Top 5 Mistakes People Make When Using a Wireless Charger (and How to Avoid Them)

Your wireless charger can be your best friend or your biggest frustration. Let’s ensure it’s the first.

The rise of wireless charging
Wireless charging has transformed how we power our devices: no more tangled cords, no broken cables, no scrambling for outlets. You just drop your phone, and it charges. Simple, right?
Well, for the most part.

Even though wireless chargers like Magwave are designed to make life easier, many people unknowingly use them in ways that slow charging, reduce efficiency, or even cause damage over time.
The good news? These mistakes are easy to avoid once you know them.
Let’s dive into the top 5 mistakes people make with their wireless chargers — and how to fix them like a pro.

🧲 1️⃣ Misalignment: Not placing your phone correctly
This is, hands down, the #1 reason wireless charging feels “slow” or “inconsistent.”
Wireless charging relies on perfect alignment between two coils — one in the charger, one in your phone.
If they’re off by even a few millimeters, energy transfer becomes inefficient. The result:
slower charging,
occasional disconnections, or
the phone not charging at all.

✅ Fix it:
Center your phone directly on the Magwave pad.
Look for LED indicators — on most Magwave chargers, the light confirms when charging is active.
Avoid stacking the phone on top of other items (like keys, wallets, or AirPods).
👉 Pro tip: If you’re tired of adjusting your phone position manually, try Magwave’s Magnetic Alignment Station — it locks your device into the perfect charging spot instantly.

🔋 2️⃣ Using the wrong adapter or cable
Wireless chargers are only as powerful as the adapter behind them.
If you’re using a low-power wall plug (like an old 5W iPhone adapter), you’re capping your charger’s potential before it even starts.
A Magwave station might support 15W fast charging, but if the wall adapter only delivers 5W, you’ll never get that speed.

✅ Fix it:
Use at least an 18W QC 3.0 or PD 3.0 power adapter.
Always pair your charger with high-quality cables (thicker, certified USB-C).
Replace frayed or damaged cables — even small wire breaks can cause heat buildup.

⚡ Quick math: A 15W charger with a 5W adapter will charge roughly 3x slower than intended. Don’t let a $5 adapter ruin a $50 charger.

🧱 3️⃣ Thick or metal cases blocking the signal
This one surprises most people. Not all phone cases are created equal.
Wireless charging works through electromagnetic fields — and metal disrupts those fields.
Even thick plastic or multi-layered cases (especially ones with magnets, PopSockets, or wallet slots) can weaken the charge.

✅ Fix it:
Use a thin case (under 3mm) or a wireless-charging-compatible case.
Avoid magnetic accessories on the back of your phone unless they’re MagSafe or Qi-certified.
If charging slows down, try removing the case — if it speeds up, you’ve found the culprit.

🧠 Did you know?
Phones with built-in magnetic rings (like MagSafe iPhones) align automatically with chargers like Magwave’s Magnetic Pad Pro, giving you faster, steadier charging without worrying about positioning.

🌡️ 4️⃣ Ignoring heat buildup
A little warmth while charging is normal — but too much heat shortens your battery’s lifespan.
The science: lithium-ion batteries age faster when consistently exposed to high temperatures.
Things that cause heat buildup include:
covering the phone with objects while charging,
charging under a pillow or in direct sunlight,
using your phone heavily (watching videos, gaming) while it’s charging.

✅ Fix it:
Place your Magwave charger on a flat, ventilated surface — not on fabric or enclosed spaces.
Don’t charge in direct sunlight or near heaters.
If your phone feels unusually warm, remove it from the pad for a few minutes.
Let Magwave’s built-in temperature protection system do its job — it automatically reduces power if overheating is detected.

🔥 Remember: a cool phone charges faster and lasts longer.

⚙️ 5️⃣ Neglecting to clean and maintain the charger
Wireless chargers are like any other electronic device — they need occasional cleaning.
Dust, crumbs, or debris on the pad can reduce surface contact and lead to inefficient charging or minor scratches on your phone.

✅ Fix it:
Wipe your Magwave pad with a dry microfiber cloth once a week.
Don’t use water or alcohol wipes — they can damage the finish.
Keep cables tidy and untangled to prevent wear at the connector ends.

🌿 Bonus: A clean charging space isn’t just about function — it also looks great on your desk or nightstand.

🚫 Bonus mistake: Using low-quality knock-off chargers
It’s tempting to grab the cheapest option online, but uncertified wireless chargers can cause:
overheating,
short circuits,
or even phone damage.
They often lack proper insulation and over-current protection.

At Magwave, every station is Qi-certified, FCC-approved, and individually tested for safety.

✅ Fix it:
Always check for the Qi logo on the packaging and avoid unknown brands with no safety ratings.

🧩 Putting it all together — your wireless charging checklist
Here’s how to get the most out of your Magwave wireless charging station:

✅ Do ❌ Don’t
Center your phone on the pad → Toss your phone on it carelessly
Use an 18W+ power adapter → Use an old low-watt plug
Keep the pad clean → Charge on dusty or uneven surfaces
Remove thick/metal cases → Use wallet or metal-ring cases
Let the charger breathe → Cover it with objects or charge on a soft surface
Use certified Magwave products → Buy cheap, uncertified copies

🌍 Why small habits matter
Using your charger the right way doesn’t just make charging faster — it protects your battery health and extends the life of both your phone and your charger.
It’s also about the experience: a clean, efficient, cable-free setup changes how your desk or bedside table looks and feels.
Wireless charging isn’t just about power — it’s about peace of mind.

✅ Final thoughts
Your wireless charger should make life simpler, not frustrating.
By avoiding these five common mistakes, you’ll enjoy faster charging, longer battery life, and a cleaner setup — every single day.
At Magwave, our mission is to make that experience effortless.
Every detail — from the magnetic alignment to the temperature sensors — is designed to give you confidence and control.

⚡ Ready to upgrade your charging game? Discover Magwave’s latest wireless charging stations here and experience the future of effortless power.