in-1, Inspiron 7586 2-in-1, Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Latitude 3390 2-in-1 ...
Article Properties
Article Number: 000133267
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 19 Apr 2025
Version:  7
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