How to Add Wireless Charging to an Unsupported Phone

Has this ever happened to you? You’re traveling and you need to charge your phone when suddenly, your cable doesn’t work or goes missing. Good thing, some cafes now offer wireless charging and so do certain hotels. However, you can take advantage of this feature only if your phone is Qi or PMA enabled.

Photo by Shinya Suzuki / CC BY-ND 2.0

Does Your Phone Support Wireless Charging?

If you’re an Apple user, all you need to know is that older models from iPhone 4 to 5s and even the more recent ones (6, 6 Plus, 6s Plus, and 7) still need an accessory to work with Qi and PMA charging pads.

If you’re an Android user, check this list to see whether your phone is wireless charging enabled or not. Qi-ready phones can charge wirelessly, but you’ll have to attach a case or a patch to enable its function completely. Qi-integrated phones have built-in wireless charging capability and can be charged without the help of any accessory.

Qi vs. PMA: What’s the Difference?

Both Qi and PMA wireless charging standards use inductive charging technology. The only difference is that PMA can keep track of how much time you spend charging your device. This is why you’ll normally find PMA charging offered in cafes and other business establishments.

More phones are compatible with Qi standard, so in terms of usability, more people prefer Qi over PMA.

If your phone doesn’t support wireless charging but you’re not ready to buy a new one just yet, there are two ways to incorporate wireless charging into your mobile device:

1. Snap On a Wireless Charging Mobile Case

Wireless charging cases make your mobile phone compatible with Qi or PMA so that you can use it with a wireless charger. It functions like your normal cell phone case, so it’s not complicated to install. All you have to do is pop your phone in, place your device on top of your wireless charger, and charge away.

2. Use a Qi Charging Receiver Adapter

If you want something more discreet that won’t add bulk to your phone, you can use a receiver adapter, which works for both iPhones and Android devices. All you have to do is plug it in using the connector that comes with it and tuck it behind your phone on top of the battery. Just secure the setup with your phone case, and you’re done.

Before getting a receiver adapter, check first if it will work with your device, as mobile phones have different port configurations. Depending on the design of your adapter, you may have to twist the connector a bit to get the receiver pad in the right place.

Also, use a case that’s thin enough so that your device can pick up inductive charge from the charging pad.
Before you buy a new wireless charging compatible smartphone, consider activating its wireless charging capability with these accessories first. Who knows? You might find yourself not needing a new phone after all.

This guest post was written by Liz Pekler, a travel photographer with several years of experience in the field. Being a freelance blogger enables her to help photography beginners and enthusiasts to tell wonderful stories of their travels as seen through their lenses. It also allows her to share her thoughts about another advocacy: social equality and change. Linkedin, Twitter.