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Wireless charging has transformed how we power our devices, offering a convenient solution to keep our smartphones ready to use. Using electromagnetic induction, this technology allows compatible devices to charge simply by resting on a pad or placing them on a stand.
However, to maximize its benefits, it’s essential to understand how it works, the necessary equipment and settings that may be necessary for specific smartphone models, and best practices to protect the lifespan of your battery.
Let’s get started.
How Does Wireless Charging Work?
It works when a compatible device is used with a compatible wireless charger. You simply plug the charger into a wall outlet and lay your device on the pad or the stand. It charges without utilizing the phone’s charge port.
What makes it work is that the charger contains copper coils that emit a magnetic field. That magnetic field causes electromagnetic induction to conduct electricity wirelessly from the charger to more copper coils found inside the receiving device. The copper coils must be in both devices for this to work.
Steps to Wireless Charge My Phone
If this is your first time, there are a few essential things to understand, and what is or is not required will vary with different phones. Therefore, read these steps carefully and research your phone model online to see if any of the extra steps apply to your model.
- Check to make sure that the charger is compatible with your phone. Most are Qi-certified, but not all smartphone models will work with any Qi-certified charger. Therefore, look up your phone’s model online to see if it can use any Qi charger or if it requires a specific model.
- Despite the name, one wire is still needed. The charger’s wire must be plugged into a wall outlet in your home or a portable power station like the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Series Portable Power Stations. Portable power stations allow you to charge devices while camping, on road trips, or just at the beach or outside in your yard.
The EcoFlow RIVER 2 + 110W Solar Panel is the perfect companion for camping or other outdoor adventures since it comes with a 110W solar panel, so you can easily recharge it no matter where you are. You might be surprised at what the EcoFlow RIVER 2 can do. - Most newer smartphones with this capability can be charged in their cases. However, some older models may not work with their cases on. Still others require a device-specific inductive charging back cover. Check your phone online to see if either applies to your model.
- Another thing to check for is that you may need to activate your phone first to allow fast wireless charging. The standard speed works by default on compatible devices, but some phones, like Samsung, require the fast method to be activated. Simply go to Settings > Battery and Device Care > Battery. From there, go to More Battery Settings, where you can toggle the fast method on and off. It should still work if it’s turned off; it just won’t be as fast.
The reason fast charging sometimes needs to be disabled is that electromagnetic induction is known to cause heat dissipation issues. This is more likely to happen when it is hot where the charger is. For instance, if you are using it outdoors on a hot summer day, you may want to disable it to avoid potential heat issues. If you are still concerned about heat issues, remove it from the charger if it gets too hot, point a fan at the charger, or only use it when the weather is cooler or inside where there is air conditioning. If you’re outdoors in the heat and want to charge, use the EcoFlow RIVER 2 portable power station with a wired charger. It comes with USB, USB-C, and standard AC wall plug outlets for versatile options. Thanks to its LiFePO4 battery, it performs better and is also more stable in hot environments than older-model lithium batteries that were more prone to thermal runaway. - Depending on the charger model, you either place the phone on the pad or place it into a holder. The issue with placing it on the pad is that since it uses tightly coupled electromagnetic induction, the device’s coils and those in the charger must be aligned well, or it will charge slowly or not at all. So, carefully place the device directly in the center of the pad. For this reason, newer wireless chargers like the versatile and universally compatible EcoFlow RAPID Power Bank uses a built-in stand with a strong magnetic connection to ensure a good connection and a fast charge from 0 to 70% in 33 minutes.
- Your smartphone should start to charge automatically, and you should see the charging icon on your screen. Your charger may also have an LED light indicator, depending on your model.
- Remove the phone immediately once it is charged. You should never leave your phone on any charger, wired or wireless, after it is fully charged, as it reduces its battery life. In fact, your phone battery will last the longest if you don’t always charge it to 100%. Between 20 and 80% is considered the best level for extending the battery lifespan. Furthermore, with the potential heat dissipation issues with electromagnetic induction, leaving it on after it is charged could also damage your phone due to heat build-up.
Can All Phones Charge Wirelessly?
No, not all phones are capable of wireless charging. The receiving device must be equipped with copper coils that can interact electromagnetically with the coils on the charger.
However, if your smartphone doesn’t have it already, you can buy a third-party wireless adaptor that fits on the back of your phone and plugs into your charge port. It converts the charge from the charging pad and transfers it to the phone through the charge port.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your smartphone must typically be Qi-compatible, which is the standard for wireless charging. However, there may be others specific to certain brands, which will also need specific compatible chargers. If you need more clarification, look up your phone’s charging abilities online.
Simply place your iPhone on a compatible Qi wireless charge pad. Unlike some phones, there is no setting to enable fast charging, so it will always charge fast if it is compatible with that feature. This could be problematic in hot environments, so monitor the heat on your iPhone when it’s being charged.
Final Thoughts
Wireless charging offers a modern and hassle-free way to keep your smartphone powered up. By ensuring a good connection with the charger and watching for heat issues, you can enjoy the convenience of wireless power without compromising your device’s health.
For those who need reliable charge options, the EcoFlow RAPID Power Bank offers fast wireless charging. For those traveling, camping, or just out on a day trip, bring your EcoFlow RIVER 2 Series Solar Generator with you for fast, convenient charging on the go.