Wireless charging is great – it gives you the freedom to use your phone whenever you like, without the hassle of hunting for a charging cable, plugging it in and then unplugging it when you need it. Getting wireless charging set up takes only a few seconds, but sometimes it’s not obvious what to do. Here’s how to get started.
1. Get a wireless charger
First, you’ll need a wireless charger that runs on the Qi standard. You can get wireless chargers for your desk, for your car, or even built into portable power banks. Let’s briefly take a look at each.
Desk chargers
Our favourite wireless charger for the desk is the official Samsung Wireless Fast Charger, which offers faster wireless charging than most other options on the market. It also has a svelte design, with a choice of charging flat or at an angle. It even comes with a Samsung fast mains charger, so you have everything you need to get started.
You can also pick up Samsung’s last-generation wireless charger, which doesn’t charge your phone as fast but comes at a lower price. There are plenty of other options on the market, so take a look to find one that suits you.
Shop for Note 7 wireless desk chargers >
Car chargers
Next up are car chargers. You could argue this is the best place to use wireless charging, as it provides fast and easy charging without the need for fumbling with cables before, during or after driving. Samsung’s Wireless Charging Car Holder is the only wireless car charger that we offer at the moment, but it’s an excellent example of the concept that provides everything you need to get started.
Shop for wireless car chargers >
Portable chargers
A recent invention, wireless charging power banks bring the convenience of wireless charging to an entirely portable form factor. Simply fill up your portable charger before you go, then use its reserves to wirelessly top up your phone whenever you like. This is a nice alternative to wired power banks, as it means you don’t have to bring a cable with you and use it while charging.
Shop for wireless power banks >
2. Plug in your wireless charger
Desk chargers need to be plugged into the mains before they’ll work. Some will come with a UK mains plug that goes straight into the wall, but most will come with a USB cable which you can then plug into the UK mains adapter that came with your Note 7. As long as you have one end in the wall, and one end attached to your wireless charger, you should be in business — but you’ll want to use your original Note 7 wall adapter to ensure the fastest charging speeds.
It’s a similar story with wireless car chargers, which generally must be plugged into your car’s auxiliary power source (aka the cigarette lighter).
For wireless portable chargers, you’ll need to recharge their battery periodically by plugging it into the mains. Usually a USB cable is provided for this purpose, which you should plug into a UK mains adapter.
3. Put your phone on the charging pad
Once the charger is plugged in, simply place your phone onto the charging pad. Wireless charging will work using most angles and positions, but if you notice that your phone isn’t charging wirelessly you may need to move or rotate your phone a bit to find the sweet spot. Once your phone starts charging, a message will appear on the lock screen and you’ll see a lightning bolt symbol on the battery icon in the upper right.
Any questions?
That should be it! Hopefully you’ll have fun wirelessly charging your Note 7. If you have any questions or comments, please let us know in the comments below.