Wireless charging feels like magic until it doesn't work properly — and more often than not, the case is the reason, not the charger.
How wireless charging actually works
At the most basic level, both Qi and MagSafe charging are electromagnetic: a coil in your charger generates a magnetic field, and a coil built into the phone converts that field back to electrical current.
What slows charging down
- Case thickness — most cases up to 3mm have negligible impact, but anything thicker (rugged/heavy-duty cases) can measurably slow charging speed or stop it working altogether
- Metal components — metal rings, kickstands, or credit card holders with metallic strips can block or distort the magnetic field entirely. This is the single biggest cause of "my wireless charging stopped working" complaints
- Misaligned MagSafe magnets — if a case claims MagSafe compatibility but the magnet ring isn't positioned precisely, the phone won't center properly on the charger, leading to slow or interrupted charging even though everything looks fine
What doesn't affect it
- Silicone, TPU, and standard polycarbonate — these materials are non-conductive and essentially transparent to magnetic fields
- Leather and fabric backings — as long as there's no metal plate underneath, these have minimal effect
How to check if your case is the problem
Take your case off, and attempt charging wirelessly by placing the iPhone directly on the pad. The culprit is your case; charging speed improves noticeably or the connection becomes stable again. After that, look for hidden metal (card slots, kickstand mechanisms), or too much bulk.
Our take
That said, if you want wireless charging, only go for MagSafe-compatible cases with verified magnetic alignment inside them and steer clear of multi-functioning cases that include built-in metal card holders or kickstands unless you're okay swapping off faster charging as a compromise.