Wireless chargers are growing more and more widespread, with most of the latest smartphones being compatible with wireless charging. However, wireless chargers can get hot after charging, and many people worry that the chargers will damage their phones. So, what should you do when your charger heats up?
If your wireless charger gets too hot, it could be due to misalignment with the phone, a damaged charger, or something blocking the charger. To fix the problem, make sure the charger and phone are properly aligned by watching the phone a few moments to make sure it starts charging.
Let’s take a closer look at what causes wireless chargers to overheat and some possible solutions to this problem.
Is It Normal for Your Wireless Charger to Become Hot?
Although it’s normal for wireless chargers will get slightly hot while charging, they shouldn’t be hot enough to burn your hands or damage your phone. If your wireless charger gets too hot, it’s often because the charger is damaged or because it’s incompatible with your specific smartphone.
Wireless chargers get slightly hotter than cable chargers because they transfer electricity using magnetic induction. While the energy transferred is too little to generate significant heat, the wireless charging plate will get warm after a few hours of charging.
Even Apple MagSafe charger (on Amazon) which is made of sleek aluminum gets hot to the touch, not enough to burn you or anything, but still. Qi-compatible wireless chargers have strict safety protocols, and they shouldn’t generate heat at levels that can be hazardous.
Smartphones that are compatible with wireless charging may also get slightly hot when charging. The copper plate inside the phone that receives the inductive current from the charger will heat up, but it’s nothing that your smartphone can’t handle.
All that said, if your phone or wireless charger gets too hot to touch, you should have it checked out.
Reasons Your Wireless Charger Is Overheating
If your wireless charger is overheating, the most likely cause is that it’s damaged. However, wireless chargers may also overheat for a few reasons, such as if they aren’t aligned properly with the smartphone.
Some common reasons why wireless chargers overheat include:
The Charger Is Damaged
The main cause of overheating is a damaged internal component of the wireless charger. Damage to the charger’s copper coil could cause it to become too hot, causing severe damage to your phone.
Never use a broken wireless charger because even the slightest issue can cause significant damage to your phone. There’s also the risk of short circuits if the charger is damaged.
The Wireless Charger and Smartphone Aren’t Aligned Properly
Many wireless chargers only work when the charging coil is properly aligned with the receiving coil in the smartphone. If the two aren’t properly aligned, it could cause the charger to overheat, and your phone will take longer than usual to charge.
Some wireless chargers don’t need the phone to be placed perfectly on the charging pad and can charge the battery even if it’s a few centimeters above the charger. However, if your wireless charger needs to be aligned with the smartphone’s coil, make sure you do so before charging it.
Something’s Blocking the Charger
Many wireless chargers won’t work if the battery is more than 4 mm above the charging pad. If you have a thick phone case or phone key ring that comes between the charger and the phone, it may cause the charger to overheat.
Wireless chargers can also overheat if there’s a metal object between the phone and the charging pad. Avoid having metal phone rings or placing your credit cards in your phone casing, as they can interfere with the charger’s electromagnetic field.
There’s a Problem With the Wall Adapter
Sometimes the overheating problem may have nothing to do with your charger or phone. If the wall adapter connecting the charger or USB cable is damaged, it could cause problems with the charger. Always use the recommended cables or one provided by the charging manufacturer for safe charging.
You’re Using an Incompatible Wireless Charger
Wireless chargers are still in the development stage, but many low-quality options have already entered the market. While you may save a few dollars with these options, they aren’t safe for your phone and have a greater risk of overheating.
Always use Qi-compatible wireless chargers that have passed the required safety tests since many second-grade options are incompatible with major smartphone brands.
The Fast-Charging Feature Generates Excessive Heat
Many of the latest wireless chargers have a “fast charging” mode that allows you to charge your phone with a higher power output. While regular wireless chargers charge at 5 W power output, some chargers can deliver 10-15 W of power in fast charging mode. However, this can also generate more heat.
If your charger overheats when the fast charging mode is on, change the mode to regular charging, and
the issue should be resolved.
What to Do When Your Charger Gets Too Hot
If your phone gets slightly hot when you take it off a wireless charger, there’s no need to be worried. However, if it’s generating excessive heat, you should look for the cause of the problem.
Most of the best wireless chargers come with a warranty, and you can have it repaired or exchanged if there’s something wrong with the charger.
Here are some solutions to fix the overheating problem on a wireless charger:
Close All Apps
If there are apps open on your smartphone, it could cause the phone to get hot while charging. While some apps use minimal battery power and won’t be an issue, video or game apps may cause interference when the phone is on charge.
Remove Any Obstructions Between the Charger and Phone
If your phone’s cover is too thick or it has a metal phone ring holder, you’ll have to remove them before placing your phone on the charging pad. Also, make sure that there aren’t any metallic objects like credit cards in your phone’s cover when using wireless charging.
Make Sure the Phone Is Compatible
Not all wireless chargers are compatible with all smartphone models. Most smartphones that are compatible with wireless charging will only work with Qi-compatible chargers. Avoid using chargers that aren’t Qi-compatible unless they’re made for your smartphone brand.
Make Sure the Charger Isn’t Damaged
Overheating problems are usually caused by damage to the charger. Check for cracks or other signs of damage on the charger. You can also test it with a different phone to see whether the problem is with the charger or your smartphone.
Use a Different Charger
Since wireless charging is a relatively new technology, it’s best to go with a reputable brand. If you have a charger with no overheat protection or one that’s damaging your phone, get a new wireless charger. One of our favorites is the Anker 313 Wireless Charger (on Amazon).
Is Your Charger Damaged? Here’s What to Look For
All wireless chargers produce some heat because of their design. But how can you tell whether the heat is normal or it’s because your charger is damaged? Here are a few signs that your wireless charger is damaged:
It Charges Too Slowly
Most wireless chargers have a minimum charging output of 5 W, which is on par with most cable chargers. However, if the charging time suddenly increases, and the phone starts getting too hot after charging, it’s a sign that something’s wrong with the charger.
The Charger Gets Too Hot
While all wireless chargers will get a little hot after charging a phone, you’ll still be able to touch the charging pad. However, when the charging pad starts feeling like the surface of a stove or iron, you’ll know there’s something wrong with it.
The Charger Doesn’t Switch On
Most wireless chargers have a light that indicates they’re working. Some chargers will even show you how much the phone’s battery is charged and how hot the charging pad is.
If none of these functions work and the charger doesn’t switch on, it’s a sign that your charger is damaged.