Qi2 is a wireless charging standard developed by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC). It uses magnetic alignment to position a phone and charger correctly, which improves convenience, charging efficiency and charging consistency. The original Qi2 standard supports up to 15W. The newer Qi2 25W version supports up to 25W on compatible phones and chargers.
Qi2 Wireless Charging at a Glance
| Feature | Qi2 |
|---|---|
| Technology | Magnetic wireless charging using electromagnetic induction |
| Main benefit | Magnets align the phone and charging coil automatically |
| Original charging speed | Up to 15W |
| Newer version | Qi2 25W, with up to 25W charging |
| Standard owner | Wireless Power Consortium |
| Compatibility | Requires a Qi2-certified phone, charger or approved accessory for Qi2 features |
| Relationship to MagSafe | Qi2's Magnetic Power Profile is based on MagSafe technology contributed by Apple to the WPC |
How Does Qi2 Wireless Charging Work?
Qi2 uses electromagnetic induction and a magnetic ring to keep the phone's charging coil aligned with the charger's coil.
- A transmitter coil inside the charging pad or stand creates an alternating magnetic field.
- A receiver coil inside the phone converts that magnetic field into electrical energy.
- The phone communicates with the charger to control power delivery and charging behaviour.
- Magnets align the two coils so they sit directly over one another.
The magnets do not transfer electricity. They keep the coils in the right position. That alignment reduces wasted energy and helps maintain more consistent charging than a flat pad where the phone can sit off-centre.
What Is the Difference Between Qi and Qi2?
Qi is the older wireless charging standard. Qi2 adds a standardised magnetic alignment system called the Magnetic Power Profile, or MPP.
| Difference | Standard Qi | Qi2 |
|---|---|---|
| Magnetic alignment | Usually absent | Included with Qi2 magnetic products |
| Maximum common power | Varies by product, often up to 15W | 15W for original Qi2; up to 25W for Qi2 25W |
| Alignment | The user positions the phone manually | Magnets position the charging coils automatically |
| Cross-brand magnetic accessory support | Not guaranteed | Designed for certified cross-brand compatibility |
| Certification | Qi certification | Qi2 or Qi2 25W certification |
Qi2 is not only a faster version of Qi. Its main change is the standardised magnetic ring. The WPC specifies the ring's design, position and performance so certified phones and chargers can align across brands.
Is Qi2 the Same as Apple MagSafe?
No. Qi2 and MagSafe use related technology, but they are different systems.
Apple contributed MagSafe technology to the Wireless Power Consortium, and Qi2's Magnetic Power Profile is based on that technology. Qi2 is an industry standard managed by the WPC. MagSafe is Apple's branded magnetic charging and accessory system.
Some Apple MagSafe chargers are also Qi2-certified. Apple's current MagSafe Charger, for example, is certified for Qi2 25W as well as Qi charging.
Certified Qi2 accessories can work with a wider range of compatible phones and devices than accessories designed only for Apple's MagSafe ecosystem.
How Fast Is Qi2 Charging?
The original Qi2 standard supports up to 15W of wireless charging power. Qi2 25W supports up to 25W, which is nearly 70% more power than the original Qi2 specification. The WPC says some Qi2 25W systems can charge a compatible smartphone from 0% to 50% in about 30 minutes.
Actual charging speed depends on:
- Whether the phone supports Qi2 or Qi2 25W
- Whether the charger is certified for 15W or 25W
- The USB-C power adapter connected to the charger
- Phone temperature and battery level
- The phone case and its distance from the charging coil
- Whether the phone manufacturer sets a lower charging limit
A Qi2 25W charger cannot make a phone charge at 25W if that phone supports only 15W or standard Qi charging.
What Does "Qi2 Ready" Mean?
Qi2 Ready means a device or accessory is designed to work as part of a certified Qi2 combination. It may not contain the complete magnetic charging system on its own.
For example, a phone may need a specific Qi2 Ready magnetic case to provide the correct magnetic attachment. The phone, case and charger must be used in the certified combination for the advertised Qi2 experience. The WPC treats Qi2 Ready products as receiver and accessory combinations with defined compatibility requirements.
The labels mean different things:
- Qi2 certified: The device itself supports the Qi2 magnetic charging standard.
- Qi2 Ready: The device needs a compatible certified accessory, such as a magnetic case.
- Qi compatible: The product may support older Qi charging, but it may not support Qi2 magnetic alignment or charging speeds.
What Are the Benefits of Qi2?
Qi2's main benefits are easier placement, magnetic accessory support and more consistent performance across certified products.
Better Alignment
The magnets centre the phone over the charging coil. This reduces the chance of placing the phone off-centre and getting slow or inconsistent charging.
Easier Placement
A Qi2 phone can attach to a magnetic charger, car mount or charging stand without precise manual positioning.
Wider Accessory Compatibility
Qi2 is an industry standard rather than a single-brand system. Certified chargers and accessories from different manufacturers can be designed to work together.
More Consistent Performance
Qi2 products undergo certification testing for safety and compatibility before they can use the official Qi2 logo. The WPC also maintains a public database of certified products.
Magnetic Accessories
Qi2 supports accessories such as stands, car mounts, battery packs and other products that attach to the back of a phone.
What Are the Limitations of Qi2?
Qi2 can be less efficient than wired charging, and wireless charging can produce more heat. Charging speed may fall when the phone becomes warm.
Cases can affect performance. Thick cases, metal cases and cases with internal metal plates can weaken the magnetic connection, increase the distance between the coils or stop charging altogether.
Qi2 also does not automatically mean 25W. A product labelled Qi2 usually refers to the original 15W tier. Look for the Qi2 25W logo or certification information if higher wireless charging speed matters.
How Should You Choose a Qi2 Charger?
Check these points before buying:
- Confirm that the phone supports Qi2. If it is only Qi2 Ready, identify the required case or accessory.
- Check the charging tier. Qi2 usually means up to 15W. Qi2 25W is a separate specification.
- Look for official certification. "Qi2 compatible" does not carry the same assurance as an official Qi2 certification listing.
- Check the power adapter. A Qi2 25W charger may need a sufficiently powerful USB-C adapter to reach its rated output.
- Avoid metal obstructions. Remove metal plates, coins and other conductive objects from between the phone and charger.
- Match the charger to the use case. A flat pad suits a bedside table. A magnetic stand or car mount is more useful when you need to see the screen.
Bottom Line
Qi2 is a good fit when magnetic placement, charging stands or cross-brand accessories matter to you. Wired charging remains the better choice when efficiency and heat matter most.
For a Qi2 purchase, check three details: the phone's Qi2 support, the charger's 15W or Qi2 25W certification, and whether the phone requires a Qi2 Ready magnetic case.