How to add MagSafe and Qi2 to Android phones

The Qi2 standard is revolutionising wireless charging, promising enhanced efficiency and magnetic alignment.

While Apple’s iPhone 12 and newer models already support this exciting technology, Android users are still waiting for the first Qi2-certified phone.

However, if you own an Android phone and want to benefit from MagSafe or Qi2 charging today, there’s a way to do it.

How does wireless charging work?

Before diving into the details of adding MagSafe or Qi2 compatibility to Android devices, it’s essential to understand how wireless charging works.

Wireless chargers use electromagnetic fields to transfer power. Inside the charger, a coil generates a magnetic field by running an electric current through it. This field induces a current in your phone’s charging coil, which charges the battery.

MagSafe (and now Qi2) builds on this by incorporating magnets to ensure perfect alignment between the charger’s coil and the phone’s coil. This precise alignment minimises energy loss, allowing faster charging speeds – up to 15 watts with official MagSafe and Qi2 chargers.

How to add MagSafe and Qi2 to Android phones

Metal attachments

Many companies have attempted to bridge the gap between Android devices and MagSafe by selling metal attachments. These accessories attach to the back of your phone or phone case, allowing a magnetic connection with MagSafe or Qi2 chargers.

However, most of these metal attachments aren’t entirely magnetic. This can disrupt the magnetic field needed for wireless charging, slowing the charging process or, in some cases, preventing it entirely.

Non-magnetic materials, which interfere with energy transfer, can also cause the phone or charger to overheat, and this is potentially dangerous.

Magnetic attachments

To avoid these problems, Android users should consider using a 100% magnetic attachment for MagSafe and Qi2 compatibility.

A great example is the iOttie Magnetic Ring Adapter. Unlike standard metal attachments, the iOttie adapter is crafted from N52 magnets and designed specifically to eliminate interference with wireless charging.

By being fully magnetic, the adapter ensures the charger and phone coils are aligned, delivering a fast, consistent charge.

The magnetic construction also prevents overheating issues common with partial metal attachments, protecting both your device and charger.

How to install the magnetic adapter

Adding MagSafe and Qi2 compatibility to your Android phone with the magnetic adapter of you choice is simple. Here’s a general guide on how to do this:

1. Use cleaning wipes to remove dust and debris from the back of your phone or case.
2. Place the alignment guide on your phone or case to ensure the magnetic ring is positioned precisely over the wireless charging coil.
3. Peel off the adhesive backing and carefully stick the magnetic ring in place. Press firmly to secure it.
4. Now your phone is ready to use with any MagSafe or Qi2 charger.

If you want to know more about this, check out our article on everything you need to know about Qi2 wireless charging. We’ve also put together a roundup of the best wireless chargers you can buy right now.