The future is here — and wireless charging systems are the proof. They’re a great, easy way to keep your devices charged no matter where you are. They’re especially handy for people who don’t like having to constantly plug and unplug their devices. There’s just one question bugging some users: Will your phone charge face down on a wireless charger?
No, your phone won’t charge face down on a wireless charger. This is mainly because the charger and your phone’s back need to be in contact for the electromagnetic field in the charger to reach the Qi charging coil that’s installed on the back of the phone.
In this guide, we’ll highlight how the wireless charging system works and whether your phone’s case affects the charging process. We’ll also help you purchase a case that’s compatible with your wireless charger. Let’s dive in!
How Wireless Charging Works
We can all agree on one thing: the hassle of plugging and unplugging your phone to charge it is pretty annoying. Luckily, wireless charging eliminates this issue. All you need is a wireless charger and an approved device.
Wireless charging uses electromagnetic fields to transfer energy between two objects, for example to power cell phones and other portable devices without the need for cables. The technology used is also referred to as inductive charging, which employs electromagnetic induction to transfer energy from the charging pad to your phone.
Wireless charging occurs in three steps:
- The transmitter converts AC power into radio frequency (RF) energy, which is then transferred to the receiver via an electromagnetic field.
- The receiver converts the RF energy into DC and voltage, which can be used to power low-voltage devices.
- The receiver uses inductive coupling to transfer energy from the transmitter’s magnetic field to its internal electrical coils connected to the load, which is the device being charged.
We’re a big fan of wireless charging, but it’s not all roses. Firstly, you need to make sure that your device is compatible with wireless charging. Most phones from Samsung, Apple, and Google are compatible with at least one type of wireless charger.
You should also make sure that the battery inside your phone has been replaced recently. Old batteries don’t perform very well with wireless chargers because they have trouble holding a charge for long periods.
Can You Charge Your Phone Face Down on a Charging Pad?
Unfortunately, you can’t charge your phone face down on a wireless charging pad.
The simple explanation for this lies in the sending and receiving of electromagnetic fields. Keep in mind that the wireless charging systems work by sending an electromagnetic field through the air.
Your phone then picks up that field and converts it into energy the same way it would if it was plugged into a wall outlet with a wire.
When you lay your phone face down on the charging pad, it blocks the signal from reaching your phone’s battery, which is primarily found on the back of the phone. This is because of something called Qi.
Qi, pronounced as ‘chee’, is the standard charging system. It is mostly effective when the charged device’s back is in contact with the pad because all the electrical systems are on the phone’s back. This system is similar to contactless payment systems, where you can tap your credit card against a reader instead of swiping it through a slot.
Therefore, when you place your phone face down on the wireless charger, the Qi is technically cut off. The sender and receiver are not aligned, and your phone won’t charge.
There are some wireless chargers in the making, such as Pause, that will be able to charge a phone even if placed face down.
Do You Have to Remove Your Case for Wireless Charging?
You can charge your phone with a case on, but only if it’s less than 3mm thick. This means that a standard case is usually too thick for a wireless charger to handle.
Keep in mind that for you to charge your phone wirelessly, it must be positioned correctly on the charger to receive power. The wireless charger must also be able to read the electromagnetic field generated by the coil in your device.
If there’s too much material between these two surfaces, it becomes difficult for them to communicate. Most people opt to place the phone on the charging pad without the case, but this can be inconvenient if you want to use your phone while charging.
The best solution is to buy a case compatible with wireless charging and here are a few factors you should consider:
Power of the Charger
The power of your wireless charger should determine the case to buy. This is because some chargers are powerful enough to work well with most cases, even those above 3mm thickness. There are, however, weak ones that can only charge a phone when its back is in contact with the pad.
Some chargers, like the KPON Invisible Wireless Charger (on Amazon), can charge from a farther distance and may work better with thicker cases.
Material of the Case
Avoid using metal cases because they cause disruptions that interfere with wireless charging. The best material is glass, and the good news is that many cases and phone manufacturers are providing glass material cases that are compatible with wireless charging.
If you’ve got an iPhone, we recommend this iFace Reflection Clear Case (on Amazon).
Bulkiness
Thick cases prevent contact, so always go with thin cases that won’t interfere with the electromagnetic field.