What wireless charging is and whether your iPhone supports it

Wireless charging uses electromagnetic induction to transfer power from a charging pad to your phone without a cable. Your iPhone receives power through its back, so you place it flat on a compatible pad and it begins charging automatically.

iPhones from iPhone 8 onward support wireless charging. If you have an iPhone 7 or earlier, wireless charging is not built in. You can check your model in Settings > General > About — the model name appears at the top of the screen.

All iPhones that support wireless charging use the same standard, called Qi (pronounced "chee"). This means any Qi-certified pad will work with any compatible iPhone, regardless of brand.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhones from iPhone 8 onward have wireless charging built in; iPhone 7 and earlier do not.
  • Wireless charging pads use the Qi standard, so any Qi-certified pad works with any compatible iPhone.
  • Your iPhone charges fastest with a wired cable, but wireless charging is convenient for overnight or desk charging.
  • Metal cases and thick protective cases can block the charging signal, so remove them if your phone does not charge.
  • Wireless chargers come in different shapes — flat pads, stands, and car mounts — and cost between $15 and $50 for basic models.

How to set up a wireless charger

Plug the wireless charger into a power outlet using the cable that comes with it. Most chargers use a standard USB-C or micro-USB cable, though some older models use proprietary connectors.

Place your iPhone on the charger with the back of the phone facing down toward the pad. The charging coil inside your iPhone is centered on the back, so centering the phone on the pad gives the strongest connection. You should see a lightning bolt icon appear on your screen within a few seconds, indicating charging has started.

Your iPhone does not need to be unlocked or awake to charge wirelessly. You can leave it sitting on the pad while you use it, though charging will be slightly slower if the screen is on.

Why your iPhone might not charge on a wireless pad

The most common reason is a case blocking the signal. Thick cases, metal cases, and cases with metal plates or rings can prevent power from reaching your phone's charging coil. Remove the case and try again. If it charges without the case, your case is the problem — you can either use a thinner case or remove it when charging.

Metal objects between the phone and the pad also block charging. This includes metal desk surfaces, metal phone stands, and even some metal-rimmed glasses left nearby. Move the charger away from metal objects and try again.

If your phone still does not charge, check that the charger itself is plugged in and the outlet is working. Test the outlet with another device, like a lamp. If the outlet works but the charger does not, the charger may be faulty — try a different one if you have access to another Qi pad.

Extreme heat can also prevent charging. If your iPhone feels hot to the touch, it may have temporarily disabled wireless charging to protect the battery. Let it cool down for 15 to 20 minutes before trying again.

Wireless charging speed compared to wired charging

Wireless charging is slower than wired charging. A standard wireless charger delivers about 5 watts of power, while a wired USB-C cable can deliver 20 watts or more. This means a full charge takes roughly twice as long wirelessly.

Some newer wireless chargers advertise 15-watt charging, but your iPhone will only accept up to 7.5 watts wirelessly, regardless of the charger's rating. The higher wattage claims are marketing — they explore to Android phones, not iPhones.

For overnight charging or charging while you work at a desk, the slower speed does not matter. For situations where you need a full charge quickly — before leaving home or before a trip — a wired cable is faster.

Types of wireless chargers and what to look for

Wireless chargers come in three main shapes. Flat pads are the simplest and cheapest, usually $15 to $25. You place your phone flat on top. Stands prop your phone upright at an angle, useful if you want to see your screen while charging, and typically cost $20 to $35. Car mounts hold your phone on your dashboard or air vent and charge at the same time, ranging from $25 to $50.

Look for chargers labeled Qi-certified or Qi-compatible. This means they have been tested to work safely with iPhones. Uncertified chargers may work, but they carry a small risk of overcharging or damaging your battery over time.

Brand does not matter much — a $20 Qi pad from a lesser-known manufacturer will charge your iPhone just as well as a $40 pad from a major brand. The main difference is build quality and how long the charger lasts. If you plan to use it daily for years, spending a bit more on a well-reviewed charger is reasonable. If you just want something that works, a budget option is fine.

Wireless charging and battery health

Wireless charging does not damage your iPhone battery any more than wired charging does. Both methods deliver power the same way once the power reaches your phone — the difference is just how fast it arrives.

Leaving your phone on a wireless charger overnight is safe. Your iPhone stops charging once the battery reaches 100 percent, so it will not overcharge. However, if you charge every night and never let the battery drop below 50 percent, your battery will degrade slightly faster than if you let it cycle more. This is true for both wireless and wired charging.

If you want to extend battery lifespan, the most important thing is to avoid letting your phone get too hot while charging. Wireless chargers generate a small amount of heat, so make sure the charger is in a well-ventilated spot and not covered by blankets or pillows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a wireless charger with a case on?

Yes, if the case is thin and does not contain metal. Most silicone and plastic cases under one-quarter inch thick will work fine. Remove the case if charging is slow or does not start. Leather cases, thick protective cases, and cases with metal plates or rings usually block the signal.

Does wireless charging work through glass?

Yes, wireless charging works through glass. If you have a glass desk or glass table, you can place your charger on top and your phone will charge normally. Metal and thick plastic block the signal, but glass does not.

Can I charge my iPhone and Apple Watch on the same wireless charger?

No. Apple Watch uses a different charging standard called MagSafe, not Qi. You need a separate charger for your watch. Some multi-device chargers combine a Qi pad for your iPhone with a MagSafe puck for your watch, but they are two separate charging areas on one device.

Is wireless charging safe for my iPhone battery?

Yes. Wireless charging is just as safe as wired charging. Your iPhone has built-in protections that stop charging at 100 percent and prevent overheating. Leaving your phone on a wireless charger overnight will not damage the battery.

Why does my phone charge slower on some wireless chargers than others?

Older or cheaper chargers may deliver less power. Also, if your phone is in a case, the distance between the charger and the coil increases, which slows charging. Removing the case usually fixes slow charging. If it is still slow, try a different charger — some are straightforward less powerful than others.