Wireless charging not working is almost always caused by one of three things: the phone is misaligned on the pad, a case or magnetic object is blocking the connection, or the charger isn't properly powered. The following six-step fix order, verified by Samsung and Apple guidance, will resolve the vast majority of failures.
6 Steps to Fix Wireless Charging Not Working
- Confirm your phone and charger are compatible. Wireless charging works only with supported devices and compatible chargers. Samsung states that only supported Galaxy devices work with supported wireless chargers, and Apple confirms iPhones require compatible charging hardware. Check your device specifications before proceeding.
- Plug the charger into power first. Samsung’s official guidance says to connect the wireless charger’s power adapter to a power outlet and then connect the USB cable to the charger before placing your phone on it. A charger without power cannot charge. Wireless chargers require a stable power source; connect to a reliable power outlet.
- Remove the case and keep magnetic objects away. Samsung advises removing any case or accessory if charging does not start. Apple’s support discussions say thick, metal, or magnetic cases, as well as credit cards, badges, passports, and key fobs, can reduce charging or cause complete failure. Clear the charging area of all such items.
- Center your phone on the charger and keep it still. Samsung says to place the center of the device on the center of the charger for proper alignment. Apple community guidance adds that vibration from phone movement can stop charging, so turning off vibration or using Do Not Disturb may help.
- Try another cable, power adapter, or charger. If the phone still does not charge after the above steps, the cable or adapter may be faulty. Swap each component individually to isolate the issue. A worn-out charging pad can deteriorate over time and cause poor charging performance; consider replacing it.
- For Galaxy devices, check PowerShare support and battery level. If you are using reverse wireless charging (PowerShare), Samsung confirms it only works on supported Galaxy devices and depends on battery level and the state of the phone. Verify your model supports the feature and has sufficient charge.
Check if Your Phone and Charger Are Compatible
Before troubleshooting further, confirm that your phone supports wireless charging. Most modern smartphones from major brands do, but not all devices have this hardware. For iPhones, Apple confirms that compatible wireless charging hardware and proper coil alignment are required. For Samsung phones, the official support page states that wireless charging works only with supported Galaxy devices and supported wireless chargers. To verify your specific model, consult your device’s specifications or the manufacturer’s documentation. For deeper compatibility checks, see the Qi-enabled sibling page, which covers the universal standard for wireless charging. Understanding your phone wireless charging setup and compatibility is the first step to a reliable charge. Some wireless chargers have lower power output resulting in slower charging; check if the charger supports your device's fast charging power requirements.
Remove Your Case and Keep Magnetic Objects Away
Cases are a primary cause of wireless charging failure. Samsung’s verified guidance says to remove any case or accessory if charging does not start. Apple’s support discussions specify that thick, metal, or magnetic cases block the connection. Additionally, keep credit cards, badges, passports, and key fobs away from the area between the phone and charger, these objects can interfere with the magnetic field and interrupt power transfer. If you are unsure whether your phone supports wireless charging at all, the question “it & is your phone qi-enabled” is the right one to ask; Qi is the most common standard, and a Qi-enabled phone will work with any Qi-certified charger.
Center Your Phone and Keep It Still
Proper alignment is essential. Apple community guidance echoes this, noting that wireless charging starts only when the iPhone is placed correctly on a compatible charger and the charging coils are aligned. Movement can interrupt charging, so Apple advises turning off vibration or using Do Not Disturb to keep the phone still during charging. Even slight shifts can break the connection, causing charging to stop and start repeatedly.
When Wireless Charging Still Won’t Work
If the fix order above does not resolve the issue, try another cable, power adapter, or charger entirely. A faulty power source is a common but overlooked cause. Dirty contacts on the charging coil or device can cause poor connection; cleaning the charging area regularly helps. Overheating can reduce charging efficiency and affect device performance and lifespan, often due to misalignment or poor-quality chargers. Software updates can affect wireless charging capabilities; ensure the device is running the latest software version. For Galaxy users, if you are attempting reverse wireless charging (PowerShare), verify that the feature is supported on your specific model and that your phone’s battery level is high enough to share power. For comprehensive setup guidance on wireless charging for your device, visit the hub page for your phone brand’s official instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does wireless charging stop and start?
Misalignment, movement, or interference from cases and magnetic objects can interrupt charging. Even a slight shift in position or vibration may break the connection, causing the charging cycle to restart repeatedly.
Do all phones support wireless charging?
No. Only phones with the necessary internal hardware support wireless charging. Samsung states that only supported Galaxy devices work, and Apple confirms iPhones require compatible hardware. Older or budget models often lack this feature.
Can a thick case block wireless charging?
Yes. Apple’s support discussions confirm that thick, metal, or magnetic cases can reduce charging efficiency or prevent charging entirely. For best results, use a thin, non-metallic case designed for wireless charging compatibility.
Is wireless charging slower than wired charging?
Wireless charging is generally slightly slower due to electromagnetic induction, though technology improvements have narrowed the gap.
Can I use a wireless charger with a phone case?
Thin, non-metallic cases usually work, but thick or metal cases may interfere, causing slower charging or failure.
Are all wireless chargers the same?
No, they vary in charging speeds, compatibility, design, and power output; check specifications before purchase.
