What You Need to Charge iPhone to iPhone Wirelessly
iPhone-to-iPhone wireless charging (called "wireless power sharing" by Apple) lets you charge one iPhone using another iPhone's battery. This feature works only on iPhone 15 and newer models. The phone doing the charging must have at least 20 percent battery remaining, and both phones need to be within a few inches of each other.
You do not need any cables, adapters, or extra equipment. The technology uses the same wireless charging coils built into modern iPhones. If you own an iPhone 14 or older, your phone cannot send power to another device this way, though it can still receive a charge from an iPhone 15 or newer.
This feature works best when both phones are stationary and close together. Movement, thick cases, or metal objects between the phones can interrupt the connection or slow the charging speed.
Key Takeaways
- Only iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max can send wireless power to another device.
- The phone sending power must have at least 20 percent battery, and the receiving phone must support wireless charging.
- Place the phones back-to-back, centered and touching, with no metal objects or thick cases between them.
- Charging stops automatically if the sending phone's battery drops below 20 percent or if either phone gets too warm.
How to Set Up Wireless Power Sharing Between iPhones
Start with both iPhones unlocked and on the same Wi-Fi network or connected via Bluetooth. This is not strictly required, but it makes the connection more stable. Check that the phone sending power has at least 20 percent battery — if it drops below this threshold, wireless power sharing will not start.
Take the iPhone that needs charging and place it back-to-back against the iPhone that will send power. The two phones should be centered against each other, with their backs touching or nearly touching. Align them so the wireless charging coils (located in the center-back area of each phone) face each other directly.
Within a few seconds, the receiving phone will show a charging animation on its lock screen. The sending phone will display a card showing the battery percentage of the phone being charged. If nothing happens after 10 seconds, try adjusting the position slightly — even a small shift can make the connection work.
Removing Cases and Obstacles That Block Charging
Thick phone cases, especially those with metal reinforcement or magnetic attachments, can prevent wireless power sharing from working. If you have a case on either phone, remove it first and try again. Many people find that removing just the receiving phone's case is enough to establish a connection.
Metal objects between the phones will also block the signal. This includes metal phone rings, metal wallet attachments, or even metal watch bands if the phones are sitting on a table near your wrist. Move these items away before attempting to charge.
If you prefer to keep a case on, look for thin silicone or plastic cases without metal components. These usually allow wireless charging to work, though it may be slower than charging without a case.
Why Charging Stops or Fails to Start
The most common reason wireless power sharing stops is that the sending phone's battery has dropped below 20 percent. The feature is designed to protect the sending phone from draining completely. If this happens, charge the sending phone using a wall charger or USB-C cable, then try again.
Overheating is another automatic shutoff. If either phone gets too warm — from the charging process itself or from being in direct sunlight — both phones will stop the wireless power transfer to protect the batteries. Move to a cooler location and wait a few minutes before trying again.
Poor alignment is the third common issue. The charging coils must face each other directly. If the phones are at an angle, too far apart, or if one phone is tilted, the connection will drop. Reposition them so they are flat against each other, centered back-to-back.
How Fast Does iPhone-to-iPhone Wireless Charging Work
Wireless power sharing is slower than plugging into a wall charger. A typical charge rate is around 4.5 watts, which means it takes roughly 30 minutes to add 10 to 15 percent battery to the receiving phone. This varies depending on how warm the phones are, how much power the sending phone is using, and the exact alignment of the charging coils.
If you need to charge quickly, use a wall charger and USB-C cable instead. Wireless power sharing is most useful in situations where you do not have access to a charger — for example, if a friend's phone is nearly dead and you have a charged iPhone 15 nearby.
The sending phone will also drain faster than normal while sharing power. If you are charging another phone wirelessly, your own battery will decrease by roughly 1.5 to 2 times the amount you are sending. This means sending 10 percent of your battery to another phone will cost you about 15 to 20 percent of your own battery.
Troubleshooting When Wireless Power Sharing Will Not Work
If the phones are positioned correctly, both have adequate battery, and nothing is blocking the signal, restart both phones. Hold the power button on each iPhone, slide to power off, wait 10 seconds, then turn them back on. This clears temporary software issues that can prevent wireless charging from activating.
Check that both phones are running the latest version of iOS. Wireless power sharing requires iOS 17.1 or newer on the sending phone. Go to Settings, then General, then Software Update on each phone to see if an update is available.
If one phone is in Low Power Mode, wireless power sharing will not work. Disable Low Power Mode by going to Settings, Battery, and turning off Low Power Mode. The sending phone especially needs to be out of Low Power Mode to share power with another device.
Try the phones in a different location. Interference from other wireless devices, metal furniture, or thick walls can sometimes block the signal. Move to an open area away from other electronics and try again.
When to Use iPhone-to-iPhone Charging Instead of Other Options
Wireless power sharing is most useful when you are away from a charger and another person nearby has an iPhone 15. It is faster than letting a phone die completely and then searching for a charger later. If you are traveling with someone, you can take turns charging each other's phones throughout the day.
This feature is not a replacement for carrying a portable battery pack or a wall charger. Portable battery packs charge faster, do not drain your own phone as much, and work with any phone model. Use wireless power sharing as a backup option when a charger is not available, not as your primary charging method.
For everyday use, plug your iPhone into a wall charger or use a wired portable battery pack. These methods are faster, more reliable, and do not require another person's phone to be present.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I charge an iPhone 14 or older from an iPhone 15?
Yes. iPhone 14 and older models can receive wireless power from an iPhone 15 or newer, even though they cannot send power themselves. Place the older iPhone back-to-back against the iPhone 15, and it will charge the same way.
Does wireless power sharing work through a phone case?
Thin cases usually allow it to work, but thick cases or cases with metal components will block the signal. Remove the case from the receiving phone if charging is not working, or try removing both cases if the connection is unstable.
What happens if I move the phones while they are charging?
The charging will stop if you move them too far apart or change the angle significantly. You can move them slightly without losing the connection, but keep them centered and back-to-back for the best results.
Can I use wireless power sharing while using my phone?
Yes, but it is slower. Using the phone while it charges wirelessly generates heat, which can cause the phones to throttle power to protect the battery. Keep both phones still and avoid heavy use for faster charging.
Does wireless power sharing damage the battery?
No. Wireless charging uses the same technology as plugging into a wall charger. It is slower, which actually puts less stress on the battery. Both phones have built-in protections that stop charging if either phone gets too warm.