Many phone users have been switching to wireless chargers, and it’s not hard to see why. They’re the future of charging — and highly convenient. There’s just one question that most potential users wonder about: Will wireless charging work with a phone case on?
Wireless charging will work through most phone cases. That’s because this kind of charging doesn’t need your phone and the charging pad to be in direct contact. However, very bulky cases can interfere with the charging process.
Let’s take a closer look at how phone cases impact wireless charging, the best kinds of cases to use, and the types of cases you should definitely avoid.
Will Wireless Chargers Work With a Case On?
Yes, wireless charging will usually work even if your phone is encased. This is especially true if you have a wireless charging-friendly case from one of the top companies, such as Apple’s MagSafe Charger (on Amazon) or the Anker Wireless Charger Stand (also on Amazon).
It’s always important to check whether a case is made explicitly for wireless charging or not. This is because there are some cases that may interrupt the wireless charging technology.
For instance, cases that are too bulky or thick create a barrier between your phone and the charging pad. Similarly, if your case is metallic, it may interrupt the flow of current from the pad to your phone.
Therefore, you must consider the material and thickness of the case before making a purchase. You should also note that the charger itself also has an effect. Even if you have a phone cover that allows charging, a low-quality charger may fail to do the job.
Battery and wallet cases may also interrupt the charging process.
The good news is that manufacturers are slowly enhancing their wireless compatibility. For wallet cases, the main issue involves damaging what is inside as opposed to not being compatible.
In a nutshell, if you want to use a case while charging wirelessly, make sure it’s not particularly thick or metallic. Your best bet is a thin plastic case that doesn’t block your phone’s sensors. You’ll also want to ensure that the phone case is compatible with wireless chargers.
Best Cases for Wireless Charging
There are various cases suitable for wireless charging. However, understanding how the wireless charging system works is crucial before making a purchasing decision.
For starters, there are three main components to a charging pad or mat: coils, magnets, and electronics. The coil inside the mat generates an alternating current (AC), while the electronics convert the AC into direct current (DC) before sending it back through the wires into the coil. That means that your phone or other devices will only receive DC power when placed on the coils.
This entire process uses electromagnetic induction to transfer energy between two objects — in this case, your phone and its charging pad. The pad generates an electromagnetic field that induces a current in the coils in your phone’s battery. It then creates an electrical circuit that powers up your phone’s battery.
Pro tip: Both devices must be very close together for this process to work. The recommended distance is 3mm, and the maximum is 5mm.
If there’s any barrier between the pad and your phone, the process will be cut off, limiting current flow and inhibiting the charging process.
It’s important to note that there are different standards for wireless charging, with the most common one being Qi (pronounced “chee”). Other standards are PMA and A4WP, though these are less common than Qi. However, all use the same technology of electromagnetic induction.
Some of the cases you can use for wireless charging include:
- Plastic cases
- Glass cases
- Silicone cases
- Synthetic cases
- Leather cases
- Rubber cases
- Any other thin case (ideally not more than 3-5 mm) that isn’t metallic