iPhone Wireless Charging Not Working? Here's What to Do

Wireless charging is one of the most convenient features for iPhone users, but it can suddenly stop working. When your iPhone won't charge on a wireless pad or a MagSafe charger, it's frustrating, confusing, and disruptive, especially when you need a quick top-up.

In this guide, we break everything down clearly: which iPhones support wireless charging, the most common causes of wireless charging not working for iPhones, how to fix them, and the best Anker chargers to keep your iPhone powered safely and efficiently. Without further ado, let's go!

Part 1: Which iPhones Support Wireless Charging?

Before troubleshooting, it's important to confirm whether your iPhone model supports wireless charging. Apple introduced wireless charging with the iPhone 8, and every model since has included this feature. Here's a quick breakdown to help you identify compatibility.

• iPhone 17 Series: The entire iPhone 17 lineup supports wireless charging and introduces compatibility with the upgraded Qi2 25W (also known as Qi 2.2) standard, enabling wireless charging speeds up to approximately 25 W. This means improved alignment, faster top-ups, and broader third-party charger support.
• iPhone 16, 15, 14,13, and 12 Series: These iPhones support Qi wireless charging (7.5W), 15W MagSafe charging (15W), and Qi2-compatible magnetic charging (15W) depending on the model. Also, they benefit from stronger magnets and more stable alignment for faster, more reliable charging.
• iPhone 11 Series (11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max): All feature glass backs with improved efficiency and support for standard Qi wireless chargers.
• iPhone X, XS, XS Max, XR: This entire generation supports Qi wireless charging at up to 7.5W with better thermal performance for charging efficiency.
• iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus: These were the first iPhones to support Qi wireless charging using their glass backs. They charge at up to 7.5W but remain fully compatible with modern chargers.

Part 2: Common Causes of Wireless Charging Problems on iPhone

If your iPhone supports wireless charging but won't power up, several common issues could be responsible. Understanding why the wireless charger is not working iPhone makes troubleshooting much easier.

Misalignment on the Charging Pad

Wireless charging relies on precise coil alignment. If your iPhone is even slightly off-center on the pad, the charging connection may weaken, slow down, or stop entirely. This is especially common with non-magnetic Qi chargers that don't auto-align.

Thick, Metal, or Non-Compatible Cases

Some cases interfere with power transfer. Thick protective cases, metal-backed covers, pop grips, and non-MagSafe magnetic rings can disrupt the connection between your iPhone and the charger. Wallet cases with cards inside may also block wireless charging completely.

Dust, Debris, or Device Overheating

Dust or dirt between the phone and charger can interrupt energy flow. Overheating caused by gaming, long screen time, or a warm environment can also force the iPhone to temporarily disable wireless charging to protect its battery.

Incompatible or Low-Power Wireless Chargers

Not all wireless chargers deliver the same performance. Older pads, low-wattage coils, or chargers that are not Qi-certified may fail to provide enough power for newer iPhone models, which results in slow charging or no charging at all.

Software Glitches or Incorrect Settings

Software bugs, outdated iOS versions, or misconfigured settings may unexpectedly disrupt wireless charging. Restarting or updating often resolves these internal issues.

Hardware Damage or Worn Components

A cracked back glass, damaged charging coil, or internal hardware failure can stop wireless charging altogether. Even minor drops can affect coil alignment, making charging unstable or inconsistent.from working consistently.

Part 3: What to Do If Your iPhone's Wireless Charging Isn't Working

Wireless charging issues are usually easy to resolve. Below are key points to consider and practical solutions to get your iPhone charging normally again.

Identify Potential Causes

Before diving into fixes, keep in mind the most common reasons wireless charging fails:

• The iPhone is not centered over the charging coil
• A thick, metal, or magnetic case is blocking power transfer
• Dust, dirt, or debris between the phone and the charging pad
• The wireless charger is not Qi-certified or underpowered
• iOS glitches or outdated software
• The iPhone is too hot to allow charging
• Physical damage to the back glass or charging coil

Practical Ways to Fix iPhone Wireless Charging Issues

Below are practical, easy-to-follow methods to restore wireless charging functionality.

