1. Introduction
Wireless reverse charging is one of the most futuristic features in modern smartphones. It allows a phone not only to receive power wirelessly but also to act as a wireless power source, charging other devices like smartwatches, earbuds, and even other phones. With the rise of the “power-sharing” ecosystem, several apps and built-in tools now help users control, optimize, and monitor reverse charging activities.
2. What Is Wireless Reverse Charging?
Wireless Reverse Charging (also known as reverse wireless power sharing or power share) is a feature that allows one device to wirelessly charge another device. It’s typically seen in high-end smartphones and is especially useful for charging:
- TWS earbuds
- Smartwatches
- Other phones
- Styluses
- Bluetooth trackers
Think of it like your phone becoming a wireless power bank.
3. Evolution of Wireless Charging
- 2010s: Wireless charging introduced with Qi standard.
- 2015-2018: Became common in flagship phones.
- 2019: Reverse wireless charging introduced (Huawei Mate 20 Pro first).
- 2020s: Samsung, Apple, Xiaomi, and Google adopted reverse charging.
- Today: It’s evolving towards faster speeds and more intelligent control via apps.
4. How Reverse Wireless Charging Works
- Based on inductive charging (Qi standard).
- Phone uses its charging coil in reverse to emit power.
- Receiver device must also support Qi wireless charging.
- Requires close surface-to-surface contact.
Process:
- Activate “Wireless PowerShare” or similar.
- Place device on back of phone.
- Charging starts automatically.
5. Devices That Support Reverse Wireless Charging
Smartphones
- Samsung Galaxy S10 and later (Wireless PowerShare)
- Huawei Mate 20 Pro / P30 Pro / Mate 40
- Google Pixel 5 and newer
- Xiaomi 12 series and newer
- OnePlus 11 and 12 Pro
- iPhones (Upcoming support expected)
Accessories
- Galaxy Buds, Pixel Buds
- Galaxy Watch, Huawei Watch
- AirPods Pro (not fully compatible with all)
6. Use Cases of Reverse Wireless Charging
- Emergency power sharing between two phones.
- Charging Bluetooth earbuds on the go.
- Topping up a smartwatch when traveling.
- Powering small accessories like stylus pens.
- Charging wearables in airports, cars, or cafes.
7. Enabling Reverse Charging: System Settings and Apps
System Settings
Most phones have built-in toggles:
- Samsung: Settings > Battery > Wireless PowerShare
- Huawei: Settings > Battery > Reverse Wireless Charging
- Xiaomi: Additional Settings > Reverse Charging
- Pixel: Battery > Battery Share
Third-party Apps
Though reverse charging activation is mostly native, apps monitor, log, and enhance the experience:
Examples:
- Ampere
- Monitors charge/discharge rate
- Shows temperature, voltage
- AccuBattery
- Tracks battery health during reverse charging
- Gives usage insights
- Battery Log
- Logs charging sessions
- Great for diagnosing reverse charging usage
- Battery Guru
- Advanced monitoring and health tracking
- Notifies during unusual power loss
8. Popular Apps That Monitor Reverse Charging
While there’s no exclusive app to turn on reverse charging (because it’s hardware-based), here are useful apps:
| App Name | Features | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Ampere | Current measurement in mA, temperature | Android |
| AccuBattery | Battery health, charge cycles, battery wear | Android |
| Battery Log | Detailed log reports of charging patterns | Android |
| Battery Guru | Alarms, heat management, detailed stats | Android |
Most are free with in-app purchases.
9. App Interface and Functionalities
Most reverse charging-related apps include:
- Battery Health %
- Temperature Monitoring
- Real-Time Current Inflow/Outflow
- Charging Speed (mAh)
- Alerts for Overheating
- Reverse Power Flow Detection
Apps don’t enable reverse charging directly but support diagnostics and control.
10. Benefits of Wireless Reverse Charging
- Convenience: Charge on-the-go without cables.
- Multi-device power hub: Acts like a portable charger.
- Perfect for earbuds and wearables.
- Eco-friendly: Reduces cable clutter and e-waste.
- Emergency support: Helpful when no power source is around.
11. Limitations and Risks
- Slower charging speeds (around 4.5W to 10W).
- Overheating risk if misused.
- Not all devices are compatible.
- Battery drain on source device.
- Positioning sensitive – misalignment halts charging.
- May not support phone-to-phone charging universally.
12. Myths and Facts
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| Reverse charging is harmful to phones | Not if used moderately and with proper ventilation |
| It works even if devices are far apart | Must be in close physical contact |
| It charges devices as fast as wired | Wireless reverse charging is significantly slower |
| All phones can reverse charge | Only select phones with special hardware can |
13. Battery Life Impact
- Moderate use: Little to no long-term damage.
- Frequent use: Could increase battery cycles and heat wear.
- Mitigation Tips:
- Don’t use during gaming.
- Keep phone ventilated.
- Avoid overnight reverse charging.
Apps like AccuBattery and Battery Guru help monitor degradation.
14. Safety Measures
- Use compatible devices only.
- Don’t place metal objects between devices.
- Avoid charging in hot environments.
- Remove phone cases during reverse charging.
- Use battery health apps to monitor temperature.
15. Comparison: Wired vs Wireless Reverse Charging
| Feature | Wired Reverse Charging | Wireless Reverse Charging |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Faster (10W–20W) | Slower (4.5W–10W) |
| Cable Required | Yes | No |
| Port Dependency | Needs OTG support | Needs Qi coil |
| Convenience | Medium | High |
| Compatible Devices | All with USB OTG | Only Qi-enabled |
16. Future of Reverse Wireless Charging
- Higher speeds (15W+ coming soon)
- Multi-device support (charge 2-3 devices simultaneously)
- Smarter software controls
- Integration with power banks and laptops
- iPhone adoption rumored (MagSafe reverse charging)
17. Manufacturers and Brands Involved
| Brand | Feature Name | First Introduced In |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Wireless PowerShare | Galaxy S10 series |
| Huawei | Reverse Wireless Charge | Mate 20 Pro |
| Xiaomi | Reverse Wireless Charge | Mi 10 series |
| Battery Share | Pixel 5 | |
| Apple | Not yet official | Rumored for iPhone 16 |
18. Compatibility Factors
- Both devices must support Qi charging.
- Reverse charging must be enabled manually.
- Devices must be properly aligned.
- Avoid thick or magnetic cases.
19. Tips for Better Charging Efficiency
- Remove cases before charging.
- Use apps to monitor battery heat.
- Place devices flat on a solid surface.
- Keep phone cool (avoid direct sunlight).
- Use during idle state (not while watching videos or gaming).
20. Final Summary
Wireless Reverse Charging is a futuristic and highly useful feature that transforms your smartphone into a power-sharing hub. While not a replacement for fast wired charging, it plays a crucial role in charging small devices like earbuds and watches in a pinch.
Although it cannot be directly activated via third-party apps, tools like Ampere, AccuBattery, Battery Guru, and Battery Log offer real-time monitoring and safety features.
As technology advances, expect faster reverse charging, better compatibility, and more intuitive app integration that makes this feature more accessible and efficient.
