iPhone 11 does not support wireless charging

The iPhone 11 cannot charge wirelessly. Apple removed wireless charging from this model, even though it was available on the iPhone XS and XS Max that came before it. If you own an iPhone 11, you must use a wired charger — either the USB-C to Lightning cable that comes in the box or a third-party Lightning cable connected to a power adapter.

This was a cost-cutting decision. The iPhone 11 launched at a lower price point than the previous generation, and wireless charging hardware adds both manufacturing cost and thickness to the device. Apple brought wireless charging back starting with the iPhone 12, so if wireless charging matters to you, it is only available on iPhone 12 and newer models.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhone 11 requires a wired Lightning cable to charge and does not work with any wireless charging pad or mat.
  • The iPhone 11 comes with a USB-C to Lightning cable in the box, but you need to provide your own power adapter.
  • If you already own wireless chargers from an older iPhone, they will not work with iPhone 11.
  • Wireless charging returned to iPhones starting with the iPhone 12 model.

What charging cable comes with iPhone 11

Apple includes a USB-C to Lightning cable with every iPhone 11. This cable is different from the USB-A to Lightning cables that came with older iPhones. You cannot use this cable without a USB-C power adapter, which Apple does not include in the box.

If you have a USB-C power adapter from a Mac, iPad Pro, or another device, it will work with the iPhone 11 cable. A standard 5W or 10W USB-A adapter will not work with the USB-C cable. You will need to purchase a USB-C adapter separately, or use an adapter you already own from another device.

Why iPhone 11 lost wireless charging

Apple removed wireless charging to reduce the price and thickness of the iPhone 11. Wireless charging requires a coil inside the phone and additional components that add cost and weight. By cutting this feature, Apple could offer the iPhone 11 at $699 — significantly less than the $999 starting price of the iPhone XS.

The trade-off was intentional. Apple wanted to offer a flagship phone at a mid-range price, and wireless charging was one of the features sacrificed to make that possible. Customers who wanted wireless charging had to choose the more expensive iPhone XS or wait for the iPhone 12, which restored the feature two years later.

Which iPhones support wireless charging

Wireless charging is available on iPhone 8 and newer, except for the iPhone 11. This means the iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, 12, 13, 14, 15, and all their variants support wireless charging. The iPhone SE (first and second generation) do not support wireless charging, but the third-generation SE released in 2022 does.

If you are comparing iPhone 11 to other models and wireless charging is important to you, the iPhone 12 is the next step up. It was the first phone after iPhone 11 to restore wireless charging, and every iPhone released since then includes it.

Wireless chargers that will not work with iPhone 11

Any wireless charging pad or mat designed for iPhones will not charge an iPhone 11. This includes popular brands like Belkin, Mophie, and Apple's own MagSafe chargers. If you upgraded from an iPhone XS, XR, or 12 to an iPhone 11, your existing wireless chargers become unusable with the new phone.

The only exception is if you also own another wireless-capable iPhone. You could use the same charger for multiple phones if some of them support wireless charging and others do not. But the iPhone 11 itself will never charge on a wireless pad.

How to charge iPhone 11 fastest

The fastest way to charge iPhone 11 is with a USB-C power adapter rated for at least 18 watts. Apple's 20W USB-C power adapter will charge the iPhone 11 faster than the standard 5W adapter. The phone supports fast charging over the Lightning cable when you use a sufficiently powerful adapter.

Charging speed also depends on the cable condition and the power adapter you use. A damaged or frayed Lightning cable will charge more slowly. Using a 5W adapter instead of 18W or higher will take roughly twice as long to reach a full charge. If you frequently charge your iPhone 11, investing in an 18W or 20W USB-C adapter is worth the cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a wireless charger with iPhone 11 if I buy an adapter?

No. Wireless charging requires hardware inside the phone itself — a charging coil that receives power through the air. No external adapter or case can add this to an iPhone 11. The phone simply does not have the internal components needed, and no accessory can change that.

Will a MagSafe charger work with iPhone 11?

MagSafe chargers are wireless chargers designed for iPhone 12 and newer. They will not charge an iPhone 11, even though the magnet ring might attach to a case. The charging coil inside the phone is what matters, and iPhone 11 does not have one.

Is there any way to add wireless charging to iPhone 11?

No. The internal components cannot be added or upgraded after the phone is manufactured. Wireless charging is a hardware feature built into the phone during production. If you need wireless charging, you would need to switch to an iPhone 12 or newer model.

What if I already bought a wireless charger thinking iPhone 11 supports it?

Most retailers accept returns on wireless chargers within 30 days if you have a receipt. Check the return policy of where you purchased it. If you cannot return it, the charger will work with any iPhone 12 or newer, or with other phones that support wireless charging like newer Samsung or Google Pixel models.