How Wireless Charging Works (And Why It's Not Magic)

You set your phone on a pad and it starts charging. No cable. No plugging anything in. It feels like magic, but it's actually pretty simple physics.

Here's how it works — and what you should know to get the most out of it.

The Basic Idea

Wireless charging uses something called electromagnetic induction. Sounds complicated, but it's not.

There's a coil of copper wire in the charging pad. When electricity runs through it, the coil creates a magnetic field. Your phone (or smartwatch, or stylus) has a matching coil inside. When you place it on the pad, that magnetic field creates an electrical current in your device's coil — and that current charges your battery.

That's it. Two coils talking to each other through a magnetic field.

If you've ever used an electric toothbrush that charges on a little stand, you've already used this technology.

The Parts Involved

The energy goes: wall → pad → magnetic field → your device → battery.

No physical connection needed.

Why Alignment Matters

Here's the catch: the two coils need to be close together and lined up properly. If your phone is off-center on the pad, the coils don't overlap well, and charging slows down or stops completely.

This is why most chargers have a "sweet spot" — usually right in the center. Some devices use magnets to snap into the correct position automatically, which helps.

Does It Work Through a Case?

Usually, yes.

Most plastic, silicone, and TPU cases are thin enough that they won't block the magnetic field. You can leave your case on.

But some things will block it:

• Metal cases — Metal blocks the magnetic field completely. Most chargers will shut off if they detect metal to prevent overheating.
• Thick cases — Anything over 3-5mm can be too thick for the field to pass through.
• Magnetic accessories — Some wallet cases or metal PopSockets can interfere with alignment.
• Credit cards — Don't leave them between your phone and the charger. The magnetic field can wipe the card's magnetic strip.

If your case is non-metal and not super bulky, you're fine.

Inductive vs. Resonant Charging

Most wireless chargers use inductive charging. It's reliable, efficient, and works well — but the coils need to be very close together (a few millimeters).

There's another type called resonant charging. It works over a longer distance (several centimeters) by tuning both coils to the same frequency. This could eventually let you charge multiple devices on one large pad, or even charge through a desk.

For now, almost everything uses inductive charging. Resonant is more of a future technology.

This diagram breaks down the simple three-step energy transfer.

The Qi Standard

You've probably seen "Qi-certified" on chargers and devices. Qi (pronounced "chee") is the universal standard for wireless charging.

Before Qi, every company had their own proprietary system. A charger for one phone wouldn't work with another. It was a mess.

Now, any Qi-certified charger works with any Qi-certified device. That's why you can use the same pad for your phone, earbuds, and smartwatch.

When you see the Qi logo, it means:

• Compatibility — It'll work with other Qi devices
• Safety testing — It won't overheat or damage your battery
• Efficient power transfer — The coils are designed properly

How Fast Is Wireless Charging?

This used to be the big downside. Early wireless chargers were slow — around 5W, which took forever.

Modern chargers are much faster:

A 15W wireless charger is about 50-60% faster than a 5W one. For most people, it's fast enough that you won't miss the cable.

Common Questions

Is wireless charging bad for my battery?

No. Qi-certified chargers monitor temperature and power flow. They stop charging when your battery is full. It's designed to be safe.

Can I leave it on the charger overnight?

Yes. Once your battery hits 100%, the charger either stops or drops to a tiny trickle. Overnight charging is fine.

Is it less efficient than a cable?

Slightly. Some energy is lost as heat during the transfer. But for most people, the convenience is worth the small tradeoff.

Quick History

Nikola Tesla was experimenting with wireless power transmission back in the 1890s. But it took until 1996 for the first consumer product — a wireless charging toothbrush.

For a long time after that, it stayed niche. Medical implants used it because avoiding physical ports was safer. But it didn't hit mainstream until smartphones adopted Qi around 2017-2018.

Now it's everywhere — phones, watches, earbuds, styluses.

The Pencil Pro Plus: Wireless Charging for Your iPad Stylus

Today, that long history of trial and error is what powers the tools that students, creators, and professionals rely on. The very same principles Tesla was tinkering with now make sure your stylus is juiced up and ready for your next big idea. That evolution from a bold experiment to a desktop necessity is what makes modern creative work possible.

Think about it: the ability to just snap a stylus to your iPad and have it charge is the direct result of that century-long journey. It’s this kind of seamless, integrated power that lets you focus on your work, not on your battery life. If you're looking for a tool that truly gets this, check out Tinymoose’s line of Apple iPad pens designed for the modern user. It’s the final chapter of an idea that was way ahead of its time, now perfectly in sync with ours.

Bottom Line

Wireless charging is just two coils creating and catching a magnetic field. Line them up, and power transfers. That's it.

Get a Qi-certified charger, make sure your device is centered on the pad, and you're good. No cables, no wear on your charging port, no fumbling in the dark.

It's not magic. It's just convenient.