Qi Wireless Charging: What You Need to Know in 2025

Cables always seem to twist themselves into knots, don’t they? Qi wireless charging is here to fix that. You just drop your phone on a pad, and it starts charging, no plugs, no fuss.

But how does it actually work? And what’s this new Qi2 standard everyone’s talking about? In this guide, you’ll get the basics, see what’s new, find out if your phone’s ready to charge without cables, and decide if wireless charging really fits your lifestyle.

 

 

What Is Qi Wireless Charging?

Qi wireless charging (pronounced “chee”) is a universal standard that lets you power devices without plugging them in. Instead of using a cable, you simply place your phone, earbuds case, or smartwatch on a Qi-certified charging pad or stand, and it begins charging automatically.

The Qi standard was developed back in 2010 by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), a global group that sets shared rules so different brands can work together. That means a Qi-enabled pad from a third-party manufacturer like Anker can safely charge an iPhone, Samsung, or a Google Pixel, no brand-specific cords required.

Today, most major phone makers, including Apple, Samsung, and Google, build Qi compatibility into their devices. The idea is simple: fewer cables, less wear on charging ports, and a cleaner way to keep your tech powered.

How Does Qi Wireless Charging Work?

So, how does wireless charging for Qi standard work, exactly? At its core, Qi charging uses electromagnetic induction, the same principle that powers electric toothbrushes and some cooking hobs.

The charger and your phone each have a coil, and together they form a magnetic link that moves energy without any wires.

Here’s what happens step by step:

[if !supportLists]1. [endif]Power and field: Once you plug a Qi charger into power, it runs a small alternating current (AC) through its transmitter coil, usually between 110 and 205 kHz. This current creates a magnetic field just strong enough for the phone to capture.

[if !supportLists]2. [endif]Pickup and convert: There’s a matching Qi receiver coil built into the back of your phone. When you place it flat on the charging pad or stand, the magnetic field from the Qi charger induces an alternating voltage and current in your phone’s coil. The phone then converts that into direct current (DC), the kind its battery can store.

[if !supportLists]3. [endif]Smart control: While charging, your phone constantly talks to the charger. It sends small control signals to tweak the power level and tells the pad to stop once the battery is full. This two-way communication keeps Qi charging wireless system safe, efficient, and stable.

[if !supportLists]4. [endif]Safety checks: Qi chargers also include foreign object detection (FOD). If the pad senses something like keys or coins between the coils, it lowers or stops the power to prevent heat buildup and wasted energy.

Because this kind of Qi inductive wireless charging only works over very short distances, the coils need to be close and well-aligned for energy to flow efficiently. Even a small offset can slow things down or waste power. That’s why most standard Qi chargers deliver between 5W and 15W.

 

 

Qi2 and Qi2.2: What’s New in the Latest Generations?

So, if that’s how Qi wireless charger charging actually works, what’s new with all this talk about Qi2 and Qi2.2? These newer standards build on the same idea, just with magnets, better alignment, and faster speeds.

What Is Qi2?

To understand Qi2, it helps to start with what came before.

The original Qi standard set the rules for wireless charging. It works with most iPhone, Android phones, and accessories today, but iPhones have always been limited to 7.5W on basic Qi pads.

In 2020, Apple changed the game with MagSafe. Instead of leaving you to line up your phone by guesswork, MagSafe used a ring of magnets around the Qi coils to snap the iPhone perfectly into place on the charger.

That small change made wireless charging both easier and more efficient, while also boosting speed to up to 15W when using an official MagSafe charger. MagSafe debuted with the iPhone 12 lineup and has been built into every flagship iPhone since.

Seeing how well that worked, the WPC built those same ideas into the open Qi2 standard, announced in 2023. Qi2 uses the same magnetic alignment system (officially called the Magnetic Power Profile, or MPP) and supports up to 15W of wireless power. The goal: make MagSafe-style charging universal, not just an Apple thing.

With Qi2, new Android phones and accessories now share the same convenient snap-on design. And if you’re an iPhone user, iOS updates added Qi2 compatibility to iPhone 12, 13, and 14, while iPhone 15 launched with it built in.

 

 

What Is Qi2 25W (Qi2.2)?

The story doesn’t stop there. In 2024, Apple raised MagSafe’s top speed to 25W with the iPhone 16 lineup. That bump meant a near-50% increase in power, faster top-ups without much more heat.

The WPC followed soon after with Qi2.2, also branded Qi2 25W, officially announced in July 2025. This update brings the same higher-speed charging to the open Qi standard, giving Android and iPhone users alike access to up to 25W certified charging.

That means if you pick up a new Qi2 25W-certified charger, you’ll get the same top speeds that MagSafe users do, as long as your phone supports it. The iPhone 17 family and iPhone Air (limited at 20W) already do, and the iPhone 16 models will too once updated to iOS 26.

 

 

Why It Matters

The biggest win from Qi2 and Qi2.2 is alignment and efficiency. Magnets keep the phone exactly where it should be, which cuts energy loss and keeps temperatures lower. That means more consistent speeds and fewer half-charged mornings.

