Troubleshooting Wireless Charging: A Guide on How to Use Wireless Chargers Effectively

Wireless charging has become a staple for modern tech lovers looking to ditch messy cables and enjoy the convenience of simply placing their device down to power up. But even the sleekest tech has its hiccups. Whether your device isn’t charging at all or charges slowly, knowing how to use wireless chargers effectively and how to fix common issues can save time and frustration.

In this article, we’ll walk you through troubleshooting wireless charging problems, along with a section for basic troubleshooting steps anyone can follow.

Common Wireless Charging Issues and Fixes

Even though wireless charging is designed to be simple and hassle-free, a few things can get in the way. Here are some of the most common issues and how to troubleshoot them.

1. Device Not Charging at All

Possible Causes:

• Phone is not properly aligned with the charging coil

• Incompatible device or charger

• Case too thick or made of interfering materials (metal, magnets)

• Power supply not delivering enough power

Fix:

• Make sure your device is centered on the charging pad

• Double-check that your device has wireless charging capability

• Remove your phone case and test again

• Try a different power adapter or cable

2. Slow Charging

Possible Causes:

• Using a low-output power adapter

• Background apps draining battery

• Misalignment on the charger

Fix:

• Use the recommended wall adapter for your wireless charger

• Close background apps and screen during charging

• Reposition the device for optimal alignment

3. Charger Gets Hot

Possible Causes:

• Poor ventilation around the charger

• Faulty charger or cable

• Device overheating during charge

Fix:

• Ensure there’s adequate airflow around the charger

• Ensure you are using the recommended cable and wall adapter, and that your cable is not damaged

• Avoid using the device heavily while it’s charging

4. Intermittent Charging or Disconnecting

Possible Causes:

• Loose power connection

• Foreign objects between the phone and charger

• Charger pad or phone surface is dirty

Fix:

• Check and secure all cable connections

• Remove any metal objects or cards near the phone or pad

• Clean the charging surface with a microfiber cloth

Basic Troubleshooting Steps for Wireless Charging

If you're experiencing issues and aren’t sure where to start, try these basic steps:

✅ Step 1: Confirm Device Compatibility

Make sure your phone supports Qi wireless charging (the standard used by most devices). Not all phones have this feature built-in.

✅ Step 2: Inspect the Power Supply

Use a compatible power adapter with the recommended wattage for your wireless charger. Avoid cheap, unbranded chargers that might underperform. Ensure that your cable is not damaged.

✅ Step 3: Check Phone Case

Remove the case and try charging again. Some cases (especially with magnets, metal, or thickness over 3mm) can interfere with charging.

✅ Step 4: Reposition the Device

Devices capable of wireless charging don't always have their receiving coil centered on the phone. Look up your specific device to find out where its coil is located. Common coil locations are show in the image below. Align your phones receiving coil with the center of the charging pad. Wireless charging relies on coil alignment—being off by just a bit can disrupt power transfer.

Common wireless charging coil locations on various devices.

✅ Step 5: Clean Surfaces

Dust, grime, or even fingerprints can interfere with charging. Gently clean both your device and the charging pad using a dry, soft cloth.

✅ Step 6: Restart Your Phone

Sometimes, a quick reboot can resolve software glitches that impact charging recognition.

✅ Step 7: Try a Different Charger

To rule out hardware failure, test your phone on a different wireless charger or test your charger with another compatible device.

How to Use Wireless Chargers Effectively

Learning how to use wireless chargers effectively means understanding how they work—and what can go wrong. By keeping your device aligned, using quality components, and taking time to troubleshoot wireless charging issues, you’ll get the most from your setup.

If you're still having problems, it may be time to contact the manufacturer or look into a replacement pad that offers better compatibility with your phone model.