Wireless Charging Not Working? Causes and Fixes

How wireless charging works

Wireless charging uses two copper coils: one in the charger and one inside your phone, behind the back glass. When they line up, the charger's magnetic field induces a current in the phone's coil. Anything that pushes the coils apart, sits between them or disrupts the field can slow or stop charging.

Most phones use the Qi standard. Newer Qi2 chargers add magnets that snap the phone into the right position, which works on iPhones with MagSafe and on Android phones with built-in magnets or a magnetic case.

Start with the quick fixes

1. Take the case off and try again. If it charges bare, the case is the problem.
2. Remove anything metal or magnetic from the back: ring holders, metal plates for car mounts, wallet cases, cards and pop grips.
3. Re-centre the phone. The coil is roughly in the middle of the back. Move the phone slowly until the charging indicator appears.
4. Check the charger's power. Use the adapter recommended for the charger, plugged into a wall outlet rather than a laptop port or power bar with a weak USB port.
5. Restart the phone and install any software updates.
6. Try a different wireless charger, ideally one you know works with another phone.

Common causes in more detail

Case thickness and materials

Wireless charging only works over a short distance. Thick rugged cases, cases with kickstands and wallet cases often add too much gap. Cases with metal parts, or magnets that aren't designed for wireless charging, can block it entirely or make the charger keep starting and stopping.

Alignment

On a flat pad, a phone that's slightly off centre may charge slowly or not at all, and a vibrating notification can nudge it out of place overnight. Stands and magnetic chargers reduce this problem.

Not enough power

A wireless charger needs a strong enough adapter behind it. An old, low-power USB brick may only deliver a trickle, or the charger may refuse to start. Check the charger's packaging or manual for the adapter it needs.

Heat

Wireless charging produces more heat than a cable. Phones protect the battery by slowing or pausing charging when they get warm. On an iPhone, you may see a notice that charging is on hold until it cools. Charge in a cool spot, out of direct sun, and avoid charging under a pillow or blanket. If the phone feels too hot to hold comfortably, unplug it and let it cool before trying again.

Cracked back glass

The coil sits directly behind the back glass. A crack can let the coil shift, admit moisture and create sharp edges against the charging pad. If wireless charging stopped after a drop that cracked the back, see our back glass repair page, and stop using a phone with loose glass shards on the back.

A damaged coil or connection

Drops and liquid exposure can damage the coil itself or the connector that links it to the phone's board. The phone may still charge perfectly with a cable, which is a strong clue that the wireless charging parts are the problem.

Wired vs wireless: what the difference tells you

If the cable is the one that fails, our charging port troubleshooting tips are a good next stop. For overall battery care and charging habits, see the phone battery guide.

Habits that keep wireless charging reliable

• Use a case designed for wireless or magnetic charging.
• Keep the charger and the back of the phone clean and free of grit.
• Place the charger on a hard, flat surface with airflow, not on a bed or couch.
• Replace frayed charger cables and use the recommended adapter.

When to call a technician

If the phone won't charge wirelessly with the case off, on a known-good charger, it's time for a closer look. A certified woman technician from Woman Wireless On The Go can come to your home or workplace anywhere in our service area, test wired and wireless charging, and give you a free quote before any work starts. Visit our charging repair page, or call or WhatsApp (365) 351-4247.

Frequently asked questions

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