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How to Charge iPhone with Watch Charger?

Published in Wireless Charging 4 mins read

You can charge your iPhone using an Apple Watch charger because both devices utilize compatible wireless charging technologies.

The Science Behind It: Why It Works

The ability to charge an iPhone with an Apple Watch charger stems from their shared foundation in wireless power transfer. Both devices support magnetic inductive charging, a form of wireless charging based on the widely adopted Qi standard.

As stated in the reference, the Apple Watch charger uses magnetic inductive charging, which is compatible with the iPhone's wireless charging feature. This means that the charging coil in the Apple Watch charger can communicate and transfer power to the receiving coil in your iPhone. When you place your iPhone on the Apple Watch charger, it will initiate the charging process and begin refilling your phone's battery.

This cross-compatibility offers a convenient, albeit often slower, alternative for powering up your iPhone.

How to Charge Your iPhone with an Apple Watch Charger

Charging your iPhone with an Apple Watch charger is a simple process, requiring careful placement due to the size difference of the charging coils.

  1. Connect the Watch Charger: Ensure your Apple Watch charger is properly plugged into a power source (e.g., a wall adapter or USB port).
  2. Locate the Charging Pad: Identify the circular, magnetic charging puck of the Apple Watch charger.
  3. Position Your iPhone: Carefully place your iPhone directly onto the center of the Apple Watch charging puck. Due to the smaller size of the Watch charger's coil, precise alignment is crucial. You might need to adjust its position slightly until you feel the magnetic pull or see the charging indicator appear on your iPhone's screen.
  4. Verify Charging: Look for the charging symbol (a battery icon with a lightning bolt) on your iPhone's status bar or lock screen. This confirms that the charging process has begun.

Important Considerations and Limitations

While convenient, using an Apple Watch charger for your iPhone comes with certain considerations that affect efficiency and user experience.

Charging Speed

The primary limitation is charging speed. Apple Watch chargers are designed to provide lower wattage optimized for the Watch's smaller battery. Consequently, charging an iPhone, which has a significantly larger battery, will be much slower compared to using a dedicated iPhone wireless charger (like a MagSafe charger or a standard Qi pad designed for phones) or a traditional lightning cable. Expect a trickle charge rather than a rapid power-up.

Alignment Sensitivity

The Apple Watch charging puck has a smaller inductive coil compared to the larger coils found in most iPhone-specific wireless chargers. This requires very precise alignment of your iPhone on the puck for charging to initiate and maintain. Slight shifts can interrupt the connection.

iPhone Model Compatibility

Only iPhone models that support wireless charging (iPhone 8 and newer) can be charged this way. Older models without wireless charging capabilities will not work.

iPhone Models with Wireless Charging
iPhone 8 / 8 Plus
iPhone X / XR / XS / XS Max
iPhone 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max
iPhone 12 / 12 mini / 12 Pro / 12 Pro Max
iPhone 13 / 13 mini / 13 Pro / 13 Pro Max
iPhone 14 / 14 Plus / 14 Pro / 14 Pro Max
iPhone 15 / 15 Plus / 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max

Case Compatibility

Thick phone cases or cases with metal components can interfere with wireless charging. For best results, you might need to remove your iPhone case or adjust its position more carefully.

Best Practices for Charging

To optimize the charging experience when using an Apple Watch charger for your iPhone:

  • Ensure Proper Alignment: Take extra time to center your iPhone perfectly on the charging puck.
  • Remove Obstructions: Clear any thick cases or accessories that might hinder the wireless connection.
  • Be Patient: Understand that it will be a slower charge, suitable for overnight charging or when you have ample time.
  • Monitor Temperature: While rare, excessive heat can damage batteries. Ensure the phone and charger don't get unusually hot during charging.

When to Use This Method?

Charging your iPhone with an Apple Watch charger is not typically recommended as a primary charging method due to its slower speed. However, it can be incredibly useful in specific scenarios:

  • Emergency: When you've forgotten your iPhone charger but have your Apple Watch charger handy.
  • Travel: To reduce the number of chargers you need to carry, especially for overnight stays.
  • Convenience: For a quick, low-power top-up when a traditional charger isn't immediately available.