Can iPhones Charge Each Other and What You Need to Know

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Close-up of a hand placing a smartphone on a wireless charging pad on a leather surface.
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If you're wondering if you can charge your iPhone from another iPhone, the answer is a bit more complicated than a simple yes or no. Apple's iPhones do not have a built-in feature to charge each other wirelessly.

One thing to note is that Apple has introduced wireless charging capabilities on some of its newer iPhone models, but this feature is only for charging from a wireless charging pad, not from another iPhone.

You can, however, use a special adapter or a third-party accessory to charge your iPhone from another iPhone, but this is not a standard feature and requires some extra setup.

Additional reading: Broken Charging Port

How to Charge Your iPhone

To charge your iPhone, you'll need a USB cable and a power source, such as a wall adapter or a computer with a USB port.

Make sure your iPhone is turned off before plugging it in to ensure a safe and efficient charge.

How to Charge?

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You can charge your iPhone with a power source, such as a wall charger or a computer, using a USB cable.

To charge your iPhone, you'll need a USB cable and a power source.

The iPhone 12 series and later models have a battery level indicator that shows you how much charge is left.

If you're charging your iPhone with a wall charger, make sure it's a 20W or higher charger for faster charging.

Unfortunately, iPhones from the iPhone 12 series onwards don't have the ability to charge other devices, like AirPods or Apple Watches, because Apple didn't activate the reverse charging feature.

Charge via device

You can charge your iPhone by connecting it to another iPhone with a cable. This works automatically, and the phone with the most battery will charge the other.

The maximum reverse charging power is 4.5W, which is enough to revive your headphones or recharge your watch.

To charge your iPhone via device, make sure you're using a compatible device, such as an iPhone 15 or 16, and a USB-C cable.

If you connect two iPhones with USB-C to each other, the charge will flow from the device with the fuller battery to the one with the lower charge.

You can also use a MagSafe charger to charge another iPhone, but this is inefficient due to energy loss.

Broaden your view: Cox Cable Charges

Reverse Charging

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Reverse charging is a feature that allows one iPhone to charge another. This is only possible with newer iPhone models, such as the iPhone 15s and 16s.

If you try to charge an older iPhone with an iPhone 15s or 16s, reverse charging won't work. This is because older iPhones have an older Lightning connector that doesn't support this feature.

To take advantage of reverse charging, you'll need two iPhone 15s or 16s. Both phones will communicate with each other and the phone with the most battery will charge the other.

Age and Compatibility

Older iPhones can charge each other, but only if they're compatible.

The latest iPhone models have a higher wattage charger, which can charge other iPhones faster.

However, if you have an older iPhone, it may not be compatible with the newer charger, so it's best to check the compatibility first.

Age 15-16

If you have an iPhone 15 or 16, you can now charge other devices via USB-C, which is a game-changer.

Overhead view of a smartphone with a green screen on a wireless charger, showcasing modern technology.
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With your iPhone 15 or 16, you can charge other iPhones, such as an older model with Lightning, using wired reverse charging.

Charging your AirPods or Apple Watch is also possible with a USB-C cable, making it super convenient to keep your accessories powered up.

This feature is especially useful when you're on the go and need to charge multiple devices at once.

Apple Watch Q1 15-17

The iPhone 15-17 series is compatible with Apple Watch, and you can charge your Apple Watch directly from your iPhone using a USB-C to USB-C cable or a USB-C to magnetic charger cable.

For example, you can use the same cable that comes with your iPhone to charge your Apple Watch. This makes it super convenient to keep your Apple Watch powered up on the go.

You can also use a USB-C to magnetic charger cable, which is specifically designed for charging your Apple Watch. This cable is a great option if you want to keep your workspace tidy and organized.

If you have an iPhone 15-17, you can rest assured that your Apple Watch is compatible and can be charged with ease.

Curious to learn more? Check out: How to Transfer Apps from Iphone 13 to Iphone 15

Power Sharing

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The iPhone 15/16/17 models have a feature called bilateral wireless charging, which allows you to charge other devices, like AirPods, by placing them on the back of your iPhone.

This "reverse charging" feature lets your iPhone share its battery with other devices. According to testing by MacRumors, your iPhone will communicate with another connected iPhone to determine which one has a lower battery and then transfer power from the phone with more charge to the phone with less charge.

To charge an iPhone with another iPhone, simply connect them together, and they'll communicate to determine which phone needs a charge. The phone with the most battery will charge the other.

Not all iPhones support reverse charging, though. If you have an older iPhone with a Lightning connector, you won't be able to use this feature.

To use reverse charging, you don't need to do anything special – just connect a compatible device to your iPhone with a cable, and charging will start automatically. However, keep in mind that the charge will flow from the device with the fuller battery to the one with the lower charge.

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Here are some key facts about reverse charging:

  • The maximum reverse charging power is 4.5W.
  • Reverse charging is designed for emergencies, when you need to get a little energy.
  • You can't specifically "take" the charge from a less charged iPhone.

Some Android smartphones support wireless reverse charging, but Apple disables this feature at the software level on the iPhone, due to potential heat and energy loss issues.

Glen Hackett

Writer

Glen Hackett is a skilled writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics, Glen has established himself as a trusted voice in the tech industry. His writing expertise spans a range of subjects, including Azure Certifications, where he has developed a comprehensive understanding of the platform and its various applications.

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