What is a Mini Wireless Charger?
A mini wireless charger is a small and portable device that allows you to charge your phone or other devices without having to plug them in. It works using electromagnetic induction to transfer energy between the charger and the device.
Some key features of mini wireless chargers:
– Compact size – Usually 3-6 inches wide, small enough to fit in your pocket or bag.
– Wireless charging – No cables or ports needed, just place your device on the charging surface.
– Portable – Rechargeable battery allows you to charge on-the-go.
– Compatible devices – Works with most newer smartphones, earbuds cases, smartwatches etc.
– Multiple coils – Allows you to charge in landscape or portrait orientation.
– Affordable price – A good mini wireless charger costs $15-$50 USD.
How Does a Mini Wireless Charger Work?
A mini wireless charger uses inductive charging technology to charge your device. Here’s a quick rundown of how it works:
1. Electric current passes through a coil inside the wireless charger, creating an electromagnetic field.
2. When you place your device on the charger, a second coil inside your device picks up the electromagnetic charge.
3. The coil converts the electromagnetic energy back into electric current to charge your device’s battery.
4. Your device has a regulator chip that communicates with the charger to regulate power flow for steady, optimized charging.
So in summary, the charger uses electromagnetic induction to transfer energy to your device when it’s within range. This allows you to power up your devices wirelessly, without messing around with cables and ports.
Choosing a Mini Wireless Charger
When selecting a mini wireless charger, here are some key factors to consider:
Charging Speed
– Standard 5W charging vs fast charging at 7.5W, 10W or 15W. Faster is better, but not supported on all devices.
Size of Charging Surface
– Bigger charging surface allows more freedom in phone placement. Look for at least 3 inches wide.
Single vs Multiple Device Charging
– Some chargers have 2 or 3 charging coils to power multiple devices at once.
Input Power
– Lower is better for portability. Aim for 5V/1A input or lower.
Portable Battery
– For charging on-the-go, look for an in-built rechargeable battery. Check the mAh capacity.
Wireless Charging Standards
– Qi standard is most common. Also look for compatibility indicators for Samsung/Apple/Google Fast Charge.
Design
– The design affects portability and charging angle. Flat pads vs foldable stands.
We recommend looking at customer reviews on Amazon or other stores to find a highly-rated mini charger that fits your usage needs. Anker, Samsung and RAVPower make good quality mini wireless chargers.
How to Use a Mini Wireless Charger
Using a mini wireless charger is very simple:
1. Plug the wireless charger into a power source using the included USB cable.
2. Some chargers have an LED indicator light that will illuminate when plugged in and powered on.
3. Place your phone, earbuds case, or other compatible device directly onto the center of the charging surface. Your device should start charging automatically.
4. For optimal charging speed and efficiency, make sure your device is aligned with the center of the charging coils. Cases thicker than 3mm may interfere.
5. The LED indicator on most chargers will turn a different color when charging is in progress. It may turn green when fully charged.
6. When charging is complete, simply lift your device off the wireless charger.
7. If your device is not charging, double check the alignment or any obstruction between the device and charger.
Charging Multiple Devices
If your wireless charger supports multiple devices, just place each item on the charging surface with a gap between them. The charger will automatically detect and deliver power to each one. Pay attention to any marked alignment guides on the charger.
Using Portable Battery
For chargers with an in-built battery, you’ll first need to fully charge the wireless charger itself via USB. Once the battery is fully juiced up, you can then take it on-the-go and recharge your devices wirelessly even when unplugged from a power source.
Wireless Charging Tips
To get the most out of your mini wireless charger, keep these usage tips in mind:
– Remove any thick phone case for faster charging. Qi can work through cases under 3mm thick.
– Don’t leave metal objects between the charger and device. This can cause interference.
– For alignment, look for the charging indicator icon or LED on your phone to line up with the charger.
– Use a stand-style charger to conveniently see your phone screen while charging.
– Wireless charging generates a bit more heat. Don’t cover your phone or the charger while juicing up.
– Monitor the charging progress on your device to see if it’s aligned and working properly.
– Keep your charger away from moisture and clean with a dry cloth if needed.
Following these simple wireless charging guidelines will keep your gadgets charging quickly and safely.
Pros and Cons of Wireless Charging
Advantages
– Convenience – No cables or ports to plug in. Just set your device down on the pad.
