Charging Samsung phones with wireless chargers

Wireless charging is supported by today’s Samsung devices, including the latest Galaxy phones, smartwatches, and even compatible Samsung earbuds. Place your device on the appropriate pad, and it will charge on its own. That saves time and wear and tear on your cables — but you must first understand how it works. Our guide will cover all of the fundamentals so you’re ready for any type of Samsung wireless charging.

Wireless charging basics

Here’s how to get started if you’re primarily interested in the nuts and bolts of wireless charging.

Step 1: Make sure you have a Samsung device that is compatible. For phones, this means owning a Galaxy S6 or newer, up to and including the current Galaxy S22, or a Galaxy Note 5 or newer (excepting the Galaxy Note 7, which is not compatible). Wireless chargers are also compatible with Samsung’s latest foldables, such as the Z Flip 3 and Galaxy Z Fold 3. Devices from the Galaxy A series are incompatible.

You’ll need the Galaxy Watch 3 or later, up to the current Galaxy Watch 5, or a Galaxy Watch Active model for smartwatches.

The Galaxy Buds, Buds 2, Buds+, Buds Live, and Buds Pro all work with wireless chargers.

Step 2: Obtain a wireless charger that is compatible. Because Samsung’s devices use the common Qi standard, almost any wireless charger should work. Newer chargers, on the other hand, are more likely to support faster charging speeds. Chargers that can charge multiple devices at once, such as the Charger Trio, can charge a Samsung phone, watch, and earbuds at the same time.

Step 3: Plug in your charging pad and place your Samsung device on top, back to the charger. When the charger connects to the device, an indicator light should illuminate. You may need to reposition the device until the indicator light illuminates.

Step 4: Wait for the device to charge. While chargers differ, a steady red or blue indicator light usually indicates that something is still charging, whereas a green light indicates that the device has finished charging.

Helpful tips for wireless charging

Wireless charging is straightforward, but there are a few things that everyone should be aware of in order to make the process as simple as possible.

Step 1: Wireless charging can be accomplished through cases… but not all of them. Thinner cases will support wireless charging, though you may need to double-check the positioning above the charging coil. Thicker cases, particularly thick leather or similar materials can cause issues. These can prevent wireless chargers from working until they are removed. Cases should specifically state that they are wireless charging compatible.

Step 2: Because wireless chargers typically stay in one location, you must spend some time selecting the best location for your daily habits. Some people prefer to keep chargers near their bedsides so that their devices can charge while they sleep. Others prefer them on desks or in offices where they can charge their devices while they work. A central location on a counter or an entryway shelf is sometimes ideal.

Step 3: Be wary of bright indicator lights if charging at your bedside. Some indicator LEDs are relatively unobtrusive, but others are extremely bright and may be distracting while sleeping. If it’s too late to get a new charger, you can always cover the indicator with tape to remove the warning.

Step 4: The charger’s wattage indicates how quickly it can charge devices. For the fastest charging speeds, you’ll need around 10W to 15W on your wireless charger right now. It should be noted that in multi-device chargers, the wattage is typically divided among different charging coils, so the numbers will be higher.

Use Samsung’s Wireless PowerShare to help charge your accessories

You can’t always be near a wireless charger, but there is another option. Wireless PowerShare is available on some new Samsung devices, such as the Galaxy S22 and Note 20 Ultra, and it allows those devices to act as remote wireless chargers for other devices. That means you can charge your device or a friend’s device wirelessly while on the go. Here’s how to make it work.

Step 1: Examine your battery. Before using Wireless PowerShare, make sure your Samsung phone is at least 30% charged.

Step 2: Swipe down from the top of the screen to access Quick settings. Then swipe down once more. You should see an option to enable Wireless PowerShare with a battery and arrow icon. Choose it.

Check that your Samsung phone is up to date if you don’t see this icon. To manually add it, go to Quick settings customization. This is accessible via More options, the three vertical dots in the Quick settings menu.

Step 3: Within 60 seconds of turning on PowerShare, place the device to be charged on the back of the Wireless PowerShare phone (again, thick cases may prevent this feature from working). PowerShare is compatible with most Qi-compatible devices, so it makes no difference whether the other device is Samsung or not. You can even use this method to charge other phones.

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