Can You Charge an iPhone With Another iPhone? Here's How It Works

You're out with a friend when your iPhone battery drops dangerously low, but their phone still has plenty of charge. Could you simply connect the two and borrow some power? If you've ever wondered whether you can charge an iPhone with another iPhone, the answer is yes, provided you have compatible models and the right cable.

It's a handy solution when you need enough battery to make a call, check your train ticket or get home. Here's how iPhone-to-iPhone charging works, which models support it and what you can realistically expect from the charging speed.

Quick Answer: Can You Charge an iPhone With Another iPhone?

Yes. An iPhone 15 or later with a USB-C port can share battery power with another iPhone through a suitable cable. You can connect two USB-C iPhones or use a USB-C to Lightning cable to charge an older model.

There's no need to install an app or enable a special charging mode. Power sharing works automatically once the devices establish a compatible connection.

However, iPhone-to-iPhone charging is limited to up to 4.5W, making it more useful for an emergency top-up than a full recharge. iPhones also cannot share battery power wirelessly simply by placing them back-to-back.

Which iPhones Can Share Battery Power?

The key requirement is that the iPhone providing power must have a USB-C port. Apple introduced USB-C with the iPhone 15 series, and newer models continue to support the connection.

Older iPhones with Lightning ports can still receive power from a USB-C iPhone using the appropriate cable, even though they cannot act as a USB-C power source themselves.

Here's how different combinations work:

One useful distinction is how the charging direction works. When two USB-C iPhones are connected, they can determine which device has less battery and transfer power towards it.

With a USB-C to Lightning connection, the USB-C iPhone acts as the source, even if its own battery percentage is lower than that of the older phone. It's worth checking both battery levels before connecting them.

How to Charge an iPhone With Another iPhone

You only need two compatible iPhones and a suitable charging cable. Once connected, the phones handle the power transfer automatically.

Step 1: Check which iPhone can provide power

First, identify the charging ports on both phones. If you're using two iPhone 15 or newer models with USB-C, the device with more battery will normally supply power to the one with less.

If one phone is an older Lightning model, the USB-C iPhone will need to provide the power. Make sure it has enough battery to spare before connecting it.

Step 2: Choose the correct charging cable

The cable depends on the ports on your two phones:

• USB-C to USB-C: For two iPhones with USB-C ports, including iPhone 15 and newer models. The USB-C cable supplied with your iPhone can work for this connection.
• USB-C to Lightning: For transferring power from a USB-C iPhone to an older iPhone with a Lightning port.

A properly functioning, compliant cable with the right connectors is sufficient.

Step 3: Connect the two iPhones

Plug one end of the cable into each phone. Charging should begin automatically once the connection is established.

Check the receiving iPhone for its charging indicator. You can also open the Battery settings or check the battery percentage after a few minutes to confirm that the connection is working.

Step 4: Disconnect when you have enough power

Once the receiving iPhone has gained enough charge for your immediate needs, disconnect the cable.

Remember that the phone supplying electricity is using its own battery. If you're borrowing power from a friend's iPhone, it makes sense to stop once you have enough charge to make a call, access directions or complete another essential task.

You can also reduce the receiving phone's power consumption by lowering screen brightness or enabling Low Power Mode while it charges.

How Fast Is iPhone-to-iPhone Charging?

iPhone-to-iPhone charging is much slower than regular USB-C fast charging. According to Apple's USB-C charging guidance, iPhone 15 and later models can share power at up to 4.5W, considerably less than a dedicated iPhone charger.

To put that into perspective, an iPhone 16 can reach up to 50% charge in around 30 minutes with a 20W or higher USB-C wall charger. Borrowing power from another iPhone, such as an iPhone 17, however, will give you a much smaller battery boost over the same period.

The actual increase depends on the receiving phone's battery capacity and how much power it's using. Navigation, video calls and other demanding activities can consume much of the incoming power.

Still, even a small top-up can be enough to make an important call, access your train ticket or get directions home when no other charging option is available.

For a regular charging session, though, you're better off using a dedicated iPhone fast charger or power bank.

Can You Share iPhone Battery Power Wirelessly?

No. Unlike some Android phones, iPhones do NOT support reverse wireless charging, so placing two iPhones back-to-back won't transfer battery power.

Apple hasn't officially explained why it hasn't introduced this feature, but charging efficiency and heat management may be factors. Wireless power sharing generates extra heat, wastes some energy during transfer and drains the phone supplying power.

Some Android phones, such as Samsung Galaxy models with Wireless PowerShare, can wirelessly charge another Qi-compatible phone, including an iPhone. For now, sharing battery power between two iPhones requires a cable.

