Wireless charging is a phone feature you can confirm by checking the exact model in the manufacturer's specifications and testing it on a powered Qi-certified charger. Last checked: ****. The iPhone 8 is one example of a phone that supports Qi charging.
Place the phone face up in the center of the charging pad. If a charging icon, sound, or battery animation appears, the phone supports wireless charging.
At a Glance
| Check | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Look up the exact phone model | The most reliable way to confirm compatibility |
| Search Settings for the model name | Helps identify the phone before checking specifications |
| Place the phone on a powered Qi charger | A practical confirmation test |
| Search for "Qi," "Qi2," "MagSafe," or "wireless charging" | These terms indicate wireless charging support |
| Check the phone case | Thick, metal, or magnetic cases can prevent charging |
1. Find Your Phone's Exact Model
Wireless charging depends on the specific model, not only the brand. One Samsung Galaxy phone may support wireless charging while another Galaxy model may charge only by cable.
On an iPhone
Go to:
Settings → General → About
Check the Model Name and Model Number. Search the model name with terms such as:
- "wireless charging"
- "Qi charging"
- "MagSafe charging"
- "technical specifications"
Apple supports Qi wireless charging on compatible iPhone models. MagSafe chargers can also charge some non-MagSafe iPhones that support Qi, including the iPhone 8, iPhone X, iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone 11 families.
On an Android Phone
Go to:
Settings → About phone
The wording varies by manufacturer. Look for Model Name, Model Number, or Device Name, then check the manufacturer's support page or technical specifications.
Do not assume that an Android phone supports wireless charging because it has USB-C. USB-C describes the wired charging connector. Wireless charging requires a separate charging coil inside the phone.
2. Check the Phone's Specifications
Search the specifications for one or more of these terms:
- Wireless charging
- Qi wireless charging
- Qi2 wireless charging
- MagSafe
- Fast wireless charging
- Wireless PowerShare
- Battery Share
Qi is the common wireless charging standard used by many phones and charging pads. Qi2 is a later version that can provide magnetic alignment on supported devices.
Common Phone Examples
- iPhone: Many iPhone models from the iPhone 8 onward support Qi wireless charging. iPhone 12 and newer models generally add MagSafe on supported models, while newer models may also support Qi2. Check the exact model because charging speeds differ.
- Samsung Galaxy: Many Galaxy S, Galaxy Note, and Galaxy Z Fold or Z Flip phones support wireless charging. Samsung states that Galaxy A series and Galaxy XCover series phones are not compatible with wireless charging.
- Google Pixel: Google states that wireless charging is available on Pixel 3 and later, with exceptions including Pixel 3a, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5a, and Pixel 6a.
These examples can narrow the search. The exact model specification is still the final check.
3. Test Your Phone on a Wireless Charger
Testing the phone is the fastest practical confirmation.
- Plug the wireless charging pad into a wall adapter.
- Remove the phone case, especially if it is thick, metallic, or has a magnetic ring.
- Place the phone face up in the center of the charger.
- Wait several seconds.
- Look for a charging symbol, vibration, sound, or battery animation.
Apple says a compatible iPhone displays a battery charging icon when it is correctly aligned on a Qi-certified charger. Samsung also recommends centering the phone because the wireless charging coil can sit in a different position on each device.
A failed test does not always mean the phone lacks wireless charging. Check that:
- The charging pad is connected to power.
- The phone is centered correctly.
- The case has been removed.
- No credit card, metal plate, or pop socket is between the phone and charger.
- The charger supports the phone's charging standard.
- The charger and wall adapter are working.
4. Check the Back of the Phone, but Do Not Rely on Appearance Alone
Some phones with wireless charging have a glass or plastic back, but the back material is not proof of wireless charging. Some phones with glass backs do not support wireless charging. A case or finish can also hide any visual clue.
A visible MagSafe ring is not required for wireless charging. MagSafe uses magnets to align supported iPhones with a charger, while standard Qi charging can work without visible magnets.
What If the Phone Supports Wireless Charging but Will Not Charge?
The most common causes are poor alignment, an incompatible case, insufficient power from the adapter, or a faulty charging pad.
Try the following:
- Remove the case and any wallet attachment.
- Place the phone in the middle of the pad.
- Restart the phone.
- Try another Qi-certified charger.
- Use the power adapter supplied with the wireless charger or a compatible higher-power adapter.
- Check the phone manufacturer's charging instructions.
Google warns that thick or metallic cases can affect wireless charging. Apple advises removing wallets or other objects placed between the phone and a MagSafe charger.