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While it’s convenient to place a phone on a dock to charge it, not all devices support it. Even the best wireless chargers on the market can charge a phone without compatible hardware. Unless you buy an external receiver.
As the name suggests, an external receiver is an accessory that houses the induction coil that enables wireless charging. Simply plug it into your phone’s normal charging port, place the external phone/receiver on your charger and watch the magic happen. You should always make sure that your model’s cable matches your phone’s USB port. Some versions, like the Nillkin Magic Tag, include an adhesive strip allowing you to permanently attach them to your phone case, although some are thin enough to fit under standard protective cases.
If you prefer to bundle wireless charging and protection into one package, you should invest in a charging case. These accessories work much like external receivers (that is, they add wireless charging by plugging an external induction coil into the phone), but unlike external receivers, the coil is housed in a durable case that also protects the phone. Like external receivers, charging cases connect the phone and wireless chargers by occupying the charging port, but you can often unplug the case to free up the slot for faster wired charging. However, this additional protection comes at a cost. While receivers like the Nillkin Magic Tag will cost you $15, expect to shell out between $40 and $50 for chargers like the Aircharge wireless charging case.
There are always mods
While purchasing an external induction coil is a simple (but not always inexpensive) way to give older phones wireless charging capabilities, it still takes up the charging port. Not that charging a phone with a wireless charger and USB cable speeds up the process, but it’s still annoying. However, if you are a tech lover, you can always modify your phone.
Enterprising individuals figured out that they could add wireless charging to older phones by installing foreign induction coils. In fact, some companies have found a niche in manufacturing these products. Unlike external receivers, these coils are designed to slide (and attach) to the internal battery, but they will only work if they hit the required internal contact points. When placed correctly, these items can add wireless charging without using the USB port, but you must open your phone case to install the item.
If you can’t find one of these pre-made devices, you can always add wireless charging functionality by transplanting an induction coil. The process is much more involved and riskier than sliding a premade receiver under the case, so always look for a tutorial and follow the instructions exactly. Sometimes you can find a replacement coil at local hardware stores or online retailers, but other times you have to get your own by cannibalizing an old phone with wireless charging capabilities. Remember that in the event of a problem, you will not be able to benefit from the warranty of a phone.
Always keep an eye on compatibility
The benefits of USB charging go beyond just speed. Since USB cables are universal (the name “USB” stands for “Universal Serial Bus”), you can use any USB cable to charge your phone. Some are faster than others, but they should all work. The same is not true for wireless chargers.
These days, Qi and Qi2 are the standard for wireless chargers. If you buy a smartphone with wireless charging and/or a charger, chances are it will be Qi compatible. But therein lies the problem: unless devices declare that they are Qi-enabled, they won’t cooperate with Qi-enabled gadgets. This is true for chargers and receivers – doubly so if you’re using an induction coil to modify a phone.
Even if you buy Qi-enabled components, you’re not out of the woods yet. While USB charging is convenient, it’s easy to forget that it hasn’t always been as universal as the name suggests. Apple, for example, was famous (or infamous) for using its own proprietary Lightning connector. Modern iPhones use USB-C slots, but older ones, especially those before widespread wireless charging, used Lightning. If you want to buy an external receiver or charging case for an old iPhone, you need to buy one with a compatible connector. And of course you have to worry about voltages and wattages, because you don’t want to overcharge the battery.
