You can charge one iPhone from another using a USB-C to Lightning cable and a compatible iPhone model

Starting with iPhone 15, Apple added the ability to charge one iPhone from another iPhone wirelessly or with a cable. This feature, called reverse wireless charging or wired power sharing, lets you use a fully charged iPhone as a portable battery for another iPhone that is running low. The phone doing the charging must have enough battery left — typically at least 20 percent — to share power safely.

This is different from using a traditional portable battery pack. You are drawing power directly from one phone's battery to another, so both devices lose charge in the process. It works best as an emergency measure when you are away from a wall outlet and need to keep a second phone running long enough to reach a charger.

Key Takeaways

  • Only iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max can charge other iPhones, and only if they have at least 20 percent battery remaining.
  • Wired charging (using a USB-C to Lightning cable) is faster and more reliable than wireless charging between iPhones.
  • Wireless charging requires both phones to support the feature and works best when placed back-to-back or side-by-side on a flat surface.
  • The charging phone's battery will drain noticeably while powering another device, so reserve this for situations where you cannot reach a wall outlet.

How to charge an iPhone with a cable

Wired charging is the fastest and most reliable method. You will need a USB-C to Lightning cable — the same cable that comes with iPhone 15 models. Connect one end to the USB-C port on the charging phone and the other end to the Lightning port on the phone that needs power.

The phone receiving power will show a charging indicator on its screen. The phone providing power will display a battery icon showing it is in power-sharing mode. Charging speed depends on how much battery the source phone has — if it drops below 20 percent, it will stop sharing power automatically to protect itself.

Wired charging typically adds 10 to 15 percent battery to the receiving phone in about 15 to 20 minutes, though this varies based on both phones' battery health and current charge levels. This method works even if the receiving phone is in low-power mode.

How to charge an iPhone wirelessly from another iPhone

Wireless charging between iPhones requires both devices to support the feature — currently only iPhone 15 models. Place the phone that needs charging face-up on a flat surface, then position the charging phone directly on top of it, with the back of the charging phone aligned with the back of the receiving phone.

The phones should be centered and touching. You may see a brief animation on the receiving phone's screen confirming the connection. Wireless charging is slower than wired charging — it typically adds 5 to 10 percent battery in 15 to 20 minutes.

Wireless charging works best in a quiet environment without interference. Metal objects, thick cases, or magnetic attachments can disrupt the connection. If the phones disconnect, reposition them so they are perfectly aligned and try again.

When the source phone stops sharing power

The phone providing power will automatically stop charging the other device if its battery drops to 20 percent or lower. This is a safety feature to prevent the source phone from draining completely. If you need to continue charging, you will need to plug the source phone into a wall outlet first.

The source phone may also stop sharing if it gets too warm. If either phone becomes hot during charging, disconnect them and let them cool for a few minutes before trying again. Overheating can damage the battery in both devices.

Which iPhones can charge other iPhones

Only iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max have the ability to charge other devices. Older iPhone models — including iPhone 14 and earlier — cannot share power, even if they are charged to 100 percent.

The phone being charged can be any iPhone model with a Lightning port (iPhone 6s and later) or USB-C port (iPhone 15 and later). You can charge an older iPhone from an iPhone 15 using a cable, but not wirelessly.

Alternatives when you cannot charge phone-to-phone

If you have an older iPhone or need to charge multiple devices, a portable battery pack is more practical than phone-to-phone charging. A dedicated power bank holds more total energy and does not drain your primary phone's battery. Most power banks cost between $20 and $60 and can charge a phone multiple times before needing to be recharged themselves.

If you are at home or in a car, plugging directly into a wall outlet or car charger is always faster and more efficient than any wireless or phone-to-phone method. Reserve phone-to-phone charging for genuine emergencies when no other power source is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge an iPhone 14 from an iPhone 15?

Yes, but only with a wired connection using a USB-C to Lightning cable. The iPhone 15 can charge the iPhone 14's battery, but the iPhone 14 cannot charge another phone because it lacks the necessary hardware. Wireless charging between phones only works with iPhone 15 models.

Does charging another iPhone damage the battery?

Occasional phone-to-phone charging does not cause permanent damage, but frequent use will wear both batteries faster than normal charging. Batteries degrade with every charge cycle, and power-sharing creates additional cycles. Use this feature only when necessary.

How much battery does the source phone lose?

The source phone loses more battery than the receiving phone gains due to energy loss during transfer. Expect the source phone to lose roughly 1.5 to 2 times the amount of battery that the receiving phone gains. If you add 10 percent to the receiving phone, the source phone may drop 15 to 20 percent.

Can I use phone-to-phone charging while using my phone?

You can use the receiving phone normally while it charges, but using the source phone during charging will slow the process significantly. Keep the source phone still and avoid using it until the transfer is complete for the fastest results.