How to wirelessly charge your Android device

Still plugging in your Android smartphone every night? There's a better way: or at least there is if you own a compatible mobile, like the Nexus 6, Nexus 7 (2013), LG G3 or Samsung Galaxy S6  wireless charging, which is now more widespread than you might have realized .

 

The wireless charging standard used most commonly in Android phones is called Qi, and you can find a comprehensive list of compatible devices here. The handsets we've already mentioned have Qi support built in, while others can be made compatible with an adapter. Check out what's required for your handset and you're ready to get going. 

Wireless chargers

Wireless chargers come in all shapes and sizes, from docks that plug into a wall outlet to mats that work out of a USB socket. No matter what type of handset you have, and what budget you're working to, you should be able to find something to suit  official devices from your phone's manufacturer could be a good place to start. 

 

The Tylt dock 

Just make sure you buy something that's Qi-compatible. With that done, you're good to go — all you need to do is plug your wireless charger into a power source and you can place your phone right on it to fill up the battery. The charging might be slightly slower than it is from a standard charger, but it's much more convenient.

You can just pick up your phone and go in the morning, for example, without having to fiddle around with the cable or the plug socket. It should save you some wear and tear on the microUSB socket too, because you won't be constantly plugging in and removing cables every time you need some extra battery juice.

Charging your phone

The charger we're using here is a VÜ wireless charger from Tylt, which lets you position your phone in landscape or portrait mode, and keeps the screen at a 45-degree angle so you can view it while it's being charged. If you're charging a tablet then you might want to go for something flatter. 

 

Look, no wires 

With the wireless charger plugged in, all you need to do is place your Android phone (such as a Nexus 6) on the dock and after a few moments the battery level should start rising. There are no special settings to configure, no switch to flick  the message on the Battery screen will read Charging wirelessly so you know the connection is working.

All of the other battery charging features in Android Lollipop  like the lock screen message that tells you how much longer your device is going to be charging for  should still work as normal, but you have the added convenience of juicing up your phone without a cable.