Quick Summary:
An iPhone 7 cannot charge wirelessly on its own. To use a wireless battery charger with your iPhone 7, you’ll need a special accessory called a Qi wireless charging receiver case or sticker that plugs into the iPhone 7’s charging port. This guide explains how to find and use these options safely and effectively.
Wireless Battery Charger for iPhone 7: Your Essential Guide
Is your iPhone 7’s charging cable getting tangled or worn out? Do you wish you could just set your phone down and have it start charging? You’re not alone! Many iPhone 7 users want the convenience of wireless charging, but the iPhone 7 doesn’t come with this feature built-in like newer models. It can be frustrating when you see friends with their phones powering up just by placing them on a pad. But don’t worry, there’s a simple and affordable way to get that wireless charging magic for your iPhone 7. We’ll walk you through exactly what you need and how to use it, step-by-step, making it easy and stress-free.
Understanding Wireless Charging for Your iPhone 7
The iPhone 7 was released before Apple integrated built-in wireless charging technology (which started with the iPhone 8 and later models). This means your iPhone 7’s hardware doesn’t have the internal components needed to pick up a wireless charging signal. Think of it like a radio that needs an antenna to pick up broadcasts – your iPhone 7’s internal antenna for wireless charging is missing.
But don’t let that stop you! The world of tech often has clever workarounds. For the iPhone 7, the solution involves adding that missing “antenna” capability externally. This is typically done through a small accessory that connects to your iPhone 7’s Lightning port, providing the necessary bridge to a standard wireless charger.
What You’ll Need: The “Bridge” to Wireless Charging
Since your iPhone 7 isn’t natively compatible with wireless charging, you can’t just buy any wireless charger and expect it to work out of the box. You need an intermediary device. The two most common types of accessories that enable wireless charging for devices like the iPhone 7 are:
- Qi Wireless Charging Receiver Case: This is usually a slim case that fits over your iPhone 7. Built into the back of the case is a flexible Qi receiver sticker and a small connector that plugs into your iPhone 7’s Lightning port. When you place the phone (in its case) on a Qi wireless charging pad, the case receives the wireless power and transfers it to your iPhone 7 through the Lightning connector.
- Qi Wireless Charging Receiver Sticker (or Patch): This is a thin, flexible sticker that has a Qi receiver coil and a short, usually flat, Lightning connector attached. You stick this onto the back of your iPhone 7 and plug the connector into the Lightning port. You then place your phone and the sticker onto a Qi wireless charging pad. Some people prefer this as it’s less bulky than a full case.
These accessories work by using the widely adopted Qi (pronounced “chee”) wireless charging standard. Qi is the most common wireless charging technology, used by most wireless chargers and many smartphones. When you purchase a receiver, make sure it explicitly states it’s Qi-compatible.
Choosing the Right Qi Receiver Accessory
When shopping for a Qi receiver for your iPhone 7, keep these points in mind:
- Compatibility: Double-check that the product is designed specifically to work with the iPhone 7’s Lightning port.
- Qi Standard: Ensure it supports the Qi wireless charging standard.
- Thickness: Some receivers can add noticeable bulk to your phone. Look at product reviews or descriptions to gauge the thickness. A very thin sticker might be preferable if you don’t want a bulky case.
- Charging Speed: Most Qi receivers for older iPhones will likely support standard wireless charging speeds (around 5W or 7.5W). Don’t necessarily expect fast wireless charging speeds as you might see with newer phones and high-wattage chargers. The iPhone 7 itself doesn’t support incredibly fast wired charging either, so the wireless experience will be similar in speed.
- Build Quality: Look for reputable brands and read user reviews to ensure the product is durable and functions reliably. A poorly made connector could cause charging issues or even damage your phone’s port.
Where to Buy Qi Receivers
You can typically find these Qi wireless charging receiver accessories at:
- Major online retailers (like Amazon, eBay)
- Electronics stores
- Specialty mobile accessory shops
When searching, use terms like “iPhone 7 Qi wireless receiver,” “iPhone 7 wireless charging adapter,” or “wireless charging sticker iPhone 7.”
How to Set Up and Use a Wireless Charging Receiver
Getting your iPhone 7 ready for wireless charging is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
Method 1: Using a Qi Wireless Charging Receiver Case
- Unbox the Case: Take the wireless charging case out of its packaging.
- Inspect the Connector: Locate the small Lightning connector that’s usually integrated into the bottom edge of the case.
- Attach the Case: Carefully place your iPhone 7 into the case. Ensure the Lightning connector on the case slides smoothly and securely into your iPhone 7’s Lightning port.
- Test the Connection: Make sure the case fits snugly and the connector is fully seated.
