Wireless charging is one of the modern methods of charging your electronics. Notably, this tech is becoming very common among smartphone users due to its simplicity and straightforward mechanism. However, there are still some confusions remaining about this relatively new charging method. One such confusion is, “Does wireless charging work with case?”
We’ll explain how to use this technology while the device is covered with a case in this quick guide.
How Does Wireless Charging Work?
As far as wireless charging is concerned, there are mainly three types: non-radiative, radiative, and radiofrequency. Of these three types, radio frequency (RF) is the only one that uses uncoupled radio frequency and can charge from a considerable distance. Currently, this type of charging is the only way to charge without touching the charging device and has not developed widely.
Considering the other two types: radiative and non-radiative, both work with the same physics and cannot charge from a distance of many feet because of resonant charging. Specifically, the non-radiative charging uses tightly coupled electromagnetic inductive, and the radiative charging sends loosely coupled electromagnetic inductive. Because of using such electromagnetic frequency, the charging distance cannot exceed more than a few centimeters.
The basic mechanism of wireless charging works when the charging pad releases a magnetic field from the closed loop of wire. When the electronics or device reaches the range of that electromagnetic frequency, it starts charging. To catch the electromagnetic field, the device must have the capability of receiving the magnetic force.
Does Wireless Charging Work With A Case?
If you talk about a small device like a smartphone, the wireless charging pad comes with a small diameter of copper coil loop, limiting the power transmission distance. As a result, the power from such wireless charging pads cannot travel more than a few centimeters. So, wireless charging should work without any issue when there is no barrier between the case and the device.
Actually, whether wireless charging works or not is very much dependable on several conditions. That means, the answer can be both yes and no. If your case is thin and not made using such material that won’t allow the transmission of electromagnetic power, wireless charging will work. In other cases, wireless charging may not work as the resonant frequency may get blocked.
Tips For Wireless Charging With Cases
Ultimately, wireless charging works with a case if the case is compatible, according to our previous statements. However, you may face difficulties charging your device even if you are using a suitable case. This thing happens when you are not maintaining the necessary measures for the wireless charging process. Don’t worry. We give you some tips below so that you don’t get any issues regarding this matter.
1. Proper Alignment
The most common issue of wireless charging is the alignment of the device. Usually, charging pads come with copper coil loops inside, and the whole area doesn’t support wireless charging. So, you cannot charge your device in any area of the pad.
Besides, you should keep a specific area of your device attached to that copper coil area of the charging pad. Typically, the central part of the device supports a wireless connection, and the copper coil zone is marked using a round-looking sign. Considering these things, you should put your device in the charging pad using proper alignment.
2. Source Of Power
Wireless charging doesn’t work with every power source. Always, you need a compatible power source to make the wireless charging function work. Generally, you need at least 5V with a 2A power supply to match with the wireless charging.
If you use a cable or adapter that doesn’t have that minimum power supply, the wireless charging won’t work. Besides, you should check the socket of the power source to ensure that it is delivering enough electricity to create an electromagnetic field.
Suitable Cases For Wireless Charging
All cases can be suitable if you maintain some standards when choosing a case for your device. The first thing to consider is the thickness of the case. Don’t choose a case with a thickness of more than 3mm. Any case within this limit will be inside the range of wireless charging.
Secondly, you should consider the material of the case. Any material excluding metal can match with wireless technology. So, the case must not have any kind of metal type material on it, and the thickness should be within the range. After considering these things, wireless charging can work with the cases.
Cases Where Wireless Charging Doesn’t Work
Qi standard charging is the most popular wireless charging technology in today’s tech markets. Not to mention, this charging technology works with the radioactive electromagnetic field. You already know, there is a chance that wireless charging doesn’t work when the magnetic force cannot pass through the case. So, you should know about these cases first to choose accordingly.
Thick Cases
If the case is thicker and exceeds the standard distance of the wireless charging, it can impede the electromagnetic field. As a result, the charging may not work correctly as well as cause damage to your charger. Moreover, imbalanced wireless charging increases the risk of overheating and damaging the device. When talking about smartphone wireless charging, the case must not be more than 3mm thick.
Metal Cases
Any kind of metal always interferes with the magnetic force. Since wireless charging works using an electromagnetic field, it is impossible to charge without interfering when using a metal case in your device. If the case is less thick than 3mm, still the magnetic field won’t be able to ignore the interference created by the metal.
For the same reason, Apple doesn’t use aluminum back on the iPhones anymore. Instead, you’ll see the glass back on the iPhones now, which doesn’t create any barrier in wireless charging. So, avoid using metal cases if you want to use wireless charging for your device.
Wallet Cases
Some people use wallet cases to keep their electronic devices or smartphones. Sadly, these wallets are often more than 3mm thick and exceed the minimum wireless charging distance. If the layer is less than 3mm, we still suggest you avoid using wallet cases. This is because the credit cards or IDs remaining on the wallet may interfere with the charging process. Besides, the electromagnetic field may damage such types of cards or IDs.
Battery Cases
Battery cases are actually power banks attached to the device. Usually, battery cases are very thick, and the electromagnetic field of wireless charging won’t be able to reach the device from the surface. The good thing is that some manufacturers make battery cases with wireless charging capability. In that case, you can easily charge these cases using wireless charging technology.
Final Speech
While wireless charging works using an electromagnetic field, there should be no barrier between the device and the charging pad. If the case creates blocking or is thicker than the minimum limit of 3mm, wireless charging won’t work. Otherwise, wireless charging can work perfectly. Don’t forget to follow the tips if you still cannot charge your device using wireless charging technology.
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