Technology
How does wireless charging work?
Wireless charging works through electromagnetic induction. A coil in the charging pad creates a changing magnetic field, which induces an electric current in a matching coil inside your device — transferring energy across a small gap without a cable.
See it in motion.
Watch a 2-minute animated lesson that shows exactly how wireless charging works.
Step by step
- 1A coil in the pad creates a changing magnetic field.
- 2That field induces a current in your device's coil.
- 3Energy crosses a small gap without wires.
- 4Devices must be aligned and close for it to work.
Frequently asked questions
- How does wireless charging work?
- A charging pad's coil creates a magnetic field that induces current in a coil inside your device.
- Why does wireless charging need the phone aligned?
- The coils must be close and lined up for the magnetic field to transfer energy efficiently.
- Is wireless charging slower than wired?
- Often slightly slower and less efficient, as some energy is lost as heat during transfer.