How does wireless charging work? 

Wireless chargers may feel like something out of 2001: A Space Odyssey or The Jetsons, but wireless charging is actually the ultimate throwback. That charger that sits on your IKEA bedside table actually stems from ideas formed all the way back to the 1830s and the work of Nikola Tesla (and not the one played by David Bowie, either). Many ideas that led to wireless charging even predate the Model T.  

But how does it actually work? We’ll channel our inner Tesla to explain and dive into whether wireless charging is better than charging with a cable…or if it just looks cooler.

How does an induction charger work?

When you think about wireless chargers, you’re probably thinking about induction charging. Induction chargers have an induction coil inside the charger that creates an electromagnetic field. A receiver coil in the back of the phone converts this field into electricity that’s then used to charge your phone. This is exactly what Tesla was doing way back when, just on a smaller scale.

Types of wireless charging

There are two main standard wireless charging interfaces. One is the main way we currently charge our phones wirelessly, while the other may be more widely adopted in years ahead, if you’re looking to be a trendsetter. 

Qi Standard:

• Creates low-frequency magnetic fields (cue “The Book of Love”)
• Widely available
• Affordable options
• Phones must be correctly aligned to charge 

Resonant Standard: 

• Creates high-frequency magnetic fields (cue “100,000 Fireflies”)
• Can be used at greater distances than Qi chargers
• Don’t require phones to be as directly aligned with the charger as Qi chargers 
• Bigger and more expensive than Qi chargers 

Benefits of wireless charging 

Your mileage may vary, but here are some of the pros of wireless charging:

• Fewer cables: Say goodbye to tangled cables — you only need one attached to your charging pad. 
• Convenience: Being able to put your phone down on a pad instead of plugging into a cable is way easier (especially after a night out). 
• Can be used for multiple devices: If compatible, you may be able to use one charger to charge your phone, your headphones, your tablet and other devices.
• Aesthetics: As they say, looks are everything (citation needed). Charging pads may look cleaner and more appealing than a bunch of cables. 

Wireless charging disadvantages

Here are a few of the cons of wireless charging: 

• They use more energy: In contrast to charging by cable, wireless charging is less efficient and could potentially affect battery life as a result, not to mention higher electricity bills.
• They take longer: The insulated charging cables let more energy go directly to the phone and a lack of wires means less direct energy flow. That means a lot of wasted energy.

Why won’t my phone charge wirelessly?

Here are a few common reasons your phone isn’t charging:

• Not aligned correctly with the charging pad: As mentioned above, Qi Standard charges require alignment to charge. Your phone may not be properly aligned with the charger. And nothing is more annoying than putting your phone on a charging pad to charge overnight only to realize you didn’t line it up juuust right and now you’re only at 27%.
• Your phone case may not be compatible: That frying pan-shaped case is…interesting. And also may not be allowing your phone to charge due to the distance between the phone and charger. Any big phone cases may interfere with charging.
• Debris on your charger: There may be foreign objects or dust on your charger that are obstructing the electromagnetic fields. Cleaning your charger may do the trick. 
• Incompatible charger: It’s not you, it’s your charger. Not all phones work with all chargers.
• Faulty charging pad: You may just have a bum charger. Try a different one, if you know your current one is compatible with your phone.

Ready to lead the charge?

Now that your Qi is aligned and you’re practically Tesla when it comes to the ins and outs of wireless charging, consider learning about waterproof phones, cooling down your phone, why your phone is so slow… or hey, if you’re looking curious about wireless charging because you’re looking for a new wireless charging-compatible phone? Just click below to see what device will help you start living that no-cord life.