The iPhone 12 ships without a wireless charger in the box

Apple removed the wireless charger from the iPhone 12 box in 2020. You get the phone and a USB-C to Lightning cable, but no charger of any kind — not a wired one, not a wireless one. If you want to charge wirelessly, you have to buy a charger separately.

This applies to all four iPhone 12 models: the standard iPhone 12, the 12 mini, the 12 Pro, and the 12 Pro Max. They all support wireless charging, but none of them include a charger in the package.

Key Takeaways

  • The iPhone 12 supports wireless charging but does not include a wireless charger in the box.
  • Any Qi-certified wireless charger will work with the iPhone 12, including older chargers you may already own.
  • Apple's MagSafe chargers are designed specifically for the iPhone 12 and align magnetically with the phone, but standard Qi chargers work fine without the magnetic alignment.
  • Wireless charging on the iPhone 12 is slower than wired charging — expect 7.5 watts wirelessly versus up to 20 watts with a wired charger.

What wireless chargers work with iPhone 12

Any Qi-certified wireless charger will charge your iPhone 12. Qi is the wireless charging standard, and the iPhone 12 has been compatible with it since launch. If you already own a wireless charger from an older phone, it will work with the iPhone 12 without any changes.

You do not need to buy Apple's charger. Third-party options from Anker, Belkin, Samsung, and others all work. The main difference between a standard Qi charger and Apple's MagSafe charger is alignment — MagSafe chargers have magnets that snap the phone into the exact center of the charging pad, while a standard Qi charger requires you to position the phone manually.

If you buy a wireless charger, look for the Qi logo on the packaging. That tells you it meets the standard and will work with your iPhone 12.

MagSafe chargers versus standard Qi chargers

Apple's MagSafe chargers use magnets built into the iPhone 12 to center the phone automatically on the charging pad. This makes them convenient — you can drop the phone on the charger without worrying about alignment. MagSafe chargers cost more, usually $25 to $40 depending on the model.

Standard Qi chargers cost less, often $10 to $20, but you have to position the phone yourself. If the phone is not centered over the charging coil, it will not charge. Both types deliver the same charging speed on the iPhone 12: 7.5 watts.

The choice comes down to convenience versus cost. If you already own a Qi charger, there is no reason to replace it. If you are buying new, MagSafe is worth the extra money only if you value the automatic alignment.

Wireless charging speed on iPhone 12

Wireless charging on the iPhone 12 maxes out at 7.5 watts. A wired charger with a 20-watt power adapter is nearly three times faster. If you need your phone charged quickly, use a wired charger. If you are charging overnight or leaving the phone on a pad while you work, wireless charging is fine.

The charging speed is the same whether you use a MagSafe charger or a standard Qi charger. The magnets in MagSafe do not increase power — they only improve alignment.

Where to buy a wireless charger for iPhone 12

Wireless chargers are sold at most electronics retailers: Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and Amazon all stock them. Apple sells MagSafe chargers on its website and in Apple Stores. If you want a cheaper option, search for "Qi wireless charger" on Amazon or at Walmart — you will find many third-party options under $20.

Before you buy, check the product listing for the Qi logo or the words "Qi-certified". That is your may provide it will work with the iPhone 12. Read the reviews to see if other users report charging issues or slow speeds.

Troubleshooting if your wireless charger is not working

If you have a wireless charger and the iPhone 12 is not charging, first check that the charger is plugged in and powered on. Look for a light on the charger itself — most have a small LED that glows when active.

Next, remove any thick phone case. Some cases, especially leather or heavy plastic ones, block the wireless charging signal. Try charging without the case. If it works, you need a thinner case or a case labeled as wireless-charging compatible.

If the phone still does not charge, restart the iPhone 12. Hold down the side button and either volume button until the power-off slider appears, then slide to power off. Wait 10 seconds and power it back on. Try charging again.

If none of that works, the charger itself may be faulty. Test it with another phone if you have one available. If the other phone charges, your iPhone 12 may have a hardware issue and you should contact Apple Support. If the other phone does not charge, the charger is broken and you should return it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an iPhone 11 wireless charger with the iPhone 12?

Yes. Both phones use the same Qi wireless charging standard. Any charger that worked with the iPhone 11 will work with the iPhone 12. The only difference is that the iPhone 12 also supports MagSafe, which the iPhone 11 does not.

Does the iPhone 12 charge faster with MagSafe than with a regular Qi charger?

No. Both deliver 7.5 watts on the iPhone 12. MagSafe is faster to set up because the magnets align the phone automatically, but the actual charging speed is identical.

What if I use a case with my iPhone 12 wireless charger?

Most thin cases work fine with wireless charging. Thick cases, leather cases, and cases with metal components can block the signal. If your phone does not charge through the case, try removing it. If you need a case, look for one labeled "wireless charging compatible" or "Qi compatible".

Is wireless charging bad for the iPhone 12 battery?

No. Wireless charging and wired charging both use the same battery management system in the iPhone 12. Neither one damages the battery more than the other. The only downside to wireless charging is speed — it is slower, not harmful.

Can I charge my iPhone 12 wirelessly while using it?

Yes, but the phone may charge more slowly or stop charging if it gets too warm. Wireless charging generates a small amount of heat, and if the phone is also running apps or processing data, the combined heat can trigger the phone to pause charging as a safety measure. For fastest charging while using the phone, use a wired charger instead.