Why Is Wireless Charging So Slow and How to Speed It Up?

You’ve probably noticed that dropping your phone on a wireless charging pad doesn’t feel nearly as quick as plugging in a cable. In fact, one of the most common questions people ask is, “why is wireless charging so slow?”

The answer isn’t just one thing — it’s a mix of how the technology works, the charger you’re using, and even small everyday factors like phone cases or heat. In this guide, you’ll get a clear breakdown of why wireless charging often lags behind, plus straightforward tips to help you speed things up without giving up the convenience of going cable-free.

alt: Placing a phone on wireless charger pad

How Wireless Charging Works?

Using a wireless charger is easy: just plug it into a power outlet, set your phone on the pad or stand, and it starts charging automatically — no cable needed. But how does it actually work?

At its core, wireless charging relies on the principle of electromagnetic induction. The charger has a built-in coil that generates a magnetic field, while your phone has a corresponding coil that picks up that energy and converts it into power for the battery.

Here’s what happens step by step:

1. The wireless charger receives power and generates an alternating current (AC).
2. That AC flows through its transmitter coil, creating a magnetic field just above the pad.
3. When you place your phone on the pad, its receiver coil aligns with the transmitter coil.
4. The magnetic field induces an alternating current in the phone’s coil, transferring power wirelessly.
5. The phone then converts the AC into direct current (DC), regulates it, and feeds it into the battery safely.

Since the coils don’t physically touch, proper alignment and distance make a big difference. The closer and more precisely the coils line up, the faster and more efficiently your device charges.

The main wireless charging standards in use today

Qi (Wireless Power Consortium)

Most wireless chargers today use the universal Qi (pronounced “chee”) standard. It was developed by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) and has been widely adopted across Apple, Samsung, Google, and other major tech brands. Qi chargers typically deliver between 5W, 7.5W, 10W, or 15W, depending on what your phone can accept.

MagSafe (Apple)

Apple built MagSafe on top of Qi but added a ring of magnets around the charging coils. This ensures your iPhone snaps into the ideal spot every time, making alignment fool-proof and charging more efficient and consistent.

On iPhone 12 through iPhone 15, MagSafe delivers up to 15W of power when paired with a 20W or higher USB-C PD adapter—twice as fast as the 7.5W you’d get from a standard Qi charger.

With the iPhone 16 series, Apple introduced a new MagSafe option capable of 25W when paired with a 30W or higher adapter, enough to charge an iPhone 16 to about 50% in 30 minutes, bringing wireless charging much closer to wired speeds.

Qi2 (the next gen open standard)

Launched in 2023 by the WPC, Qi2 takes the best of MagSafe—magnetic alignment—and makes it an open standard. The Magnetic Power Profile uses the same magnet layout as MagSafe, so devices automatically snap into the right position. Certified Qi2 chargers support 15W wireless charging on compatible devices, including iPhone 12-16 and newer Android models.

In 2025, the WPC released Qi2.2 (Qi2 25W), matching the speed of the newer MagSafe. While Qi2.2-certified wireless chargers and compatible devices are still rolling out, it’s expected to become the go-to standard for wireless charging moving forward.

alt: Qi2 wireless charger for iPhone

Why Is Your Phone Charging So Slow on a Wireless Charger?

If you’ve ever muttered, “Why is my wireless charging so slow?” you’re definitely not alone. While the reasons can differ depending on your phone or charger, several recurring issues often cause sluggish charging speeds:

Wireless charging is naturally less efficient than wired

When you connect a cable, electricity flows directly from the charger into your phone with very little resistance or loss. Wireless charging, on the other hand, transfers energy through coils and a magnetic field. Some of that energy is always lost in the process, usually as heat. Even in perfect alignment, wireless charging simply can’t match the efficiency of a cable.

Heat and automatic throttling

Wireless charging naturally generates more heat than wired for the same energy delivered. To protect the battery, modern phones constantly monitor battery temperature and will slow or even pause charging if things get too warm.

Alignment and coil mismatch

Wireless charging depends on two coils lining up. If your phone isn’t properly centred on the charger, efficiency plummets. This is why newer standards like MagSafe and Qi2 use magnets to snap the phone into the right position and keep speeds consistent. With traditional Qi chargers, even small shifts can halve the charging speed.

Power limits on your phone, charger and adapter

Your wireless charging speed depends on the lowest-rated part of your setup. If your phone only supports 10W wireless input, or your pad only delivers 7.5W, or your wall adapter can’t provide enough juice, the whole system drops to the weakest link.

For example, Apple’s MagSafe can deliver up to 15W of power on iPhone 12 through 15 when paired with a 20W or higher USB-C PD adapter. On iPhone 16, it goes up to 25W with a 30W or higher adapter.

To get those top speeds, you’ll need three things: a compatible iPhone that supports fast charging, a certified MagSafe charger, and a power adapter with enough wattage.

Distance and cases

Any extra gap between coils lowers efficiency. Slim plastic or silicone cases under 5 mm thick usually don’t cause issues. But thicker cases, wallet-style covers, or accessories with metal or magnets can create extra distance or interference. That weakens the power reaching your battery or can stop charging altogether.

Foreign object detection and safety cuts

If something gets stuck between your phone and the charger, like credit cards, grips, magnets, or a stray coin, it can interfere with the charging process. Most certified chargers include Foreign Object Detection (FOD), which automatically stops the power if metal is detected. This helps avoid overheating or potential damage.

