How to Fix Wireless Charging Not Working

Quick Summary

If wireless charging is completely not working, work through these steps in order:

• Remove the phone case
• Recentre the phone on the pad
• Verify the power adapter is 25W+ USB-C PD
• Try a different wireless charger
• Restart the phone
• Check for software updates
• Test with a different power outlet
• Factory reset as last resort
• Contact manufacturer warranty support

Step-by-Step Fix Guide

Step 1: Remove the Phone Case

This is the quickest and most often productive first step. Cases with metal components, RFID-blocking material, or excessive thickness prevent wireless charging.

Place the phone directly on the charging pad without any case. If charging initiates, your case is the problem.

Step 2: Recentre the Phone

The charging coils in pad and phone must overlap. Place the phone exactly in the centre of the pad. Many pads have a visual indicator or small raised bump to guide placement.

Some pads have very small coils — the alignment sweet spot may be smaller than the phone. Try slowly moving the phone around the pad while watching for the charging indicator.

Step 3: Verify the Power Adapter

Your wireless charger is only as good as the power feeding it. A 5W USB adapter cannot power a 15W wireless pad at full speed — or in some cases, at all if the pad requires minimum wattage to initiate.

Use a USB-C Power Delivery (PD) adapter rated 25W or higher. This is the most commonly overlooked factor in wireless charging failures.

Step 4: Try a Different Wireless Charger

This isolates whether the problem is the charger or the phone. Borrow a charger from a friend, use a store demo pad, or order a basic Qi-certified replacement.

If a different charger works, your original charger is faulty.

Step 5: Restart the Phone

A simple restart clears software state and refreshes all hardware drivers, including the wireless charging receiver.

Hold the power button, select Restart (not Power off), wait for the phone to fully restart, then attempt wireless charging again.

Step 6: Check for Software Updates

Manufacturer firmware updates sometimes include fixes for charging-related bugs. Check Settings > Software Update > Download and Install.

Step 7: Test with a Different Power Outlet

A failing power outlet, power strip, or USB hub can provide unstable power that prevents wireless charging from initiating. Plug the charger directly into a wall outlet on a different circuit.

Step 8: Check Wireless Charging Settings

On Samsung devices, navigate to Settings > Battery > Wireless Charging and ensure it is enabled. Note: on most phones, this toggle controls speed optimisation, not the feature itself — but it is worth checking.

Step 9: Inspect for Physical Damage

Examine the back of the phone for cracks, deformation, or signs of liquid damage around the charging coil area (typically centre-back of the phone). Physical damage to this area can stop wireless charging.

Step 10: Factory Reset (Last Resort)

If all hardware tests pass (phone charges with other chargers, problem follows the original charger) but nothing resolves the issue, a factory reset can clear deeply embedded software conflicts. Back up your data first.

Step 11: Warranty or Repair

If wireless charging fails after all troubleshooting and there is no physical damage, the wireless charging coil may have failed. This is covered under manufacturer warranty within the warranty period. Contact your manufacturer or carrier.

When to Replace the Charger vs the Phone

Replace the charger if:

• A different phone charges on your pad but your phone does not
• The charger charges nothing reliably
• The charger is physically damaged

Investigate phone repair if:

• Your phone does not charge on multiple different pads
• The problem started after a drop
• Wired charging works but wireless does not

Related Pages

• Why is my phone wireless charging slowly?
• Do phone cases affect wireless charging?
• Wireless charging safety checklist