1. Reposition Your iPhone on the Charging Pad

Wireless charging relies on coil alignment. Slide your iPhone slowly around the pad until the charging icon appears. MagSafe or magnetic Qi2 chargers fix this automatically, but traditional pads require precise placement.

2. Remove Your Phone Case

Metal plates, thick cases, pop grips, and non-MagSafe magnetic rings interfere with wireless charging. Remove the case and try again. If it works, switch to a wireless-charging-friendly case.

3. Clean the iPhone and Charging Surface

Even small debris can disrupt charging. Wipe both surfaces with a microfiber cloth to remove dust, lint, or oil. This improves contact and stability.

4. Restart Your iPhone

Software bugs often cause charging interruptions. A quick restart refreshes the system and clears temporary glitches that may be blocking wireless power transfer.

5. Update iOS to the Latest Version

Apple frequently improves charging behavior in software updates.

Go to: Settings → General → Software Update

Install available updates to fix compatibility or performance issues.

6. Check for Overheating

If your iPhone is warm, perhaps from gaming, navigation, or sun exposure, wireless charging may pause. Let it cool for a few minutes before placing it on the pad again.

7. Try a Different Wireless Charger

Some older or low-wattage wireless chargers can't support newer iPhones properly. Test with a newer, Qi-certified charger. Modern Qi2 or MagSafe chargers, especially the 25W fast Anker Prime Wireless Charging Station for iPhones, offer better coil alignment, stronger magnets, and more efficient power delivery.

8. Use a USB-C Charger for Reliable Fast Charging

If wireless charging is inconsistent, switching temporarily to a high-quality USB-C charger ensures your iPhone stays powered. Fast chargers, like the compact Anker Nano Charger (35W) or the powerful multi-port Anker Prime Charger (250W), deliver stable, efficient charging that bypasses wireless charging issues entirely.

9. Use a Power Bank When Wireless Charging Fails

A power bank is a perfect backup when wireless charging stops working, especially while traveling or during commutes. Anker's portable power banks, like the high-watt and high-capacity Anker Prime Power Bank (26K, 300W), can keep your iPhone powered anytime, even if your wireless pad is unavailable or malfunctioning.

10. Contact Apple Support if Hardware Damage Is Suspected

If your iPhone has a cracked back glass, water damage, or internal issues with the charging coil, professional service may be necessary. Apple Support can run diagnostics and recommend repair options.

Conclusion

iPhone wireless charging not working can be frustrating, but most issues are easy to identify and fix. Whether it's a case blocking the coils, a misaligned phone, overheating, or a non-certified charger, small adjustments often make the biggest difference. By understanding the causes, applying the right solutions, and choosing reliable accessories like Anker wireless or USB-C chargers, you can ensure your iPhone always gets the power it needs. With proper care and quality charging tools, staying powered up becomes seamless again.

FAQs

Q1: How to enable wireless charging on iPhone?

Typically, wireless charging is automatically enabled on all iPhones that support it. Simply place your iPhone (screen up) on a Qi, MagSafe, or Qi2-compatible charger. Ensure proper alignment, remove thick or metal cases, and keep the phone centered for best results.

Q2: What to do if my iPhone's wireless charging is slow?

Slow charging often results from misalignment, overheating, low-wattage chargers, or thick cases. Reposition your iPhone, remove the case, allow the device to cool, or switch to a higher-power Qi2/MagSafe charger. Updating iOS may also improve the charging performance.

Q3: What is the best wireless charger for iPhone?

The Anker Prime Wireless Charging Station (3-in-1, MagGo, AirCool, Dock Stand) is an excellent choice. This powerful Anker wireless charger delivers ultra-fast 25W wireless charging with active cooling, a real-time charging display, and dedicated modes for speed, cooling, and sleep, perfect for iPhone users seeking efficiency and convenience.

Q4: Does wireless charging affect your iPhone's battery?

No, wireless charging is safe for your iPhone. However, prolonged heat, especially when you use low-quality chargers, can slowly degrade battery health over time. So, it's important to choose certified high-efficiency, cooled wireless chargers like Anker's MagGo series to help minimize heat and maintain long-term battery performance.