iPhones with wireless charging built in

Wireless charging is available on every iPhone model from iPhone 8 onwards. If your phone was released in 2017 or later, it has the hardware to charge wirelessly. The only exceptions are the iPhone SE (first and second generation), which came out in 2016 and 2020 respectively and do not support wireless charging.

Apple introduced wireless charging with the iPhone 8 and iPhone X. Since then, every standard iPhone, Plus model, Pro, and Pro Max has included it. This means iPhone 8, 8 Plus, X, XS, XS Max, XR, 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max, 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max all charge wirelessly.

Key Takeaways

  • Any iPhone from iPhone 8 (2017) to the current model supports wireless charging, except the iPhone SE models.
  • Wireless charging works through any non-metal phone case, but thick cases or cases with metal components may interfere with the connection.
  • You need a Qi-certified wireless charger — Apple's MagSafe chargers work, but so do third-party options that cost less.
  • Wireless charging is slower than plugging in a cable, typically taking 2 to 3 hours for a full charge compared to 30 minutes to 1 hour with a wired charger.
  • If your iPhone is older than iPhone 8, wireless charging is not possible without replacing the phone.

How to tell if your specific iPhone model has wireless charging

The fastest way is to check your phone's model name. Open Settings, tap General, then About. Look at the Model line — it will say something like "iPhone 14 Pro" or "iPhone 12 mini". If it says iPhone 8 or later (except SE), you have wireless charging.

If you are not sure which generation you own, look at the physical design. iPhones with a notch at the top (iPhone X through iPhone 12) or a Dynamic Island (iPhone 14 Pro and later) have wireless charging. iPhones with a home button at the bottom (iPhone 7 and earlier) do not. The iPhone SE looks like an older model with a home button and does not support wireless charging, even though it is newer.

What wireless chargers work with your iPhone

Your iPhone will charge on any Qi-certified wireless charger. Qi is the wireless charging standard that Apple uses. You do not need to buy Apple's MagSafe chargers — many third-party chargers cost half as much and work just as well.

MagSafe chargers, made by Apple or licensed third parties, attach magnetically to the back of your iPhone and align the charging coils perfectly. This makes them faster and more reliable than generic Qi chargers, but they cost more. A basic Qi charging pad from a brand like Anker or Belkin typically costs $15 to $30, while MagSafe chargers start around $25 and go up to $100 for multi-device stands.

When you buy a wireless charger, check that it says "Qi-certified" on the box. Avoid chargers with no brand name or certification — they may overheat your phone or charge very slowly. If you already own a wireless charger from an Android phone, it will work with your iPhone as long as it is Qi-certified.

Why wireless charging is slower than wired charging

Wireless charging transfers power through electromagnetic induction — the charger creates a magnetic field that your phone's coil picks up. This process is less efficient than a direct cable connection, so it generates more heat and moves power more slowly.

A typical wired charger (using a USB-C or Lightning cable) delivers 20 to 30 watts and fills your battery in 30 minutes to 1 hour. A wireless charger delivers 7.5 to 15 watts and takes 2 to 3 hours. If your iPhone is hot while charging wirelessly, that is normal — the inefficiency creates heat. However, if it gets too hot to touch, unplug it and try a different charger.

Wireless charging is most useful overnight or when you are at a desk for several hours. If you need your phone charged quickly, use a wired charger instead.

Phone cases and wireless charging

Most phone cases do not interfere with wireless charging. Plastic, rubber, and leather cases are all fine — the magnetic field passes through them. You can leave your case on while charging wirelessly.

Cases with metal components, metal plates, or metal rings (like PopSocket attachments with metal bases) will block the charging signal. If your case has metal, remove it before placing your phone on a wireless charger. Thick cases (more than 5mm) may also slow charging or prevent it from working at all — if your phone does not charge, try removing the case.

Troubleshooting wireless charging that is not working

If your iPhone is not charging on a wireless charger you know is working, start with the simplest fixes. Remove your phone case and try again. Check that the charger is plugged in and the LED light (if it has one) is on. Make sure your phone is centered on the charger pad — the charging coils are in the middle of the back of your iPhone, not at the edges.

If it still does not work, restart your iPhone. Hold the power button until you see "slide to power off", then slide to turn it off. Wait 10 seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on. This resets the charging system and often fixes temporary glitches.

If the charger works with another iPhone but not yours, your phone may have a hardware problem. The charging coil inside could be damaged or disconnected. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store to have it checked. If the charger does not work with any phone, it is faulty — try a different charger or contact the manufacturer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use wireless charging with an iPhone 7 or older?

No. Wireless charging was not introduced until iPhone 8. If you have an iPhone 7, 6s, or earlier, you can only charge with a cable. Upgrading to iPhone 8 or later is the only way to use wireless charging on an iPhone.

Does wireless charging damage my battery?

Wireless charging does not damage your battery any more than wired charging does. Both methods use the same charging system inside your phone. The extra heat from wireless charging is minimal and within safe limits. You can use wireless charging every day without shortening your battery's lifespan.

Can I charge my iPhone wirelessly through a metal phone case?

No. Metal blocks the magnetic field that wireless charging uses. If your case has a metal plate, metal ring, or metal components, remove the case before placing your phone on a wireless charger. Plastic and rubber cases are fine to leave on.

Is MagSafe charging faster than regular Qi charging?

MagSafe charges at up to 15 watts, while standard Qi chargers typically deliver 7.5 to 10 watts. MagSafe is faster, but the difference is usually 15 to 30 minutes over a full charge cycle. If speed matters, a wired charger is still much faster than either wireless option.

What if my wireless charger is not Qi-certified?

Uncertified chargers may work, but they carry risks. They could overheat your phone, charge very slowly, or damage the charging coil over time. Stick with chargers that clearly state "Qi-certified" on the packaging. The cost difference is small, and certified chargers come with safety guarantees.