Will Wireless Charging Work With a Case? Why Your Phone Case Material Matters for Wireless Charging & What to Look For

Key Takeaways

• Most modern phones from leading brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google support wireless charging.
• Wireless charging works perfectly with compatible cases.
• If you’re picking a case for wireless charging, prioritize thin but protective cases from top brands like ZAGG.

Wireless charging has been around for a while now, but it’s only recently that adoption has really picked up, hitting a global CAGR of 22%. It’s the perfect time to upgrade your charger, and we have the answers you’re looking for. Which phones support wireless charging, and do you need a special case for wireless charging? Do phone cases even affect wireless charging?

Get the inside look with ZAGG and upgrade your charging game today.

What is Wireless Charging, Anyway?

The name might sound self-explanatory enough, but there’s a little more to wireless charging than meets the eye. 

Wireless charging does work with a case. At the core level, wireless charging is just a cable-free way to juice up your phone, watch, headphones, and other devices. You place your phone on a charging pad, and energy is transferred without any physical connection. But how exactly does wireless charging/MagSafe charging work?

How It Works

The core principle behind wireless charging is induction. The energy transfer happens between the coil in the wireless charger and the receiver in your device. When you turn on the charging pad, it creates a magnetic field that the coil converts into electricity, and voilà: you now have a charged phone.

How Does Wireless Charging Work With a Case?

If wireless charging relies on a physical connection between your phone and the wireless charging pad, it’s only natural to wonder how it works with a case involved.

Thankfully, it’s not that complicated. Most cases from trusted third-party brands like ZAGG support wireless charging, so if you know which phones support wireless charging, you’re already good to go. However, there are a few limitations you should keep in mind.

• Interference: Certain phone case materials, especially metal, can block or interfere with the magnetic field generated by the charger. Manufacturers ensure wireless charging works with cases by carefully using these materials in order to avoid direct interference.
  
• Case Thickness: Case thickness, in certain extreme cases, can have an impact on wireless charging. This is because overly thick cases increase the distance between your phone’s receiver and the charging coil. Ultimately, this shouldn’t really have a noticeable impact on your charging experience, but it’s worth keeping in mind.

Wireless Charging-Friendly Phones

iPhones

Apple introduced MagSafe charging for its iPhones all the way back with the iPhone 8. What does that mean for you? You don’t need a special case for wireless charging with your iPhone because it's already fully supported (assuming it’s an iPhone 8 or newer), as long as you’re using any MagSafe-compatible case.

Samsung Galaxy

The same thing applies to most Samsung Galaxy and Fold phones. Wireless charging also works with cases here. In fact, Samsung introduced wireless charging even earlier than Apple, back in 2015 with the Galaxy S6. The Z Flip series also supports wireless charging, provided you’re using compatible accessories and hardware.

Google Pixel

A lot of buyers wonder which Pixel phones support wireless charging, and it’s understandable given how niche they are relative to Apple and Samsung phones. Thankfully, Google was also an early adopter, and all Google Pixel phone models after and including the Pixel 3 support wireless charging.

If you’re interested in wireless charging and unsure whether it’ll work with your phone, you can always just check your product specs or head over to the manufacturer’s website. That said, most modern phones comfortably support the Qi2 wireless charging standard, and wireless charging also works with cases if you’re buying from a trusted brand.

Which Types of Cases Support Wireless Charging?

Not all cases are made equal for wireless charging. Phone cases do affect wireless charging, and you should know exactly what that impact is before diving in.

Polycarbonate/TPU Cases

These cases tend to be very thin, making them ideal for wireless charging. The golden rule for cases is to pick one with a thickness of 3mm or less, and these cases easily meet that requirement.

As a bonus, PC and TPU cases tend to be relatively durable as well, shielding your phone from minor falls and scratches easily. Another reason wireless charging works with these cases is that they’re nonconductive, which means they won’t interfere with the charging process, whether you’re using an iPhone 16 Pro or a Samsung Galaxy phone.

Silicone Cases

Phones that support wireless charging will have no problem getting powered up with a silicone case. This material is typically very thin, which minimizes the distance between the charging pad and your phone’s receiver.

The trade-off? You don’t need a special case for wireless charging, but you also shouldn’t expect your silicone case to shield your phone from any major damage. These cases are usually only good for minor protection against scratches and bumps.

Leather Cases

Wireless charging works with leather cases, but they’re not exactly optimal. Some leather cases can be quite thick, which leads to slower charging speeds. However, a leather case shouldn’t be a problem if it has been intentionally designed to support wireless charging. Synthetic leather hybrid cases are a good example here.

Graphene-Fortified Cases

Graphene-fortified MagSafe-compatible cases like the Milan Snap are the gold standard if you’re looking for a real upgrade. These cases are thin enough to offer the optimal wireless charging experience, while also featuring reinforced corners and graphene-fortification to shield your phone from damage.

The Best Cases For Wireless Charging

Ready to upgrade your charging game? Use these tips as guidelines and find out what real next-gen charging looks like.

Hardshell Cases

A good hardshell case works flawlessly with wireless charging, and it’s strong enough to withstand virtually anything you throw at it in your everyday life. If you have a phone which supports wireless charging, a hardshell case like ZAGG’s Crystal Palace Snap is an excellent pick.

Thin Cases

As we’ve established, thin cases offer the best possible wireless charging experience. If you’re confident your phone won’t experience a major fall, you can get ZAGG’s SoHo Snap for a pocket-friendly, MagSafe-compatible option.

Graphene Cases

Featuring next-gen heat dissipation technology, a good graphene-fortified case is your best bet if you’re looking for a durable case that works with wireless charging. ZAGG’s Santa Cruz Snap is the most popular choice here, and it comes in a wide range of colors so you can show off your personality with a case that aligns with your aesthetic.

Colorful Cases

Speaking of colors, ZAGG’s colorful lineup of London Snap cases makes excellent MagSafe-compatible gifts for your loved ones. These vibrant colors overlay thin but durable cases that feature user-friendly additions like textured grips.

You don’t need a special case for wireless charging, but you should only trust certified wireless charging-compatible cases from top brands. 

Get Next-Gen Charging Today

There has never been a better time to experience the power of wireless charging than today. Phone cases do affect wireless charging, and picking the right one can make all the difference. Find the perfect case for your phone right here at ZAGG, and hit 100% in style with FSC-certified materials, elevated designs, and more.