Quick Comparison: Qi, MagSafe, and Qi2

Standard / System	Year Introduced	Magnetic Alignment	Max Certified Power	Typical Use or Devices
Qi	2010	No	Up to 15W (iPhones limited to 7.5W)	Most modern phones and earbuds
MagSafe 15W	2020	Yes	15W	iPhone 12–17
Qi2 15W	2023	Yes	15W	iPhone 12–17, newer Android phones
MagSafe 25W	2024	Yes	25W	iPhone 16 and 17
Qi2 25W	2025	Yes	25W	iPhone 16, 17, and upcoming Qi2 25W-compatible Android devices

Why Use Qi Wireless Charging? Pros & Trade-Offs

You see, Qi standard wireless charging isn’t just a gadget trend; it’s about making charging simpler and cleaner. You set your phone down and it starts charging, no cable to plug in, no port to wear out. For many people, that alone is worth it. But as with any technology, there are pros and trade-offs to think through.

The Benefits

[if !supportLists]● [endif]Convenience: You don’t need to hunt for cables or plug anything in. Just drop your phone on a pad or stand, at your desk, bedside table, or in your car, and it begins charging. The newer Qi2 and MagSafe systems use magnets, so the phone aligns itself automatically.

[if !supportLists]● [endif]Less wear and tear: Because you’re not plugging and unplugging a connector several times a day, your phone’s charging port lasts longer. That’s especially helpful for waterproof phones, where the port is sealed tightly.

[if !supportLists]● [endif]Universal compatibility: Qi is an open standard, not tied to a single brand. A certified Qi or Qi2 pad will charge almost any modern phone or earbuds case that carries the same logo, Android or iPhone alike.

[if !supportLists]● [endif]Cleaner setup: Tired of tangled cords and cluttered adapters? Wireless chargers can tidy up your desk or nightstand. Many multi-device hubs now let you charge your phone, watch, and earbuds at once, one plug for the whole lot.

[if !supportLists]● [endif]Safe by design: Qi certification includes checks for temperature control and foreign object detection. That means if you accidentally drop a coin or key between the phone and pad, the charger automatically lowers power or shuts off to prevent heat build-up.

The Trade-Offs

[if !supportLists]● [endif]Slower than a wire (for now): Even with the latest Qi2 25W update, wireless charging still trails the fastest wired standards. Plug-in USB-C chargers can hit 30W, 45W, or more, depending on the phone. For example, the latest iPhone 17 series can charge up to 40W now. Qi2 25W narrows that gap but doesn’t erase it.

[if !supportLists]● [endif]Energy loss and heat: By nature, wireless systems convert power less efficiently. A little energy is lost as heat, especially if the phone isn’t perfectly aligned or uses a thick case. Qi2’s magnetic positioning improves this, but wired charging still wins for raw efficiency.

[if !supportLists]● [endif]Placement is key. For wireless charging to work efficiently, the coils in your phone and charger must be properly aligned. A slight misalignment can slow or stop charging altogether. Qi2 uses magnets to snap your device into the right spot, making alignment simple. But with standard Qi pads, even a minor shift can break the connection and halt charging.

[if !supportLists]● [endif]Price and compatibility limits: Good wireless chargers cost more than basic cables and adapters, and not all “Qi” products are certified. Sticking to Qi-certified or Qi2-certified accessories ensures safe operation and the full power speed your device supports.

Is My Device Qi Compatible?

Wondering if your device supports Qi wireless charging? Check the logo on the box or product listing. Certified devices display the official Qi or Qi2 logo and often list a Qi ID.

You can look that ID (or the model name) up in the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) database. It lists every Qi- and Qi2-certified phone, charger, and accessory. Or you could just search your phone model online and look for “Qi certified” in the specs.

Below are some popular Qi-compatible phones and gadgets:

What Devices Support Qi?

Qi is now built into most modern smartphones and plenty of other gadgets. You’re covered if you have:

[if !supportLists]· [endif]Any iPhone 8 or newer, including the iPhone 16e and iPhone SE (2nd & 3rd gen)

[if !supportLists]· [endif]AirPods 2, 3, 4, and all AirPods Pro models with wireless charging cases

[if !supportLists]· [endif]Samsung Galaxy S20 series and newer

[if !supportLists]· [endif]Galaxy Z Flip and Galaxy Fold series

[if !supportLists]· [endif]Galaxy Buds+ and later

[if !supportLists]· [endif]Google Pixel 3 series and newer, except for the Pixel 3a, 4a, 5a, and 6a models

If your device falls into one of these, it already supports standard Qi wireless charging.

What Devices Support Qi2 (15W)?

Qi2 adds magnetic alignment and boosts speed up to 15W. It’s currently found on:

[if !supportLists]· [endif]All iPhone 12–17 models, except the iPhone 16e

[if !supportLists]· [endif]HMD Skyline, the first Android phone publicly confirmed with Qi2 charging

[if !supportLists]· [endif]Google Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold, all of which include Qi2 15W magnetic charging

Most Android flagships still use regular Qi for now, but Qi2 support is spreading fast.