- Place on Wireless Charger: Position your iPhone 7 (with the case on) onto a Qi-certified wireless charging pad. The pad needs to be plugged into a power source.
- Confirm Charging: Your iPhone 7 should display the charging icon on the screen. This might take a few seconds. If it doesn’t, try repositioning the phone on the pad. Most Qi pads have a sweet spot.
Method 2: Using a Qi Wireless Charging Receiver Sticker
- Unpack the Sticker: Take the receiver sticker and its attached Lightning connector out of the packaging.
- Position the Sticker: Carefully peel off any backing protecting the adhesive side of the sticker. Align the sticker on the back of your iPhone 7. The exact placement might vary slightly depending on the design, but generally, the coil inside the sticker should be centered near where your phone’s battery is located internally. Many stickers have a guide or markings to help with placement.
- Connect the Lightning Plug: Gently insert the small Lightning connector from the sticker into your iPhone 7’s Lightning port. Make sure it’s fully plugged in without forcing it.
- Secure the Sticker (Optional): Some users like to tape the wire and connector down to the side or bottom of the phone to keep it tidy, though this can affect aesthetics.
- Place on Wireless Charger: Put your iPhone 7 (with the sticker attached and plugged in) onto a powered Qi wireless charging pad.
- Verify Charging: Check your iPhone 7’s screen for the charging indicator. Again, you may need to adjust the phone’s position on the pad for optimal charging.
Choosing a Wireless Charging Pad
Once you have your Qi receiver, you’ll need a wireless charging pad to make it work. Here’s what to look for:
- Qi-Certified: This is the most important feature. A Qi-certified pad means it meets safety and performance standards set by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC). This ensures it works correctly and safely with your receiver.
- Wattage: For the iPhone 7 and most Qi receivers, a standard 5W or 7.5W charging pad is sufficient. Higher wattage pads (10W, 15W) won’t necessarily speed up charging for the iPhone 7, but they will still work.
- Brand Reliability: Stick to well-known brands known for electronics accessories. This helps ensure quality and safety.
You can find Qi wireless charging pads at most places that sell phone accessories.
Pros and Cons of Wireless Charging for iPhone 7
Like any technology, there are benefits and drawbacks to using wireless charging with your iPhone 7.
Advantages:
- Convenience: Simply drop your phone onto the pad – no plugging and unplugging required. This is especially useful on a nightstand or desk.
- Reduced Wear and Tear: By not constantly inserting and removing a charging cable, you reduce wear on your iPhone 7’s Lightning port.
- Tidier Setup: Fewer cables lying around makes for a cleaner look on your desk or bedside table.
- Universal Compatibility (with receiver): Once set up, it works with any Qi-standard wireless charger.
Disadvantages:
- Requires an Adapter: As discussed, the iPhone 7 needs an extra accessory to enable wireless charging.
- Slower Charging Speeds: Wireless charging is generally slower than wired charging, especially with the older technologies compatible with older iPhones.
- Less Portable: You need a charging pad connected to power. It’s not as easy to carry with you as a portable power bank or a simple charging cable.
- Phone Might Get Warm: Wireless charging can sometimes generate more heat than wired charging, though modern Qi receivers and pads are designed to manage this safely.
- Alignment Issues: Sometimes, you need to find the perfect spot on the charging pad for it to connect and charge properly.
Safety Tips for Wireless Charging
Safety is always a top priority when dealing with electronics and power. Here are some key safety tips for using wireless chargers with your iPhone 7:
- Use Qi-Certified Products: Always opt for accessories and charging pads that are Qi-certified. This is your assurance that they meet strict safety standards.
- Avoid Damaged Cables or Accessories: Never use a cracked or frayed charging cable, a damaged Qi receiver sticker, or a faulty wireless charger. These can pose fire or electrical hazards.
- Keep Away from Water: Wireless charging pads and the receivers themselves should be kept dry. Water and electricity don’t mix!
- Ensure Proper Ventilation: Don’t cover the charging pad or the back of your phone while charging, especially if using a thick case or receiver. Good airflow helps dissipate heat.
- Don’t Overload Outlets: Ensure the power adapter for your wireless charging pad is plugged into a suitable outlet and not overcrowded with other high-power devices.
- Monitor Heat: While some warmth is normal, if your phone or the charging pad becomes excessively hot to the touch, disconnect it immediately and check for any issues.
- Use Reputable Brands: Stick with known, trusted brands for both the Qi receiver and the wireless charging pad. Cheap, unbranded accessories can be a safety risk. Visit the official Wireless Power Consortium product listings to verify certification if you are unsure about a product.
Can I Use a Wireless Power Bank with My iPhone 7?