The same distinction matters with smaller Apple accessories. A USB-C iPhone can supply power to an Apple Watch through its dedicated USB-C magnetic charging cable, but an Apple Watch charging puck isn't interchangeable with an iPhone wireless charger.

Our guide to whether an Apple Watch charger can charge an iPhone explains the difference.

Better Ways to Keep Your iPhone Charged

Sharing battery power between iPhones can help in an emergency, but having your own charger or power bank ready is far more convenient. At Anker, our iPhone USB-C chargers offer options for different charging needs, while a portable power bank keeps you connected when there's no socket nearby.

Anker Nano Charger (45W, Smart Display)

For everyday charging at home, work or while travelling, the Anker Nano Charger (45W, Smart Display) brings intelligent charging features to a compact USB-C adapter.

It recognises supported USB-C iPhone models, provides useful charging information on its interactive display and offers a cooler charging option through TÜV-certified Care Mode.

With up to 45W output, it can charge an iPhone 17 Pro to 50% in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for a quick top-up before heading out.

Key Features:

• 45W Smart 3-Stage Charging: Automatically adjusts power delivery to meet your device's changing needs, supporting efficient fast charging throughout the day.
• Smart iPhone Recognition: Identifies supported USB-C iPhone (18/17/16/15 series) and battery information, with future model recognition supported through OTA updates via the Anker app.
• Interactive Smart Display: Over 20 interfaces show charging power, temperature and status, making it easy to follow charging progress.
• TÜV-Certified Care Mode: Helps keep your phone's battery temperature up to 5°C lower, offering a cooler option for longer charging sessions.
• Compact GaN Design: Measuring 77.3 × 35.8 × 34 mm and weighing just 90 g, it's easy to carry between home, work and travel.

Best for: Everyday charging across smartphones and smaller USB-C devices, especially for users who value intelligent charging, battery care and portability.

Anker MagGo Power Bank 2 Pro

For days when you're away from a socket, the Anker MagGo Power Bank 2 Pro gives you a dependable source of portable power without draining another phone.

With 10,000mAh capacity, it combines fast magnetic wireless charging, active cooling and flexible USB-C charging. The built-in stand also adds convenience when you want to keep using your phone hands-free.

Key Features:

• Certified Qi2 25W Magnetic Charging: Delivers up to 25W wireless charging for supported iPhone 16, 17 and 18 models, bringing them to 50% in around 30 minutes. Strong magnetic attachment keeps your phone securely aligned for convenient cable-free charging on the move.
• SnapCool Active Cooling: A smart fan, dual air channels and three-layer graphene help keep the power bank below 36°C, supporting consistent fast wireless charging. Cool and Silent modes offer control over cooling performance and noise.
• 45W Two-Way USB-C Charging: Provides up to 45W wired output for fast charging your iPhone, while the power bank itself can recharge to 80% in just 52 minutes with a 45W charger.
• Smart Display: Six screen interfaces show charging power, battery level, battery health and temperature, making it easy to monitor charging at a glance.
• Adjustable Stand: Supports viewing angles from 0° to 80°, allowing comfortable hands-free viewing while your phone charges.

Best for: Commuters, travellers and anyone who wants versatile portable charging with fast wired and wireless options, active cooling and hands-free convenience.

Conclusion

So, can you charge an iPhone with another iPhone? Yes. With at least one compatible USB-C iPhone and the right cable, you can share a limited amount of battery power without a wall charger.

It's a useful emergency option, particularly when you only need enough charge for a call, message or journey home. For everyday charging, however, a dedicated charger or power bank is more convenient and avoids draining another phone.

Anker offers compact wall chargers and portable magnetic power banks that make it easier to stay powered wherever your day takes you.

FAQs

How do I turn on battery sharing on an iPhone?

You don't need to enable a setting. On compatible USB-C iPhones, wired power sharing begins automatically when you connect the devices with the correct cable. If both phones use USB-C, the one with more battery normally supplies power to the other. Check the charging indicator on the receiving iPhone to confirm the transfer has started.

Can an iPhone 15 or newer charge an older Lightning iPhone?

Yes. An iPhone 15 or later with USB-C can supply power to an older Lightning-equipped iPhone using a suitable USB-C to Lightning cable. The USB-C iPhone acts as the power source, even if its battery percentage is lower. Charging is limited to a low power output (up to 4.5W), so this works best as a temporary top-up rather than a full recharge. It's useful when an older iPhone needs enough battery for an essential task.

Can two iPhones charge each other wirelessly?

No. iPhones do not support direct wireless battery sharing with another iPhone, so placing two phones back-to-back won't transfer power between them. Qi, MagSafe and Qi2 allow a compatible iPhone to receive wireless power from a charging accessory, but that doesn't turn the phone itself into a wireless charging pad. If you want cable-free charging away from a socket, use a compatible wireless power bank with its own battery.