The device
| Broadcast name | Surface Pen |
|---|---|
| Device | Microsoft Surface Pen |
| Made by | Microsoft |
| Type | Peripheral |
| Is it a tracker? | No, not a tracking device |
Pens roll. If the signal is strong and you see nothing, check the wall.
Should you be concerned?
No. This is ordinary consumer hardware and it is not capable of tracking anyone. Seeing it in a scan means one is powered on within radio range, typically ten to thirty metres indoors, which routinely includes neighbouring flats and the street outside.
If it is not yours and it bothers you, check whether it appears at a consistent time of day. A device that shows up in the evening and disappears overnight belongs to a household nearby, not to you.
If it’s yours and you’ve lost it
Select it in a scan so the rest of the list drops away, then walk the room watching the signal strength. It rises as you get closer. When it stops rising, turn 90 degrees and sweep again, two passes usually put you within a metre.
Save it under My Devices and its position gets recorded every time your phone detects it, so next time the map tells you which building before you start looking.
Devices with similar names
Other broadcast names that turn up in the same kind of scan.
- What is “K380” on Bluetooth?, Logitech K380 keyboard
- What is “Magic Mouse” on Bluetooth?, Apple Magic Mouse
- What is “Brother P-touch” on Bluetooth?, Brother label printer
- What is “Uconnect” on Bluetooth?, Stellantis Uconnect system
- What is “BMW” on Bluetooth?, BMW vehicle
- Clap to find your phone, Clap tab
- Bluetooth scan is not finding a device, Troubleshooting
- Full Bluetooth name lookup, the complete list
Common questions
What is Surface Pen on my Bluetooth?
A Microsoft Surface Pen, which pairs over Bluetooth for its button functions. It appears in a scan whenever one is powered on within radio range.
Is it dangerous or tracking me?
No. This is ordinary consumer hardware with no tracking capability. Bluetooth carries through walls, so devices from neighbouring flats and the street outside appear routinely.
How far away can it be?
Bluetooth Low Energy typically reaches ten to thirty metres indoors and further outdoors with a clear line of sight. Walls, metal and water all reduce that considerably.