Yes, you can! A wireless power bank is essentially a portable battery that doubles as a wireless charging pad. To use one with your iPhone 7, you’ll still need that Qi wireless charging receiver (either a case or a sticker) plugged into your iPhone 7.
Here’s how it works:
- Connect the Qi Receiver to your iPhone 7.
- Place your iPhone 7 (with the receiver attached) onto the wireless charging surface of the power bank.
- The power bank will transfer power wirelessly to your iPhone 7.
This is a great option for charging on the go without fumbling with cables, provided you have the necessary receiver adapter.
Troubleshooting Common Wireless Charging Issues
Even with the right accessories, you might run into a few snags. Here are common problems and how to fix them:
- Phone Not Charging:
- Ensure the Qi receiver’s Lightning connector is firmly plugged into your iPhone 7.
- Repositional your phone on the wireless charging pad – sometimes a slight adjustment helps.
- Check that the wireless charging pad is powered on and properly connected to its power source.
- Try a different Qi-certified wireless charger or a different USB power adapter for the pad.
- Make sure the case or sticker isn’t too thick, interfering with the connection.
- Slow Charging:
- This is often normal for wireless charging, especially with accessory receivers designed for older iPhones.
- Ensure you’re using a decent quality wireless charging pad.
- Close background apps on your iPhone 7, as they can consume power and slow down charging.
- Phone Overheating:
- Remove the case or sticker if you suspect it’s trapping heat.
- Try a different wireless charging pad, as some can generate more heat than others.
- Ensure the charging area is well-ventilated.
- If the phone feels excessively hot, disconnect it immediately.
- Intermittent Charging:
- Check the Lightning connector of your Qi receiver for any debris or damage.
- Ensure the phone is stable on the charging pad – movement can break the connection.
- Test with a different wireless charging pad to rule out a faulty pad.
Future-Proofing? Wireless Charging for Older iPhones
While adding wireless charging capabilities to an iPhone 7 is a great way to enjoy modern convenience, it’s worth noting that the iPhone 7 is an older device. If you’re considering upgrading your phone in the future, newer iPhone models (iPhone 8 and beyond) come with built-in wireless charging, often with faster speeds and better efficiency.
However, for users who are happy with their iPhone 7 and just want to add this feature, using a Qi receiver is an excellent, cost-effective solution. It breathes new life into an already capable device.
| Feature | Qi Receiver Case | Qi Receiver Sticker |
|---|---|---|
| Protection for Phone | Yes, offers full back and side protection as a case. | No, does not offer phone protection. |
| Bulk Addition | Adds moderate bulk, similar to a standard phone case. | Adds minimal bulk, very thin and lightweight. |
| Ease of Use | Simple to attach (put phone in case). | Requires careful placement and plugging in the connector. |
| Aesthetics | Depends on case design; can be stylish or utilitarian. | Connector wire can be visible and less tidy unless managed. |
| Cost | Generally slightly more expensive than stickers. | Typically more affordable. |
| Core Functionality | Enables Qi wireless charging. | Enables Qi wireless charging. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can my iPhone 7 charge wirelessly without any extra accessories?
A1: No, the iPhone 7 does not have built-in wireless charging capabilities. You will always need an external Qi wireless charging receiver accessory (like a case or sticker) that plugs into the Lightning port.
Q2: What is “Qi” wireless charging?
A2: Qi is the universal standard for wireless charging. Most wireless chargers and compatible devices use this standard, ensuring interoperability. Your iPhone 7 needs a Qi-compatible receiver to work with Qi chargers.
Q3: How fast does my iPhone 7 charge wirelessly with an adapter?
A3: Wireless charging for the iPhone 7 using an adapter accessory is typically slower than wired charging. Expect speeds around 5W to 7.5W, similar to older, slower wired charging standards. It’s more about convenience than speed.
Q4: Will a wireless charging case protect my iPhone 7?
A4: Yes, a Qi wireless charging receiver case will offer protection to your iPhone 7 similar to any other case, covering the back and sides. A receiver sticker itself does not offer protection.
Q5: Can I use my iPhone 7 headphones while it’s wirelessly charging?
A5: If you are using a Qi receiver sticker that plugs into the Lightning port, you cannot use wired headphones that also plug into the Lightning port simultaneously. A wireless charging case might also block the Lightning port. For audio, you would need to use Bluetooth headphones or remove the phone from the charging setup.
Q6: Is it safe to leave my iPhone 7 on a wireless charger overnight?
A6: Yes, it is generally safe. Qi-certified chargers and receivers have built-in safety features to prevent overcharging and manage heat. However, it’s always good practice to ensure good ventilation and avoid excessive heat.
