The iPhone 12 does not include a wireless charger in the box

Apple removed the charger and EarPods from every iPhone 12 model starting in 2020. You get the phone itself, a USB-C to Lightning cable, and documentation — that's all. If you want to charge wirelessly, you need to buy a wireless charger separately, and it must be one that supports the Qi standard, which is the wireless charging technology iPhones use.

This change affected all four iPhone 12 versions: the standard iPhone 12, the 12 mini, the 12 Pro, and the 12 Pro Max. Every one of them has the wireless charging hardware built in, but Apple assumes you either already own a charger or will buy one yourself. This is why many people are surprised when they unbox a new iPhone 12 and find no charger waiting.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhone 12 models have wireless charging built in, but no wireless charger comes in the box.
  • You need a Qi-certified wireless charger, which you can buy from Apple, Amazon, Best Buy, or other retailers for $15 to $50 depending on features.
  • The iPhone 12 also charges with the included USB-C to Lightning cable plugged into any USB-C power adapter, which you may already own.
  • Wireless chargers come in different styles: flat pads, stands, and multi-device chargers that work with phones, watches, and earbuds at once.

How wireless charging works on iPhone 12

When you place your iPhone 12 on a wireless charger, the phone's built-in coil detects the magnetic field from the charger and begins transferring power. You don't need to plug anything in or line up a connector — just set the phone down and it starts charging. The screen usually shows a lightning bolt icon to confirm the connection is working.

Wireless charging on iPhone 12 is slower than wired charging. With a wired USB-C charger, you can reach 50% battery in about 30 minutes. With wireless charging, the same 50% takes roughly 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the charger's wattage. If speed matters to you — say, you need a full charge before leaving the house — wired charging is the better choice.

The iPhone 12 supports up to 15 watts of wireless charging power when you use an Apple MagSafe charger, which uses magnets to snap the phone into perfect alignment. Standard Qi chargers without MagSafe deliver 7.5 watts. Both work fine; MagSafe is just faster and more convenient because the magnets hold the phone in place.

What wireless chargers work with iPhone 12

Any charger labeled Qi-certified will work with your iPhone 12. You do not need an Apple charger — third-party options from Anker, Belkin, Samsung, and others are fully compatible and often cost less. Look for the Qi logo on the product packaging or description to confirm it meets the standard.

If you want the fastest wireless charging, buy an Apple MagSafe charger or a third-party MagSafe-compatible charger. These use magnets to align your phone perfectly with the charging coil, which allows the full 15 watts to transfer. A standard Qi pad without MagSafe works too, but maxes out at 7.5 watts.

Some wireless chargers are designed for multiple devices. You can find pads that charge your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, and AirPods all at once. These are convenient if you charge everything in one spot, though they cost more than a single-device charger. Prices range from about $15 for a basic flat pad to $50 or more for multi-device stands.

Where to buy a wireless charger for iPhone 12

Apple's own MagSafe charger costs $39 and is available directly from Apple's website or in Apple retail stores. You can also find it at Best Buy, Amazon, and other electronics retailers. If you want a less expensive option, search "Qi wireless charger" on Amazon or Best Buy and filter by price — you'll find many working chargers between $15 and $25.

Before you buy, check the product reviews for mention of heat buildup, slow charging, or connection problems. A charger with hundreds of five-star reviews is usually a safe choice. If you already own a wireless charger from an older phone, test it with your iPhone 12 first — if it's Qi-certified, it will work without buying anything new.

Using your iPhone 12 without a wireless charger

You don't have to buy a wireless charger at all. The USB-C to Lightning cable in your iPhone 12 box works with any USB-C power adapter. If you have a USB-C charger from a laptop, tablet, or another device, plug it in and use it — the iPhone 12 is compatible with most modern USB-C adapters.

Wired charging is actually faster and more reliable than wireless charging for daily use. If you charge your phone overnight or have a charger at your desk, a cable is often the simpler choice. Wireless charging is most useful if you want to set your phone down without plugging anything in, or if you charge multiple devices in one spot.

MagSafe versus standard Qi charging

MagSafe is Apple's branded wireless charging system that uses magnets to snap your iPhone 12 into perfect alignment with the charger. The magnets also let you attach other MagSafe accessories — wallets, car mounts, and stands — directly to the back of your phone. If you use MagSafe, your phone charges at 15 watts instead of 7.5 watts.

Standard Qi chargers have no magnets and no alignment system. You place your phone on the pad and it charges at 7.5 watts. The phone doesn't snap into place, so it can shift if you bump the charger. For most people, standard Qi is fine and costs less. MagSafe is worth the extra money if you want faster charging or plan to use MagSafe accessories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a wireless charger from an older iPhone with my iPhone 12?

Yes, if it's Qi-certified. Wireless charging technology hasn't changed between iPhone generations, so a charger from an iPhone 11, XS, or earlier will work with your iPhone 12. Check the product documentation or look for the Qi logo to confirm.

Does wireless charging damage the iPhone 12 battery?

No. Wireless charging is safe for your iPhone 12's battery. It may charge slightly slower and generate a bit more heat than wired charging, but modern chargers have safeguards to prevent overheating. Using either wired or wireless charging regularly will not shorten your battery's lifespan.

Why did Apple stop including a charger with iPhone 12?

Apple stated the change reduces electronic waste and packaging size, since most people already own chargers. The company also benefits financially by selling chargers separately. Whether you agree with the decision or not, it means you'll need to buy one if you don't have a USB-C charger at home.

Is MagSafe worth buying if I already have a standard Qi charger?

Only if you want faster charging or plan to use MagSafe accessories like wallets or car mounts. If your standard Qi charger works fine and you don't need those extras, there's no reason to upgrade. The difference in charging speed is noticeable but not dramatic.

Can I charge my iPhone 12 with a wireless charger made for Android phones?

Yes, as long as it's Qi-certified. Qi is an open standard that works across all brands. An Android wireless charger will charge your iPhone 12 just as well as an iPhone charger will, and vice versa.