A phone has a copper coil with is a receiver and the charger has a copper coil which is a transmitter, when they are aligned they create an electromagnetic field which allows power to pass through and recharge the devices battery.

Magnetic alignment works with phones that have a magnet ring built into the back. The current list:

• Apple iPhone: iPhone 12 and later (all models, including iPhone Air and iPhone 17 series).
• Samsung Galaxy: S25 and S26 series support the Qi2 magnetic profile natively. Earlier Galaxy phones can use magnetic power banks with a compatible Qi2 case (look for cases labeled MagSafe-style or Qi2-ready).
• Google Pixel: Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro/Pro XL are the first Pixel phones with built-in Qi2 magnets. Earlier Pixels charge wirelessly but need a Qi2-compatible case for magnetic alignment.
• Other Android phones: if your phone supports wireless charging but does not have built-in magnets, a Qi2-ready case will let it use a magnetic power bank.

Phones without wireless charging (typically lower-cost models) will not work with a magnetic power bank; use a USB-C cable instead. See our Qi2 compatible devices guide for the latest list.

No it is not.

Once wireless charger is plugged into a power source, to charge your device all you need to do is place it down on top of the charger, making sure it’s cantered and charging will commence. Charging will be indicated by an Led light or animation on your phone screen.

Some are, some are not. The two categories:

• Magnetic (Qi2 or MagSafe-compatible): use a magnet ring to snap to the back of an iPhone 12+, Galaxy S25/S26, or Pixel 10. Magnetic alignment unlocks the full 15W charging speed because the coils line up perfectly.
• Non-magnetic Qi power banks: have a flat charging pad, and you set the phone on top. These work with any Qi phone but cap at 5-7.5W and need careful alignment to keep charging.

If you want the fastest, most reliable wireless charging experience, a Qi2 magnetic model is the way to go.

Qi2 is the open wireless charging standard from the Wireless Power Consortium that adopts the same magnetic alignment that Apple introduced with MagSafe. In practice:

• A Qi2-certified power bank works at 15W on iPhone 12 and later, Galaxy S25/S26, and Pixel 10.
• MagSafe is Apple's branded version of the magnetic profile. A MagSafe-compatible power bank works on iPhones at 15W.
• Qi2.2 (also called Qi2 25W) raises the wireless ceiling to 25W on supported phones; charge speeds will continue to climb as more devices certify.

For more, see MagSafe vs Qi2 and what is Qi2 wireless charging.

Yes. The magnets in Qi2 and MagSafe-compatible power banks are weak alignment magnets, similar to the ring inside a magnetic wallet or laptop sleeve. They do not interfere with aircraft instruments and do not trigger anything at TSA screening. The bigger travel consideration is the lithium-ion battery itself, which follows the same rules as any other power bank: carry-on only (never checked), and under 100 watt-hours (Wh) per pack. Belkin's wireless lineup tops out at 37 Wh on the 10,000 mAh models, with 5,000 mAh models at 18.5 Wh and the 2,500 mAh Mini at 9.3 Wh, all comfortably under the limit. For the full TSA carry-on rules and 2025 airline updates, see the FAQs on our portable power banks parent page or our TSA travel guide.