Wireless charging is a convenient feature supported on iPhone 8 and newer, including the latest MagSafe-enabled models. But if your iPhone isn’t charging wirelessly, it can be frustrating—especially when you’ve done everything “right.” The good news is: in most cases, the issue is simple and easy to fix.
This article walks you through the step-by-step process to troubleshoot and fix wireless charging issues on your iPhone, whether you’re using a Qi-certified pad or a MagSafe charger.
✅ iPhones That Support Wireless Charging
Before anything else, confirm your iPhone supports wireless charging:
- iPhone 8 / 8 Plus
- iPhone X, XR, XS, XS Max
- iPhone 11 series
- iPhone SE (2nd gen and 3rd gen)
- iPhone 12 series and later (MagSafe compatible)
🔌 iPhones older than iPhone 8 do not support wireless charging, even with third-party accessories.
🛠 Step-by-Step Fixes for Wireless Charging Issues
Check Charger Compatibility
Make sure you’re using a Qi-certified charger (for iPhone 8 and newer) or a MagSafe charger (for iPhone 12+).
Fix:
- Use Apple’s MagSafe charger or a trusted brand like Belkin, Anker, or Spigen.
- Ensure the charger supports 7.5W or higher for iPhones (15W for MagSafe).
Ensure Proper Alignment
Wireless charging works by aligning coils in your iPhone and charger. If they’re not aligned properly, charging may fail.
Fix:
- Place your iPhone flat and centered on the charging pad.
- If using MagSafe, make sure the charger snaps magnetically into place.
- Wait a few seconds for the charging icon to appear.
Remove Your Case
Cases with metal parts, magnets, or card slots may block wireless charging. Even thick plastic or leather cases can cause problems.
Fix:
- Remove the case and place your iPhone on the charger again.
- If it works, switch to a MagSafe-compatible or Qi-certified case.
Use the Right Power Adapter
Your wireless charging pad must be connected to a powerful enough adapter. Weak or incompatible power sources will cause charging to fail or be extremely slow.
Fix:
- Use a 20W USB-C power adapter for MagSafe.
- Ensure your wall charger supports Power Delivery (PD) or is Apple/MFi certified.
- Avoid charging from computer USB ports or old 5W power bricks.
Clean Your iPhone and Charger
Dust, lint, or smudges on the back of your iPhone or on the charging pad can interfere with wireless charging.
Fix:
- Use a soft, dry cloth to clean both surfaces.
- Don’t use water, alcohol, or compressed air.
Restart Your iPhone
Sometimes, a temporary software glitch may prevent charging.
Fix:
- Restart your iPhone:
- For Face ID models: Press and hold the Side + Volume buttons, then slide to power off.
- For Home button models: Hold the Side/Top button, then slide to power off.
Update iOS
Charging performance can be improved with software updates. Outdated versions of iOS may have bugs that interfere with wireless charging.
Fix:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install the latest update if available.
Cool Down Your iPhone
If your iPhone overheats, wireless charging may pause automatically to prevent damage.
Fix:
- Remove the phone from the charger.
- Let it cool down in a ventilated area.
- Avoid using the iPhone during charging to reduce heat generation.
Try Another Device or Charger
To isolate the issue, try these tests:
- Place another iPhone on the same charger to see if it works.
- Try charging your iPhone on a different wireless pad.
- If both fail, your phone may need service.
🧪 Still Not Working? Reset Settings
If none of the above fixes work, try resetting your settings.
Fix:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings
- This resets Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and preferences—but doesn’t delete data
🛡 When to Contact Apple Support
If your iPhone:
- Doesn’t charge on any wireless charger
- Won’t charge even after cleaning and updating
- Shows signs of physical damage
it’s time to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider. The internal wireless charging coil or logic board may be faulty.
✅ Summary: Wireless Charging Fix Checklist
| Issue | Fix |
| Charger not compatible | Use Qi-certified or MagSafe charger |
| Misalignment | Center the phone on the charging pad |
| Thick or metal case | Remove or replace with MagSafe-compatible case |
| Underpowered wall adapter | Use 20W+ PD-certified USB-C adapter |
| Dust or dirt | Clean both phone and charger with soft cloth |
| Overheating | Cool down phone and try again |
| Software glitch | Restart iPhone and check for iOS updates |
| Hardware issue | Try another phone/charger or contact Apple Support |
Meta Description:
iPhone not charging wirelessly? Learn how to fix wireless or MagSafe charging issues step-by-step—covering compatibility, alignment, overheating, software, and hardware problems.
