Wireless Charging Guide: What is it and which phones are supported?

What is Qi?

Wireless charging is a technology that allows charging over (very) short distances without cables.The advantage of wireless charging is that it’s quicker and easier, as you don’t have to plug and unplug each time – you just place your device on top of your wireless charging pad. It also looks neater.

There are various competing standards for wireless charging. The most popular is Qi (pronounced ‘chee’), which has been supported by all of the major companies. Apple have included wireless charging on their latest iPhone models, and Samsung have done that for years; they’ve also made a wide range of Samsung wireless chargers that work with all phones with Qi wireless charging built in.

Compatible devices?

A few phones have wireless charging built right in. See them here.

Other phones need a replacement rear cover or case. These are built to fit specific phones, so make sure you choose the right one. To make it easier, we’ve linked to appropriate cases and rear covers.

If a wireless charging cover isn’t available for your phone, you can use a universal adapter instead, allowing even much older devices to support wireless charging.

Phones and tablets with built-in Qi wireless charging

If your phone is among one of the devices that appear here, you just need to buy a wireless charger. Note that you don’t need to get a wireless charger made by the same company as your phone, e.g. Samsung wireless chargers work just fine with the iPhone X.

• Apple iPhone: XS Max XS, XR, 8, 8 Plus,
• Samsung Galaxy: S10 Plus, S10, S10e, Note 9, S9, S9+, Note 8, S8, S8+, S7, S7 Edge  (Plus more devices)
• Sony: Xperia XZ3, Xperia XZ2 Premium, Xperia XZ2 (Plus more devices)
• LG: G7 ThinQ, V30, G6 (US version only), G4 (optional), G3 (optional) (Plus more devices)
• Nokia: 9 PureView, 8 Sirocco
• Huawei: P30 Pro, Mate 20 Pro,
• Microsoft Lumia: 1520, 1020, 930, 929, 928, 920
• Google: Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 3,
• Nexus: Nexus 6, Nexus 5
• BlackBerry: Priv (Plus more devices)

Do I need an adapter?

If your phone appears here, you need the accessory linked and a wireless charging pad.

• Apple: iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone 5S
• Samsung: Galaxy S5, Galaxy S4, Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy Note 2
• Huawei: P30, P20 Pro, P20, P20 Lite,
• Microsoft: Lumia 930, Lumia 925, Lumia 830
• Sony: Xperia Z3, Xperia Z2, Xperia Z

Universal wireless charging adapters

If your phone isn’t listed above, then you’ll need a universal adapter and a wireless charger. You can get these for phones with Micro USB ports (e.g. Android) and Lightning ports (e.g. iPhone).

You have a choice of an internal adapter, which slides into the back of a case, and an external adapter, which hangs outside. In most cases, we recommend internal adapters.

Wireless chargers

Once you’ve determined your phone has wireless charging built in or you’ve added it with an accessory, you just need a wireless charger.

There are plenty of Qi wireless chargers available, in different sizes, shapes and colours. You can get Qi chargers for your desk, for your car, or even portable Qi battery packs.