Why Does Wireless Charging Keep Stopping and Starting?
Intermittent wireless charging is usually caused by alignment issues, overheating, a case with metal, or a faulty charger. Here are all the fixes.
Problem Summary
Your wireless charging keeps disconnecting and reconnecting — you see the charging indicator appear and disappear repeatedly, or the phone charges for a while then stops.
6 Common Causes and Fixes
1. Phone Shifting Off the Coil
The coils in charger and phone must overlap for power transfer. On a flat pad, a phone can drift during the night as you pick up and replace it. On a stand-style charger, the phone may not stay in position.
Fix: Use a flat charging pad instead of a stand. Ensure the phone is precisely centred. Some users place a small strip of non-slip material (like grip tape) on the pad.
2. Overheating Safety Cycle
When the phone gets too warm (typically 43-45C), it pauses charging to cool down. Once cool, charging resumes — creating a stop-start cycle that can repeat all night.
Fix: Remove the case to improve heat dissipation. Move the charger to a cooler spot. Avoid using the phone while wirelessly charging. If you have an optional charging speed setting, select a lower wattage mode.
3. Case with Metal Components
Metal disrupts the Qi electromagnetic field. Cases with:
- Metal kickstands on the back
- Built-in magnetic mounts (PopSocket-style or MagSafe-style with wrong magnets)
- RFID-blocking material sewn into the back
- Metal card slots or reinforcement plates
...can cause the charger to repeatedly try to initiate charging, fail due to interference, then try again.
Fix: Remove the case and test. If intermittent charging stops, replace the case with one that is certified wireless charging compatible.
4. Foreign Objects
A coin, key, or card between the phone and pad can disrupt the field and cause erratic behaviour. Some chargers have foreign object detection that actively pauses charging when metal is detected.
Fix: Inspect and clean the charger surface before placing the phone.
5. Faulty or Cheap Charger
Low-quality chargers may have unstable power delivery, causing the charging connection to drop and reconnect repeatedly.
Fix: Test with a different charger. Qi-certified chargers are required to pass stability testing.
6. Software Bug or App Interference
Rarely, a software bug or an aggressive battery-saving app can interfere with charging detection. Some battery optimisation apps cut charging connections at programmatic battery levels.
Fix: Restart the phone. Check for any third-party battery management apps. Temporarily disable battery saver mode.
When to Replace the Charger
Replace the wireless charger if:
- The issue persists with multiple phones
- The charger shows visible damage or unusual heat
- The issue only started after the charger was dropped or got wet