Wirelessly charge a phone

Lewis Painter explains how to power your handset with a Qi wireless charger

The term ‘wireless charging’ is one that’s thrown around a lot by manufacturers and publications alike, but it can mean different things to different people. When many refer to wireless charging, they’re actually referring to inductive charging – similar to the technology that the Apple Watch uses. Qi is a standard developed by the Wireless Power Consortium for inductive electrical power transfer over distances of up to 4cm.

Compatible devices

There are a growing number of handsets that come with the Qi charging feature. They include: Samsung’s Galaxy S5, S6, S6 Edge and Note 4; the Google Nexus 4 to 7; the Motorola Droid Maxx; and the Nokia Lumia 920, 928, 929, 930, 1020 and 1520.

Some smartphone manufacturers also offer their own charging pads. Samsung, for example sells one for £30 (pictured above). Not only does it match the design aesthetic of the Galaxy S5, but it also automatically shuts itself off once your phone has fully charged.

Add Qi charging to an unsupported phone

It’s all well and good using a Qi charging pad if you own a compatible device, but what about those of us that don’t? Apple is a good example of a brand with a high number of users who can’t take advantage of QI charging. There is, however, a solution.

If you own an iPhone 5, 5s, 5c, 6 or 6 Plus, there’s the £20 iQi Mobile (pictured right). It’s slimline design fits between your handset and its case. You’ll need to ensure that its Lightning cable is permanently plugged into your iPhone for it to work, though.

For Android users Xcsource offers a similar alternative, but instead of having to slot the Qi charging receiver between your phone and a case, you stick it on the back with the film provided and plug the Micro-USB into your handset. It’s ultra-thin and shouldn’t add any extra weight. Xcsource says it will work with almost every smartphone with a Micro-USB slot, and at £6.49 it’s a lot cheaper than the iPhone alternative, too.

If you can take the back cover off your handset there’s a neater alternative. Using the same Qi charging receiver film as above, simply plug the Micro-USB cable into the charger, stick the film to the inside of the cover and then reattach the cover to the phone. If you’ve done it correctly, the phone should start to charge when placed on a Qi charger, such as the Tylt VÜ stand.