Some Qi Wireless Chargers Not Working With iPhone 12 [Updated] - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

Some Qi Wireless Chargers Not Working With iPhone 12 [Updated]

Some Qi-based wireless chargers don't appear to be working with the iPhone 12 models, perhaps due to the magnets inside of the new devices, alignment issues, or other internal changes to wireless charging protocols.

ZENS Liberty 16 Coils Wireless Charger with Apple Watch USB stick Lifestyle Image
Apple's iPhone models have been using Qi wireless charging since the launch of the iPhone X and iPhone 8 in 2017, so many people have existing wireless chargers on hand from prior iPhone generations. Unfortunately, some of those wireless chargers do not appear to be working properly with the iPhone 12 at this time.

There are complaints about non-functional wireless chargers from multiple new iPhone 12 owners on both Reddit and the MacRumors forums. Affected chargers work with older iPhones, but will not charge the iPhone 12 models, which is something to be aware of if you have a new iPhone 12 or are planning a purchase.

The MacRumors forums has a list of chargers that don't appear to be working with the iPhone 12 such as the Zens Liberty Wireless Charger, the Mophie Charge Stream Pad+, the Nomad Base Station Stand, and the Mophie 3-in-1 wireless charging stand. There are also complaints about some Anker wireless chargers.

Nomad's Base Station Pro with Aira wireless charging technology was previously on the list, but just this week Nomad released a firmware update that should address the problem. Unfortunately, most wireless chargers can't get firmware updates like the Base Station Pro, and it's not clear if there's a software fix on the way from Apple.

Some users have had luck getting a wireless charger to work after restarting a device or attempting to change the positioning of the phone on the charger, but in most cases, the affected wireless chargers simply don't charge the iPhone 12 models. This is a problem that seems to be limited to a small number of chargers and most appear to be working.

Update 10:15 a.m.: Apple has just released iOS 14.2 which includes a mention of a fix for an issue in which "devices could be prevented from charging wirelessly." Presumably, this should fix many of the previous issues, while other tweaks by charger vendors such as Nomad's Base Station Pro firmware update may also help. Not all chargers are able to have their firmware updated by users, however.

Tag: Qi

Popular Stories

duo aquarium

More Fun iPhone Duo Apps: 30 New Picks to Try

Friday November 6, 2026 3:27 pm PST by
When the iPhone Duo launched, we shared a list of some of the fun apps developers created for the new form factor. Two weeks out, developers are continuing to come up with fresh ideas, so we thought we'd share some of our favorites. Games Marbles Unhinged ($2.99) - Marbles Unhinged is a marble maze designed for the Duo. When you fold it, the floor turns into a ramp. If you stand the top...
apple pro tell logo

Apple Launching Five New Products Today

Thursday November 5, 2026 12:59 am PST by
Apple is launching five new products on Friday, November 6, following pre-orders that opened last week, including its first touchscreen MacBook Pro models. The following new products will be available from today: iPad mini with OLED display and A20 Pro chip iMac with M6 chip 14-inch MacBook Pro with M6 chip 14-inch MacBook Pro with OLED touchscreen 16-inch MacBook Pro with OLED...
iOS 28 AI

Apple Taking New Approach to Developing iOS 28 and macOS 28

Sunday November 8, 2026 7:42 am PST by
Apple has made a change to its development process for iOS 28, macOS 28, and corresponding software updates, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In his Power On newsletter today, he said Apple separates development of each year's new operating systems into three major stages. Typically, he said each stage consists of four weeks of coding followed by a four-week "convergence" period where...

Top Rated Comments

79 months ago
There's a new Apple support document on it. Here's the relevant part:

1. If you have outmoded Qi wireless chargers that do not work with your iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, or iPhone 12 Pro Max, dump them in a landfill.

2. Purchase the Apple MagSafe Charger.

3. Purchase the Apple 20W USB-C Power Adapter.

4. Purchase a carbon offset so that Apple remains carbon neutral.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
79 months ago
"You're Charging it Wrong" -Apple
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
79 months ago

"You're Charging it Wrong" -Apple
This joke is getting old. Steve Jobs died 9 years ago!
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
79 months ago
My 12Pro suddenly stopped working on two Qi chargers yesterday (one of which is the Nomad Base Station + Watch). No amount of wiggling around could get the phone to recognize them and start charging.

Restarted the phone and it started working again on both. Worth a go, guys.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ghostface147 Avatar
79 months ago
Anker for the win!
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
77 months ago
Yet another person that has run into the issue. My iPhone 11 Pro Max has no issues with my Volvo XC60 wireless charger but my wife's 12 Pro Max (iOS 14.3) runs into the problems of not being able to charge. This is the bare iPhone with no case.

