How to Add Magnetic Wireless Charging to (Almost) Any Phone
An iPhone SE with an iOttie Universal MagSafe Ring Adapter (right) and phone case. Sarah Witman/NYT Wirecutter
The most widely available option is a magnetic ring adapter, which is exactly what it sounds like: a ring of magnets with adhesive backing that sticks to either the back of your phone or the outside of your phone case (as long as the material is relatively smooth).
Most come with a handy template to help you properly align the ring with the wireless charging components inside your phone, which is an important factor in getting a consistent charge. Some are also packaged with disposable wipes to clean the surface of your phone or case, which can help the adhesive stick to it better.
Included in the box are two black adhesive magnetic ring adapters, four disposable cleaning wipes, and an alignment template.
One of our favorites is the iOttie Universal MagSafe Ring Adapter. The package has two black adhesive magnetic rings, four disposable cleaning wipes, and an alignment template. Plus, the adapter is backed by a two-year warranty.
This package includes a black adhesive magnetic ring adapter, a disposable cleaning wipe, and an alignment template.
Another clear standout is the Scosche MagicRing. The black adhesive magnetic ring comes with a disposable cleaning wipe and an alignment template, and Scosche backs it with a one-year warranty. If the iOttie ring adapter is unavailable, or you want to save a few bucks—and you don't mind getting fewer rings, fewer cleaning wipes, and a shorter warranty—this Scosche adapter is a good alternative.
Mophie's package includes two black adhesive magnetic rings and an alignment template. It doesn't provide disposable cleaning wipes, though.
We also like the Mophie Snap Adapter. You get two black adhesive magnetic rings and an alignment template, and the adapter is covered by a two-year warranty. Disposable cleaning wipes aren't included, so you have to make do with a microfiber cloth (sold separately), but this adapter is otherwise on a par with the iOttie one if that model is unavailable. An iPhone SE, with the help of a Scosche MagicRing Disc, is able to stick to a variety of metal surfaces—from a magnetic wireless charger to a fridge. Sarah Witman/NYT Wirecutter An iPhone SE, with the help of a Scosche MagicRing Disc, is able to stick to a variety of metal surfaces—from a magnetic wireless charger to a fridge. Sarah Witman/NYT Wirecutter An iPhone SE, with the help of a Scosche MagicRing Disc, is able to stick to a variety of metal surfaces—from a magnetic wireless charger to a fridge. Sarah Witman/NYT Wirecutter
Magnetic plate adapters are rarer than ring adapters, but since they have more surface area—they're shaped more like a biscuit than a doughnut—they have more adhesive to remain stuck to your phone or case.
The package includes a black adhesive magnetic ring adapter, a black adhesive magnetic disc adapter, two disposable cleaning wipes, and an alignment template.
One of our favorite magnetic plate adapters comes as part of the Scosche MagicRing Kit. The kit includes the Scosche MagicRing described above, as well as a MagicRing Disc, which is essentially the same thing but in a solid disc shape. Also in the package are two disposable cleaning wipes and an alignment template. The adapters are backed by a one-year warranty.
The center of the MagicRing Disc is made of plastic, so it has no additional magnets (no more than the MagicRing has, that is) to hold your device in place on a charger. It does have a bit more adhesive, though, and some people might prefer the look of the circle over the ring shape.
At about $30, the Peak Design Universal Adapter is pricier than the other adhesive adapters we tested, but it offers a more luxurious look and feel. Shaped like a square bandage with a small divot in the center, it's encased in a weatherproof, charcoal-colored nylon canvas.
It's larger and thicker than most adapters we tested, and it's not designed for use on a bare phone, but its adhesive and magnets are especially strong. Plus, like all Peak Design products, it has a lifetime warranty. Most adhesive magnetic adapters can be used on either a bare phone or the back of a phone case, as long as the case is made of a smooth material. Sarah Witman/NYT Wirecutter
Even if your phone has built-in magnets, you can still stick any of these adhesive magnetic ring or plate adapters on the back of a thick phone case to help reinforce the magnetic connection between the phone and a wireless charger. The phone likely won't charge at top speed, but it will adhere better to the charger.
Or, if you simply want to add a magnet to a non-wireless-charging device—such as a wired power bank, Bluetooth tracker, or card holder, or an older phone such as an iPhone 7, Pixel 4a, or Samsung Galaxy S6 series—an adapter offers a cheap way to do so.
For instance, New York Times enterprise productivity manager Cory Hartmann cleverly stuck a magnetic adapter to his TravelCard Plus power bank (which doesn't charge wirelessly but has two built-in charging cables) so that his phone firmly adheres to the power bank while charging in a pocket or backpack. A magnetic adapter lets you add a magnet to any object, such as this iPhone SE and TravelCard Plus power bank. Sarah Witman/NYT Wirecutter
To remove any adhesive magnetic adapter, use a piece of dental floss or a razor blade to gently peel it away from your phone or case. Use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to wipe away any remaining residue.
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