Using your phone while charging

If you’re streaming video, gaming, or running GPS while charging, the phone is pulling power at the same time it’s trying to fill the battery. That extra heat and demand slows down the net charging speed, and in some cases the phone will throttle power to protect itself.

How to Speed up Wireless Charging?

Wireless charging may be slower by nature, but there are several practical ways to reduce charging time and improve efficiency. Here’s how you can charge smarter and faster:

1. Use a certified wireless charger with higher power output

The easiest way to get faster wireless charging is to use a certified charger with the highest output available.

For iPhone 12 and newer models, standard Qi chargers are limited to 7.5W. But if you switch to a MagSafe or Qi2 wireless charger for iPhone, and pair it with the right wall adapter, you can double that speed or even go higher:

• 15Won iPhone 12–15 (with a 20W+ USB-C PD adapter)
• Up to 25Won iPhone 16 (with a 30W+ adapter)

Many Android phones also support fast wireless charging up to 15W or more, but only when paired with compatible chargers and power adapters from the same manufacturer.

For a compact and reliable all-in-one option, the Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station (Foldable 3-in-1). It’s Qi2-certified and can deliver up to 15W to an iPhone, while also wirelessly charging an Apple Watch and AirPods simultaneously. The station comes with a 40W USB-C PD adapter and cable, which is important because a higher-rated power source is what lets the pad reach its full output.

Its magnetic design ensures your phone snaps into the right spot for efficient charging, while the custom Qi2 module uses high-conductivity aluminium and a split layout to improve heat dissipation. Features like ActiveShield 2.0 continuous temperature monitoring and MultiProtect, including Foreign Object Detection and surge protection, keep performance safe and steady.

On top of that, you get official fast charging for Apple Watch (a Series 9 can reach 47% in about 30 minutes), a secure anti-slip spot for earbuds, and an adjustable stand that tilts between 60–70°, making it practical for StandBy or nightstand mode. It also folds down to the size of a deck of cards and weighs around 196 g, so it’s travel-friendly as well as space-saving.

alt: Anker MagGo wireless charging station foldable 3-in-1 bedside

2. Align your phone properly

If your phone isn’t lined up with the charging coils, energy transfer drops significantly. On standard Qi chargers, make sure to place your phone right in the centre of the pad or stand for the best results.

If you have an iPhone 12 or newer, it’s much simpler: MagSafe and Qi2 chargers use built-in magnets to snap your phone into the perfect spot automatically, so you don’t have to fuss with manual alignment.

3. Remove thick or metal cases and accessories

Phone cases with metal elements, card holders, pop sockets, or magnetic plates can interfere with energy transfer or trigger Foreign Object Detection (FOD), causing the charger to slow down or stop. For faster results:

• Use a slim plastic or silicone case (ideally under 5 mm) or remove it entirely during charging.
• Avoid any metal or other accessory between the phone and the pad.
• For iPhones with MagSafe, using a MagSafe-compatible caseis recommended. It ensures proper magnetic alignment for efficient charging while still keeping your device protected.

4. Reduce heat during charging

Wireless charging generates more heat than wired charging. Most phones automatically slow charging when they get too warm. To reduce heat build-up:

• Avoid charging in direct sunlight or on soft surfaces like beds or sofas.
• Let the phone rest: don’t game, stream, or navigate while charging.
• Remove the case if it insulates the phone and traps heat.

5. Keep your phone software up to date

Smartphones manage wireless charging through their operating system and built-in power management software. Updates can include improvements to charging efficiency, thermal management, or bug fixes. To get the best performance, always keep your phone’s software current.

Conclusion

So, why is wireless charging so slow? As we’ve seen, it boils down to physics (natural energy loss), alignment hassles, underpowered adapters, heat build-up, incompatible gear, and sometimes simple case interference. The good news is that most of these hurdles are easily overcome. By using certified Qi2 chargers like the Anker MagGo, the right adapters, and simple habits like keeping your phone cool, you can get the benefits of wireless charging without waiting longer than you need to.

FAQs

Why won’t my phone fast charge wirelessly?

Fast wireless charging only works if your phone, charging pad, and mains adaptor all support the same fast-charge standard. For example, iPhone 15 models charge at up to 15W with a MagSafe or Qi2 wireless charger and a 20W+ adaptor. Make sure you’re using a certified charger and a high-enough-rated adaptor and place the phone correctly on the pad. Thick or metal cases, poor alignment, or heat can all reduce speed. On Samsung devices, check that “Fast wireless charging” is switched on in Battery settings.

Is wireless charging slower with a case?

Yes, it can. Thick, rugged, or metal-lined cases can create extra distance between the charging coils, interfere with the signal, or cause heat buildup. All of these issues can slow charging or even stop it altogether. For the best results, stick with a thin plastic or silicone case for standard Qi charging, use a MagSafe-compatible case for MagSafe/Qi2 charging, or simply remove the case if you notice slower speeds or your phone heating up.

How can I speed up my wireless charging?

To get the best speeds, use a certified high-wattage charger and mains adapter that match your phone’s maximum wireless charging capacity, like Qi2 or MagSafe chargers for iPhone. Align your phone precisely on the pad, and remove thick, metal, or magnetic cases that can interfere with power transfer. Keeping the phone and charger cool can also help maintain faster charging speeds.