Motorola introduced the Moto G Stylus model in 2020 with some unique stylus features. Since then, Motorola has added two new models each year in the Moto G Stylus series: the 4G model, which is close to the base mode of Moto G, and the 5G mode, which is usually more powerful with higher specs and close to the Moto G Power (see Moto G naming conventions).
Many Moto G owners are not sure whether they need the stylus features. And some Moto G Stylus owners are aware of some of the stylus features.
This Moto G how-to guide explains the stylus features on all Moto G Stylus models, including the capacitive stylus, stylus menu (stylus shortcut), writing text in apps, Moto Note, Coloring book, taking a screenshot and editing, live messages (2021), creating GIFs from screen recording (2022), and handwriting calculator (2023).
Detailed usage of individual stylus features is covered in individual Moto G how-to guides.
A capacitive stylus: the stylus in Moto G Stylus is not an active pen
The stylus equipped with Moto G Stylus (all models, all generations) is a capacitive stylus, which is notably different from the active pens (e.g., S Pen) found in Galaxy Note devices and Galaxy S22, S23, and S24 Ultra devices. Unlike active pens, which typically feature pressure sensitivity, wireless connectivity, and various buttons for additional functionalities, the stylus included with the Moto G Stylus is a passive tool.
However, the Moto G Stylus has a finer tip than most capacitive styluses on the market, so you can get relatively precise control of the screen. Sometimes, it is more convenient than using fingers (e.g., selecting text to copy).
Moto G Stylus can also detect the stylus when it is removed or inserted. So, the phone can offer some advanced stylus features that used to be exclusive to active pens. For example, by default, when you remove the stylus from the slot, the stylus menu will be available.
The stylus features on all Moto G Stylus are almost identical. The stylus can be used on any Moto G Stylus phone. But the dimensions of the stylus change each year. So, you can use the stylus for Moto G stylus 2022 on Moto G Stylus 2023, for example. But you cannot insert it into Moto G Stylus 2023.
As a stylus with a fine tip requires a digitizer that is different from those targeted for fingers, the stylus for Moto G Stylus usually cannot be used on other phones, even other Moto G phones.
Stylus shortcut: one of the most practical stylus features of Moto G Stylus
The Stylus menu (aka stylus shortcut) in Moto G Stylus phones is similar to the Air Command in Galaxy Note devices (and Galaxy S22/23/24 Ultra). When you remove the stylus from the slot, the Stylus menu pops up. If you do not use it, you can tap anywhere on the screen, and the menu would then shrink into a bubble floating on the screen. You can tap and hold it to move it anywhere on the screen.
The stylus menu includes up to 6 shortcuts to special stylus features (e.g., Moto Note) and any apps you specify. The default menu items slightly change each year with the new model of Moto G Stylus. You can fully customize the menu.
The stylus menu disappears automatically when you insert the stylus into the phone.
Writing text with the stylus in any apps
Whenever you need to type in any apps, you can write with the stylus. Your handwriting will be automatically recognized and used.
This stylus feature actually replaces your finger with the stylus to make writing easy on the touch screen. So, it works for not only the default keyboard (GBoard) but also any third-party keyboard apps that support handwriting layout.
Moto Note: the signature stylus feature on the Moto G Stylus
The Moto Note app is a versatile and comprehensive note-taking tool, offering users a range of tools to capture and organize their ideas.
In addition to traditional text notes, the app also supports image attachments, voice recordings, and hand-drawn diagrams or sketches. This makes it easy to capture all kinds of information in a single place, leveraging the stylus’s capabilities for note-taking. So, this stylus feature is ideal for a student, professional, or creative who needs to take notes with a smartphone.
The Moto Note’s drawback is its availability. The app is only available for Moto G Stylus phones (e.g., the app is not available for Moto G 2024), and the notes cannot be synced with cloud storage.
Coloring Book: one of the stylus features for fun on Moto G Stylus
The Coloring Book is another exclusive app for the Moto G Stylus models. It takes advantage of the stylus’ precise control to allow you to enjoy the relaxing activity of coloring.
In addition to the pre-installed library with a few animals, you can create your own drawings with Moto AI, or convert your photos to drawings to work on.
Taking a screenshot and editing it with the stylus
You probably already know you can take a screenshot by pressing the Power button and volume down button simultaneously.
With the stylus, you can take a screenshot from the Stylus Menu and then edit it immediately with the stylus. Because the stylus menu pops out automatically when you pull off the stylus from the slot, this is a very convenient way to take screenshots if you have problems pressing the two buttons simultaneously.
You can also use the stylus to edit (crop) the screenshot in free form. Motorola named this feature as the free-form screenshot.
Live message (A new Moto G stylus feature added in 2021)
Instead of sending text in a message, you can record the writing process and send it as a Live message.
Live message is still an exclusive stylus feature. On other devices, you can receive and play the animation. But you cannot create one.
Creating GIFs from screen recording (A new Moto G stylus feature added in 2022)
Android 11 introduced the native screen recorder. Motorola added this feature to the stylus menu so that you can quickly record the screen.
Handwriting calculator (2023)
In 2023, the handwriting calculator was added to Moto G Stylus as a new stylus feature. You can perform handwritten calculations and get quick results after writing your mathematical expressions or equations. You can also edit and delete your formula.
The handwriting calculator can also solve simple equations.
This stylus feature is only available on Moto G Stylus 2023 and Moto G Stylus 2024.
Do you have any questions about the stylus features of Moto G Stylus phones?
Please let us know in the comment box below if you have any questions about the stylus features in Moto G Stylus and Moto G Stylus 5G (all generations).
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For more Moto G online manual pages, please check this page.
For detailed step-by-step guides, please check the Moto G How-to guides page.
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