If you already have one of the phones above and want a compatible Qi2-certified charger, try something like the Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station (Foldable 3-in-1).

It combines a 15W Qi2 magnetic stand for your iPhone with a 5W charger for an Apple Watch and another 5W pad for earbuds, all powered from a single outlet.

The magnetic stand clicks your phone into place automatically and holds it at an adjustable angle, so you can still glance at notifications or use StandBy mode while charging. When you’re done, the whole stand folds flat, making it easy to slip into a bag or drawer.

Anker includes a 40W USB-C power adapter and cable in the box, which means you’ll get full 15W performance without needing to buy anything extra.

 

 

What Devices Support Qi2 25W?

The latest update, Qi2 25W, was announced in July 2025. It doubles the certified charging power from 15W to 25W, matching Apple’s new MagSafe speeds.

You’ll find Qi2 25W support on:

[if !supportLists]· [endif]iPhone 17 lineup and iPhone Air (at launch)

[if !supportLists]· [endif]iPhone 16 models once updated to iOS 26

[if !supportLists]· [endif]Google Pixel 10 Pro XL, the first Android phone with full Qi2 25W charging

Just unboxed a brand-new iPhone 17? If you’re setting up a clean, cable-free desk or bedside setup and want to take advantage of Qi2 25W, this Anker Prime Wireless Charging Station (3-in-1, MagGo, AirCool, Dock Stand) is built for exactly that.

It’s a true 3-in-1 dock: a 25W magnetic charger for your phone, plus 5W pads for your Apple Watch and wireless earbuds. Because it’s officially Qi2 25W-certified, the phone clicks into perfect alignment every time, keeping the charge steady and reducing wasted energy.

Where it really stands out is the AirCool system, a smart cooling setup that uses TEC (thermoelectric) active cooling with three distinct modes. You can switch to Boost when you need a quick top-up, Ice when you’re using the phone while it charges, or Sleep when you want a dim, quiet charge overnight.

The live display shows phone, watch, and earbud charging status at a glance, along with temperature indicators so you know everything’s running smoothly.

Setup is straightforward. The charger pairs over Bluetooth or NFC through the Anker app, where you can adjust modes or apply firmware updates. It also comes with a 65W GaN USB-C adapter and cable in the box, so you can hit the full 25 W output right away, no need to buy a separate power brick.

 

 

Quick Reference: Phone Compatibility and Top Speeds

Phone model	Qi (legacy)	Qi2 (15W)	Qi2 25W
iPhone 8–11	Yes	No	No
iPhone 12-15	Yes	Yes	No
iPhone 16-17	Yes	Yes	Yes
iPhone Air	Yes	Yes	Yes (20W)
iPhone 16e	Yes	No	No
iPhone SE (2nd & 3rd gen)	Yes	No	No
Samsung Galaxy S20-S25	Yes	No	No
Google Pixel 9	Yes	No	No
Google Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold	Yes	Yes	No
Google Pixel 10 Pro XL	Yes	Yes	Yes
HMD Skyline	Yes	Yes	No

Conclusion

Qi wireless charging has evolved from a simple cable-free convenience into a reliable, fast, and universal way to power your devices. With Qi2 and now Qi2 25W, it’s faster, smarter, and more consistent than ever, closing the gap between wireless and wired charging. Whether you’re using an iPhone or Android, there’s a Qi-certified option that fits your setup perfectly. If you’re ready to make the switch, Anker’s Qi2 chargers, like the MagGo and Prime stations, offer the right mix of speed, safety, and everyday ease to help you charge without the clutter.

FAQs

What is Qi wireless charging?

Qi (pronounced “chee”) is a universal standard for wireless charging created by the Wireless Power Consortium. It works through electromagnetic induction, sending power from a charging pad to your device, no need to plug in a cable. You simply place your phone on the pad and let it charge. Qi-certified products are tested for safety and compatibility, and the latest Qi2 version adds magnetic alignment and faster charging for supported phones.

How do I know if my phone is Qi enabled?

The easiest way is to check your phone’s manual or look up its specifications online for “Qi wireless charging.” Many devices also show the Qi or Qi2 logo on the back or packaging. You can double-check on the Wireless Power Consortium’s Certified Products Database by searching your phone model. If you own an iPhone, every version from the iPhone 8 onwards supports Qi charging right out of the box.

Which phones can use Qi charging?

Qi wireless charging is supported by almost all modern smartphones. The most popular are Apple iPhones (8 and above), Samsung Galaxy S line, Google Pixel 5 and subsequent, Huawei Mate line, and LG G line. When in doubt, confirm through the phone manufacturer’s website or the Wireless Power Consortium’s Certified Products Database.

How do I turn on Qi charging on my iPhone?

You don’t need to turn anything on. Just plug in a Qi-certified charger, place your iPhone (8 or later) face-up on the pad, and centre it carefully. Charging starts automatically within a few seconds, and you’ll see the charging icon appear. For best results, remove thick or metal cases and avoid placing magnetic objects between your iPhone and the charger.