The short answer: only the 2020 and 2022 iPhone SE models have it

The original iPhone SE from 2016 does not have wireless charging. The second-generation iPhone SE, released in April 2020, added wireless charging for the first time. The third-generation iPhone SE, released in March 2022, kept wireless charging. If you own an iPhone SE from 2016, you are limited to wired charging only.

The difference matters because wireless charging is slower than wired charging on these phones, but it is more convenient if you have a charger pad on your desk or nightstand. Understanding which model you own takes 30 seconds and determines what charging options are actually available to you.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2016 iPhone SE has no wireless charging; the 2020 and 2022 models both support it using the Qi standard.
  • Wireless charging on the 2020 and 2022 SE models maxes out at 7.5 watts, which is slower than the 20-watt wired charging these phones support.
  • You can identify your model by going to Settings > General > About and checking the model name or year of release.
  • Any Qi-certified wireless charger will work with the 2020 and 2022 SE, regardless of brand or price.

How to check which iPhone SE you own

Open Settings on your phone. Tap General, then tap About. Look at the line that says "Model Name" — it will show "iPhone SE" followed by a year in parentheses, or it will show just "iPhone SE" with no year.

If it says "iPhone SE (2nd generation)" or "iPhone SE (3rd generation)", you have wireless charging. If it says "iPhone SE (1st generation)" or just "iPhone SE" with no generation listed, you do not. You can also check the release date: if your phone was purchased before April 2020, it is the original model without wireless charging.

Wireless charging speed on the 2020 and 2022 models

Both the 2020 and 2022 iPhone SE support Qi wireless charging at a maximum of 7.5 watts. This is noticeably slower than the 20-watt wired charging these same phones support with a USB-C to Lightning cable and a compatible power adapter.

In practice, wireless charging takes roughly 2 to 3 hours to fully charge an iPhone SE from empty, while wired charging takes about 1.5 hours. If you need your phone charged quickly, wired charging is the faster choice. Wireless charging is most useful when you can leave the phone on a pad overnight or during work hours when speed does not matter.

What wireless chargers work with iPhone SE

Any charger certified by the Qi Wireless Power Consortium will work with the 2020 and 2022 iPhone SE. The brand, price, and design do not matter — only the Qi certification. You can find Qi chargers from manufacturers like Belkin, Anker, Samsung, and many others, ranging from under $10 to over $50 depending on features like fast charging support or multi-device pads.

When shopping, look for the Qi logo on the product packaging or description. Some chargers advertise "fast wireless charging" — on the iPhone SE, this makes no difference because the phone caps out at 7.5 watts regardless. A basic $15 Qi pad will charge your SE just as fast as a $50 premium charger.

Why the 2016 model lacks wireless charging

The original iPhone SE was designed to fit inside the body of the iPhone 5s, which was released in 2013. Wireless charging requires a coil inside the phone, and fitting that coil into the compact 5s-sized chassis was not a priority when the 2016 SE was designed. Apple chose to keep the phone small and light instead.

When Apple redesigned the iPhone SE in 2020, they gave it a larger body (similar to the iPhone 8) and added wireless charging as a standard feature. This design choice has remained in the 2022 model. If you own the 2016 SE and want wireless charging, you would need to upgrade to a 2020 or 2022 model.

Wired charging as an alternative on all SE models

All three generations of iPhone SE support wired charging via Lightning cable. The 2016 and 2020 models support up to 20 watts with a compatible USB-A to Lightning cable and power adapter. The 2022 model also supports 20 watts but can use either USB-A or USB-C cables depending on your adapter.

If you own a 2016 SE without wireless charging, wired charging remains your only option, and it is actually faster than wireless charging on the newer models. A 20-watt power adapter is inexpensive and widely available, so lack of wireless charging is not a practical limitation — just a feature difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add wireless charging to my 2016 iPhone SE?

No. Wireless charging requires internal hardware that the 2016 SE does not have. There are no external attachments or cases that add true wireless charging to phones that lack the internal coil. You are limited to wired charging with this model.

Is wireless charging bad for the battery?

Wireless charging generates slightly more heat than wired charging, which can stress the battery over many years. The difference is small enough that most users will not notice it during the phone's typical lifespan. If you want to minimize battery wear, wired charging is marginally better, but either method is safe for daily use.

Do I need a special case to use wireless charging on the 2020 or 2022 SE?

Most cases work fine with wireless charging, but very thick cases or cases with metal components can block the signal. If wireless charging stops working after you add a case, try removing the case to confirm. If it works without the case, you may need a thinner case or one specifically labeled as wireless-charging compatible.

What is the difference between the 2020 and 2022 iPhone SE?

Both support the same 7.5-watt wireless charging. The main differences are the processor (the 2022 model has a faster A15 chip) and 5G support on the 2022 model. For wireless charging specifically, they perform identically.