Wireless charging stands are similar to charging pads, but hold the device at an angle so it can be viewed while it charges. They work by using inductive charging, which transfers energy wirelessly from the charger to the device being charged. The charger contains a coil of wire that creates an electromagnetic field, and the device being charged contains a coil that picks up this field to charge the battery. Charging stands use the Qi, MagSafe, Qi2, or Qi2 25W standard. Qi2 and MagSafe stands add magnetic alignment for iPhone 12 and later; Qi2 25W stands reach up to 25W on iPhone 16 and later. The device can be used and viewed while it charges.

A wireless charging stand works with any phone that supports wireless charging. The current lineup:

Apple iPhone: iPhone 8 and later (every iPhone since 2017), including iPhone Air, iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max. iPhone 12 and later add MagSafe magnetic alignment.

Samsung Galaxy: every S series flagship since S6 (S6 through S26 and their Plus / Ultra variants), every Note since Note 5, plus the Galaxy Z Fold / Z Flip. S25 and S26 series add native Qi2.

Google Pixel: Pixel 3 through Pixel 10 series. Pixel 10 has built-in Qi2 magnets; Pixel 10 Pro XL reaches 25W on a Qi2 25W stand.

Other Android: OnePlus 13 and HMD Skyline support Qi2 at 15W.

Phones without wireless charging won't work; use a USB-C cable charger instead. For magnetic snap-on alignment, the phone (or its case) needs Qi2 / MagSafe magnets.

For more, see our Qi2 compatible devices guide.

Yes, wireless charging stands are safe to use. Wireless charging stands are considered safe due to their use of inductive charging technology, which eliminates exposed conductive parts, and the inclusion of various safety features such as overheating protection, foreign object detection, overcharging prevention, and short-circuit protection. Additionally, Qi certification provides assurance that the chargers meet industry safety standards. These design considerations make wireless charging stands a convenient and secure way to charge devices. Learn more about safety here.

Yes, a wireless charging stand needs to be plugged into a power source in order to function. While it wirelessly charges your device by using electromagnetic induction, the charging stand itself requires electricity, which is supplied through a power cable connected to an outlet or USB port.

So, even though the connection between the phone and the charger is wireless, the stand still needs to be plugged in.

Yes, wireless charging stands are worth it for their convenience and ease of use. They allow you to charge your device without the hassle of constantly plugging and unplugging a cable, making them especially useful for those who charge their phones frequently throughout the day. The stand design lets you easily view your phone while it charges, making it perfect for checking notifications, video calls, or following along with content, all hands-free. Additionally, wireless stands reduce wear on charging ports and cables, potentially extending the life of your devices. 

A 3-in-1 wireless charging stand powers three devices simultaneously: your phone, your Apple Watch, and your AirPods (or compatible wireless earbuds). On Belkin's 3-in-1 stands:

• Phone: iPhone 12+ at MagSafe / Qi2 speed (up to 15W); iPhone 16 and later at up to 25W on Qi2 25W variants
• Apple Watch: standard Apple Watch fast charging on Series 7 and later
• AirPods: 5W on the AirPods Pro charging case

Many 3-in-1 stands also work for Galaxy Watch and Pixel Watch on the watch puck, depending on the model.

No, the form factor doesn't change charging speed. A MagSafe stand and a MagSafe pad both charge iPhone 12+ at 15W. A Qi2 25W stand and a Qi2 25W pad both reach 25W on supported phones. Choose stand vs pad based on use: a stand holds the phone upright so you can read notifications or use StandBy on iPhone; a pad lies flat for simple drop-and-charge.

In most situations, yes. Standard wireless charging works through plastic, silicone, leather, and most non-metal cases up to about 3mm thick. Metal cases or cases with thick wallet attachments can block charging.

For MagSafe / Qi2 magnetic stands, the phone or its case needs to have built-in magnets. iPhone 12+ has built-in MagSafe magnets; Galaxy S25 / S26 need a Qi2-ready case. Without magnets, a magnetic stand still works at slower Qi speed (5-7.5W on iPhone).

All wireless charging stands work with iPhone 17, but speed varies. Standard MagSafe stands charge iPhone 17 at 15W. Qi2 25W stands charge iPhone 16 and later at the full 25W (and iPhone Air at 20W). For maximum iPhone 17 charging speed, choose a Qi2 25W certified stand. Belkin's 3-in-1 Foldable Magnetic Charger with Qi2 25W is the first Qi2 25W 3-in-1 stand in the lineup.