A lamp with a wireless charging pad in the base saves a plug and a tangle of cables beside the bed or on the desk. Before you buy one, it is worth checking that your phone supports it, and knowing a few tricks for when it does not seem to charge.
Does my phone support wireless charging?
Most wireless charging pads, including the ones built into lamps, use the Qi standard. A phone needs Qi support built in to charge on them.
- iPhone: iPhone 8 and every model since supports Qi wireless charging. MagSafe iPhones also charge on standard Qi pads, just without the magnetic snap.
- Samsung: most Galaxy S, Note and Z flagship models support it. Many budget Galaxy A models do not.
- Google Pixel: the main Pixel models support it, but several of the cheaper “a” models do not, so check yours.
- Everything else: look in your phone's specifications for “wireless charging” or “Qi”. If it is not listed, the phone will not charge without an adapter.
Not sure which model you have? On iPhone open Settings > General > About. On Android open Settings > About phone.
Six fixes if it will not charge
- Centre the phone. The charging coil sits in a small area. Place the middle of the back of your phone over the middle of the pad and move it slightly until the charging icon appears.
- Take off thick cases. Most chargers work through thin cases of a few millimetres. Thick, rugged or battery cases often block charging.
- Remove anything metal or magnetic. Bank cards, metal plates for car mounts and pop-out grips can stop charging, and a pad can damage cards with a magnetic strip.
- Use the right plug. A weak USB port or old adapter may not supply enough power. Use the adapter recommended in the instructions.
- Let it cool down. Phones slow or pause charging when they get warm. That is normal and protects the battery.
- Restart the phone if it still does not respond.
What to expect
Wireless charging is usually slower than plugging in a cable. That is why it works best for overnight charging by the bed or topping up during the working day, rather than a quick boost before you head out. It is also gentle on the charging port, since you are not plugging and unplugging every day.
Where a charging lamp makes sense
- Bedside: one device gives you reading light and an overnight charge.
- Home desk: the phone stays visible and charged while you work.
- Student rooms: it frees a plug socket where they are scarce.
Our Wireless Charging Lamp (£19.99, free UK delivery) puts the charging pad in the base. Place a compatible phone on it and it starts charging. It also features in our Christmas gift guide under £40.
