Wireless charging on Android is usually automatic. If your phone has built-in Qi or Qi2 support, connect a compatible charging pad to power and place the phone face up at the centre of the pad. Charging should start without an Android setting.
If your phone does not have wireless charging hardware, no Android setting can add the feature.
At a Glance
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Your phone supports Qi or Qi2 | Plug in a compatible charging pad and place the phone on it |
| A Samsung Galaxy is not fast charging wirelessly | Open Settings → Battery → Charging settings and enable Fast wireless charging, if available |
| A Google Pixel is not charging wirelessly | Check Qi compatibility, use a suitable charger, align the phone and remove an interfering case |
| You want to charge another device from your phone | Use Battery Share on supported Pixel phones or Wireless PowerShare on supported Samsung Galaxy phones |
How to Turn On Wireless Charging on an Android Phone
Check your exact phone model. Look in the specifications, user manual or manufacturer support page for "Qi," "Qi2" or "wireless charging."
Use a compatible wireless charger. A Qi-certified charger is a suitable general choice. The Wireless Power Consortium says Qi-certified chargers and devices are tested for safety and interoperability.
Connect the charger to a wall outlet. Use the recommended power adapter and cable. A weak adapter or computer USB port may reduce charging speed.
Place the phone on the charging pad. Put the back of the phone against the pad and centre it over the charging coil. The display should show a charging animation or battery indicator.
Remove anything that blocks the connection. Remove thick, metallic or magnetic cases, along with cards, coins and other objects between the phone and charger. These items can interrupt charging or create heat.
How to Enable Fast Wireless Charging on Samsung Galaxy
Standard wireless charging works on a supported Samsung Galaxy without Fast wireless charging enabled.
To enable the faster option:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Battery.
- Tap Charging settings.
- Turn on Fast wireless charging.
The menu name can vary by Galaxy model and software version. Samsung says fast wireless charging starts automatically when a supported phone is placed on a compatible fast wireless charger. The feature can be controlled from charging settings on supported devices.
If fast wireless charging is unavailable or switched off, the phone can still charge wirelessly at a lower speed.
How to Use Wireless Charging on Google Pixel
Supported Google Pixel phones do not normally require a separate wireless-charging switch.
- Confirm that your Pixel model supports wireless charging.
- Connect a compatible Qi or Qi2 charger to a suitable power adapter.
- Place the Pixel on the charger with its back centred over the charging area.
- Remove the case if it is thick, metallic or not designed for wireless charging.
Charging speed depends on the Pixel model, charger, power adapter and case. Google also notes that some Pixel phones may slow or pause wireless charging when they become too warm.
How to Charge Another Phone or Accessory from Android
Charging another device from your Android phone is different from charging the phone on a wireless pad.
Google Pixel: Battery Share
Supported Pixel models can use Battery Share to charge a Qi-compatible phone or accessory.
- Open Settings.
- Tap Battery.
- Tap Battery Share.
- Turn on Battery Share.
- Place the Qi-compatible phone or accessory on the back of the Pixel.
Battery Share is available only on selected Pixel models. The other device must support Qi wireless charging.
Samsung Galaxy: Wireless PowerShare
Supported Galaxy phones can use Wireless PowerShare to charge a compatible phone, earbuds or another accessory.
- Swipe down to open Quick settings.
- Tap Wireless PowerShare.
- Place the other device against the back of the Galaxy phone.
- Separate the devices when charging is complete.
If the option is missing, tap Edit in Quick settings and add Wireless PowerShare, if your model supports it. Samsung recommends starting with at least 30% battery on the phone providing power.
Why Is My Android Phone Not Charging Wirelessly?
An Android phone will not charge wirelessly if it lacks Qi or Qi2 hardware, is misaligned or has an incompatible charger, case or object blocking the charging connection.
Try these fixes in order:
- Check compatibility: Confirm that the phone supports built-in Qi or Qi2 charging.
- Reposition the phone: Move it slowly across the pad until the charging animation appears.
- Remove the case: Test without a thick, metal or magnetic case.
- Remove objects: Take away credit cards, coins, magnetic mounts and other items between the phone and charger.
- Use a wall outlet: Connect the charger to a suitable power adapter instead of a low-power USB port.
- Try another Qi-certified charger: The charger or cable may be faulty or incompatible.
- Check Samsung settings: On supported Galaxy phones, confirm that Fast wireless charging is enabled.
- Let the phone cool: Some phones reduce or pause wireless charging when they become hot.