If Apple has put in a hardware change to support their chargers and no longer supports other wireless charging schemes, I'll be very disappointed.....
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Latest Stories
Apple Store Subscription Sign-Up Controversy Exposed
Apple Store Subscription Sign-Up Controversy Exposed
4 hours ago
Siri AI Rumored to Become 'More Like an Agent' as Early as Next Year
Siri AI Rumored to Become 'More Like an Agent' as Early as Next Year
14 hours ago
Apple Taking New Approach to Developing iOS 28 and macOS 28
Apple Taking New Approach to Developing iOS 28 and macOS 28
15 hours ago
Early Apple Black Friday Deals on Apple Watch, MacBook Air, and More
Early Apple Black Friday Deals on Apple Watch, MacBook Air, and More
1 day ago
'Backglow' Lets You Customize New MacBook Pro's Glowing Apple Logo
'Backglow' Lets You Customize New MacBook Pro's Glowing Apple Logo
1 day ago
Top Stories: Apple Product Launches, iOS 27.3 Beta, and More
Top Stories: Apple Product Launches, iOS 27.3 Beta, and More
2 days ago
More Fun iPhone Duo Apps: 30 New Picks to Try
More Fun iPhone Duo Apps: 30 New Picks to Try
2 days ago
Hands-On With Apple's New OLED Touchscreen MacBook Pro
Hands-On With Apple's New OLED Touchscreen MacBook Pro
2 days ago
Apple Store With All-New Design Opening Soon in Southern California
Apple Store With All-New Design Opening Soon in Southern California
2 days ago
Control the Glowing Apple Logo on Your New MacBook Pro
Control the Glowing Apple Logo on Your New MacBook Pro
2 days ago
Apple Shares New 'Apple Card: Apply and Use in Minutes' Ad
Apple Shares New 'Apple Card: Apply and Use in Minutes' Ad
3 days ago
Apple Says More Than 100,000 Apps Optimized for iPhone Duo, Here's What's Still Missing
Apple Says More Than 100,000 Apps Optimized for iPhone Duo, Here's What's Still Missing
3 days ago
Early Black Friday Deals Kickoff With Steep Discounts on Apple Watch Ultras and More
Early Black Friday Deals Kickoff With Steep Discounts on Apple Watch Ultras and More
3 days ago
The MacRumors Show: iOS 27.3 Looks Like a Huge Update
The MacRumors Show: iOS 27.3 Looks Like a Huge Update
3 days ago
Best Buy's Black Friday Event Begins With Sitewide Savings on Apple, TVs, More
Best Buy's Black Friday Event Begins With Sitewide Savings on Apple, TVs, More
3 days ago
Apple Releasing Yet Another Two New Products Next Week
Apple Releasing Yet Another Two New Products Next Week
3 days ago
MacBook Air Drops to Lowest Price in Months With Amazon's $250 Discount
MacBook Air Drops to Lowest Price in Months With Amazon's $250 Discount
3 days ago
Apple Rumored to Drop the iPhone's Action Button Next Year
Apple Rumored to Drop the iPhone's Action Button Next Year
3 days ago
Apple's Extended Return Policy Now in Effect for 2026 Holiday Season
Apple's Extended Return Policy Now in Effect for 2026 Holiday Season
3 days ago
Apple Music Classical Updated With New Icon and Refreshed Design
Apple Music Classical Updated With New Icon and Refreshed Design
3 days ago
OLED iPad Mini, M6 iMac, and New MacBook Pros Available From Today
OLED iPad Mini, M6 iMac, and New MacBook Pros Available From Today
3 days ago
Apple Surveys iPhone Duo Buyers About Crease and Camera
Apple Surveys iPhone Duo Buyers About Crease and Camera
3 days ago
Apple's First Touchscreen Mac is Now Arriving to Customers
Apple's First Touchscreen Mac is Now Arriving to Customers
3 days ago
Claude Gets Personal Finance Feature With Bank Account Linking
Claude Gets Personal Finance Feature With Bank Account Linking
3 days ago
Apple Arcade Adds Crossy Road Rush and NBA 2K27
Apple Arcade Adds Crossy Road Rush and NBA 2K27
3 days ago
Apple's New HomeView Smart Home Hub: Here's How Much RAM It Has
Apple's New HomeView Smart Home Hub: Here's How Much RAM It Has
3 days ago
iPad Mini vs. iPad Air Buyer's Guide: Now Just $50 Apart
iPad Mini vs. iPad Air Buyer's Guide: Now Just $50 Apart
3 days ago
First iOS 27.3 and macOS Golden Gate 27.3 Public Betas Now Available
First iOS 27.3 and macOS Golden Gate 27.3 Public Betas Now Available
4 days ago
Apple Announces a New Mac Sales Record
Apple Announces a New Mac Sales Record
4 days ago
Paid $200 for Logic Pro? Apple Says You Won't Get This New Feature
Paid $200 for Logic Pro? Apple Says You Won't Get This New Feature
4 days ago