Do Wireless Chargers Work on All Phones?

Wireless charging has changed how we power up our phones, but do wireless chargers work on all phones? If you’re curious about whether you can just place your phone on a pad and watch it charge, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll clarify how wireless charging works, explore which phones support it, and how you can still use it—even if your phone doesn’t support it out of the box. At Anker, we’re here to make wireless charging easier and clearer for everyone.

What Is Wireless Charging?

Wireless charging, also known as inductive charging, lets you recharge your smartphone battery without plugging in a cable. Instead, power transfers through electromagnetic fields generated between two coils—one inside the wireless charger and the other built into your phone.

When you place your phone on a wireless charger, an electromagnetic field is created, transmitting energy wirelessly into your device’s internal coil. This energy is then converted into electrical power, charging your phone's battery seamlessly. No cables, no fuss—just effortless charging.

Standards of Wireless Charging

The most common wireless charging standard today is Qi (pronounced "chee"), developed by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC). Qi-certified chargers, like our Anker wireless chargers, are compatible with any device supporting this standard. Other less common standards exist, such as Powermat (PMA), but Qi remains dominant, widely adopted by major smartphone manufacturers such as Apple, Samsung, Google, and more.

Do Wireless Chargers Work on All Phones?

Can all phones charge wirelessly? Although many modern smartphones support wireless charging, not all phones are compatible by default. So, what phones are compatible with wireless charging? To help you understand quickly, we’ve created a clear visual guide below:

Smartphone Brand	Wireless Charging Support
Apple iPhone (8 and newer)	✅ Yes
Samsung Galaxy (S6 and newer, Note series)	✅ Yes
Google Pixel (5, 6, 7 series)	✅ Yes
OnePlus (8 Pro, 9 Pro, 10 Pro)	✅ Yes (Pro versions only)
Motorola (Edge+, Razr series)	✅ Yes (selected models)
Xiaomi Mi series (11 and newer)	✅ Yes (selected models)
Budget Android phones	❌ Usually No
Older models before 2017	❌ Usually No

If you're still unsure whether “can my phone charge wirelessly”, check your phone's specifications or simply search online, along with your specific model number.

Can I Wirelessly Charge My Phone Without Qi Compatibility?

Don’t have built-in wireless charging? No worries! Even if your phone isn't equipped from the factory, there are simple ways to make charging your phone wirelessly possible:

1. Wireless Charging Cases: These cases are designed with an internal Qi-compatible receiver. They connect to your phone’s charging port when you snap them on. It’s a tidy, all-in-one approach that doesn’t require any extra cables running out of your device. Once the case is on, place your phone on a Qi pad and let it power up. The benefit here is that you don’t have an extra piece hanging off your phone. The downside is that these cases can be a bit bulkier and often cost more.
2. Plug-in Qi Receivers: Another popular route is a slim Qi receiver that you connect directly to your phone’s charging port (Lightning or USB-C). You might tuck the receiver’s ribbon cable behind your regular phone case. This is generally the most budget-friendly method, and it adds only a slight thickness. You just have to remember to keep the receiver plugged into your phone’s port at all times, or you won’t be able to use the wireless pad.

3. Phone-specific Modular Options: A few phone manufacturers, like Motorola with the Moto Z series, have magnetic mods that snap onto the back and add Qi capabilities. If your phone offers something like this, it can be a seamless solution.

Factors Affect Wireless Charger Compatibility with Phones

Even with the right accessories, not all wireless charging setups work the same. In fact, several key factors can affect how well your phone and charger work together—let’s break them down.

1. Charging Standard

While Qi is the most common, there have been other standards like PMA or AirFuel. If a phone supports a different standard (less common these days) and the charger doesn’t, you might run into compatibility issues.

2. Alignment and Placement

Placing your phone properly on a wireless pad matters more than you might think. If your phone’s internal receiver coil doesn’t align with the pad’s coil, it could result in slow or intermittent charging.

3. Phone Case Thickness

Some phone cases—especially thicker ones or those made from metal—can block or reduce the power flow. Although many standard plastic or leather cases work fine, extremely thick or metal-laden cases might cause the charger to stop working or slow down. We recommend removing extra bulky cases or testing them for performance.

4. Power Adapter Quality

Even the best Qi charger won’t perform well if it’s plugged into a low-quality or underpowered wall adapter. Always check your wireless charger’s recommended power input, typically something like a Quick Charge 2.0/3.0 adapter or a USB-C PD adapter that meets the wattage requirements.

Why Anker Wireless Charger Makes a Difference

At Anker, we focus on making wireless chargers that are reliable, easy to use, and built to fit smoothly into your daily routine. Here’s what sets our wireless chargers apart:

Reliable Compatibility

Our chargers are Qi-certified, meaning broad wireless charger compatibility across virtually every Qi-supported smartphone. Whether you're using an iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Pixel, or others, you can count on our chargers to seamlessly support charging your phone wirelessly.

Advanced Safety Features

We integrate advanced safety measures like over-voltage protection, temperature regulation, and foreign object detection. This ensures your device stays safe and charging remains stable.

Optimized Charging Speeds

We know you value speed and efficiency. Our wireless chargers intelligently detect your phone’s capabilities, delivering optimized charging speeds up to 15W, saving your precious time.

User-Friendly Design

Anker wireless chargers are designed to blend seamlessly into your life—slim profiles, sturdy stands, and subtle LED indicators enhance convenience without clutter.

Customer Care:

When you choose Anker, you’re not just getting a device—you’re becoming part of our community. We’re here to answer questions, provide helpful tips, and ensure you get the most out of your wireless charger. Our brand was built on trust and innovation, and we’re dedicated to keeping that tradition alive.

Conclusion

So, to finally answer your question—do wireless chargers work on all phones? Not inherently. But thanks to versatile solutions like wireless charging receivers and special cases, virtually any phone can enjoy this convenient feature. Choosing the right charger ensures your phone is powered safely, efficiently, and conveniently. Explore our lineup of wireless chargers today and find the one that fits your phone—and your lifestyle—perfectly.

FAQs 

How do I know if my phone supports wireless charging?

The easiest way is to check your phone’s manual or specifications online. Most recent high-end phones support wireless charging. You can also search your exact phone model followed by "wireless charging" to quickly find out.

Can older phones use wireless charging?

Absolutely! Older phones without built-in support can still enjoy wireless charging by using wireless charging receivers or special charging cases that add the necessary hardware.

How do I turn on wireless charging?

Wireless charging is usually automatic and doesn't require activation. Simply place your Qi-enabled phone onto a wireless charger pad or stand, and it will start charging immediately.

Which phones can be charged wirelessly?

Newer iPhones (iPhone 8 and later) and Samsung Galaxy devices (S6 and above) come with Qi out of the box. Google’s Pixel 3 and newer models also have wireless charging, while brands like LG and Motorola might offer it on select models. If you’re unsure what phones support wireless charging, a quick online search or a glance at your device’s specs can confirm it.