– Clutter-free – Eliminates messy cables, using only a single USB cord for the charger itself.
– Universal – Qi standard works with nearly any newer smartphone.
– Portability – Small size and USB power let you charge anywhere.
– Future-proof – More devices are moving to wireless charging as the technology improves.
Disadvantages
– Speed – Still not as fast as wired quick charging for most devices.
– Efficiency – Inductive charging wastes more electricity as heat than wired.
– Alignment – Devices must be properly aligned with the charger’s coils.
– Cost – Wireless chargers cost extra compared to traditional charging cables.
– Interference – Metal objects can interfere with and block magnetic inductive charging.
So in summary, wireless charging using a mini portable charger offers excellent convenience and portability, at the cost of slightly slower charging speeds and less efficiency than traditional plug-in methods. Make sure to weigh the pros and cons when deciding if wireless charging is right for your needs.
Where to Use Mini Wireless Chargers
The small footprint and ease of use make mini wireless chargers ideal for both home and on-the-go scenarios:
At Home
– Bedside table or nightstand for overnight phone charging
– Living room end table or coffee table for topping up your devices
– Desktop, kitchen counter or office for quick access charging
On the Go
– In the car to charge your phone on long commutes or road trips
– At coffee shops and airports when traveling to rejuice devices
– At your work desk or office to reduce cable clutter
– On vacation to keep camera, phone, headphones charged and ready
Because they only need an electrical outlet or portable battery pack for power, you can conveniently use mini wireless chargers almost anywhere you need to keep your gear charged up and running. They are very handy solutions for charging on-the-go when you don’t have access to your regular cables and wall adapters.
Are Mini Wireless Chargers Safe?
Yes, mini wireless chargers are generally safe to use as long as you follow the usage guidelines provided with your specific charger model. Here are some ways they keep your devices safe:
– Built-in overvoltage, undervoltage, overcurrent, over-temperature protections to prevent electrical issues from damaging your device battery.
– Foreign object detection to stop power flow if something unsafe like metal gets between the charger and device.
– Rigorous regulations and testing standards like Qi certification to ensure safety.
– Low power electromagnetic radiation that is considered harmless to the human body.
– Smart chips in devices regulate power input to prevent overcharging.
However, it’s still smart practice to avoid using wireless chargers near moisture, flammable objects, in enclosed spaces like under pillows, or with damaged cables and chargers. As always, inspect your charger for any damage before each use. But when used properly, wireless charging poses very minimal risks.
Troubleshooting Mini Wireless Chargers
Mini wireless chargers are generally reliable, but here are some troubleshooting tips if you’re having issues:
Device isn’t charging:
– Make sure your device is Qi compatible – check manufacturer specs.
– Remove any thick cases from your device.
– Clean the charger surface and rear of device to clear any dirt/debris.
– Check that your device is aligned properly over the charging coils. Try adjusting the position.
– Check that the charger is getting power from its adapter or battery.
– Use a higher rated power adapter for faster charging if available.
Charging is slow:
– Remove thick cases that may limit wireless power transfer.
– Make sure no objects are between your device and the charging pad.
– Check you have a fast charging capable wireless charger and adapter.
– Try a different wall adapter with higher power output.
– Your device may get warmer and charge slower in hot ambient temperatures.
Charger is warm or hot:
– It’s normal for chargers to get mildly warm during operation. But if it’s very hot, unplug it immediately.
– Don’t cover or wrap your device/charger as this traps heat.
– Avoid direct sunlight which can warm up your charger and device.
– Check your charger vents are clear and unblocked.
If issues persist, contact the wireless charger manufacturer’s customer support for further guidance. Following proper usage guidelines will help maximize your mini wireless charging experience.
Conclusion
Mini wireless chargers provide a convenient cable-free way to charge your Qi-compatible devices. Their compact size and USB power source make charging on-the-go a breeze. While not as fast as wired charging, wireless power transfer offers freedom from ports and messy cables.
When purchasing a mini wireless charger, look for key features like portable batteries, fast charging output, and multi-device charging capability. Be sure to align your device properly over the charging coils for efficient power transfer. With a bit of care and common sense, mini wireless chargers safely deliver power without the hassle of plugging in. So go ahead and enjoy the ease and portability of charging on-the-go, wire-free!