Wireless charging distance: how far can Qi chargers really work in 2026?

Standard Qi wireless chargers work at distances up to 8mm (0.31 in). Long-distance wireless chargers extend that range to 30mm (1.18 in), enough to charge a phone through a desk, countertop, or table. The Qi specification technically supports power transfer over distances up to 40mm (1.6 in) between coils, according to the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), the organization that manages the Qi standard used by over 13,000 certified products worldwide.

The practical maximum for wireless charging through a surface is 30mm (1.18 in) for standard Qi devices and 18mm to 20mm (0.71 in to 0.80 in) for devices with MagSafe or Qi2 magnetic alignment. This distinction matters because Qi2 adoption is accelerating: over 1,200 new Qi2 products were certified in 2025 alone, and there are now over 1.5 billion Qi2-enabled devices globally, according to the WPC. Long-distance chargers like the InvisQi wireless charger work at the full 30mm range, delivering 7.5W to Apple devices and 10W to Samsung devices through any non-metallic surface.

Standard versus long-distance wireless chargers

Standard wireless chargers are designed for direct contact (0mm to 8mm range), while long-distance wireless chargers are engineered for through-surface charging at distances of 18mm to 30mm (0.71 in to 1.18 in). The difference is in the coil design, magnetic shielding, and power management. Long-distance chargers use larger coils and higher-output power supplies to maintain charging efficiency across the greater distance.

Loosely-coupled configurations (charger under a surface, phone on top) represent about 5% to 10% of total wireless charger demand, according to research by Colorado State University published in Power Electronic Tips. This segment is growing as commercial environments, including offices, hotels, and restaurants, adopt hidden charging to reduce desk clutter and improve aesthetics.

How surface material affects charging distance

Qi wireless charging works through any non-metallic surface, including wood, glass, granite, quartz, marble, Corian, laminate, and acrylic, with no measurable difference in charging performance between materials. The electromagnetic field at 115kHz to 135kHz passes through all of these materials equally. The only variable that affects charging is total distance (surface thickness plus phone case thickness plus air gap), not the material itself.

Metal is the only common material that completely blocks wireless charging. Any metal between the charger and the phone (including metal desk frames, drawer slides, or phone case inserts) will prevent power transfer.

The Qi2 standard and what it means for charging distance

Qi2, the latest version of the Qi standard, does not increase maximum charging distance but does add magnetic alignment that works best at shorter distances of 18mm to 20mm (0.71 in to 0.80 in). The Qi2 25W specification, launched in July 2025, delivers nearly 70% more power than the original Qi2, according to the WPC. However, the magnetic alignment feature requires the phone to be closer to the charger than older non-magnetic Qi devices.

"The momentum building behind the next stage in the evolution of the Qi standard is incredible," said Fady Mishriki, chair of the WPC's Board of Directors, in the July 2025 Qi2 25W press release. "Consumers will be delighted when they experience Qi2 25W."

Key Qi2 milestones that affect under-surface charging distance:

• Samsung Galaxy S25 series announced as "Qi2 Ready" in January 2025, compatible with Qi2 magnetic chargers when used with a magnetic case.
• Google Pixel 10 (August 2025) became the first major Android phone with built-in Qi2 magnets, similar to Apple's MagSafe.
• Qi specification version 2.2, released April 2025, supports charging speeds up to 25 watts.
• 351 manufacturers were working with the Qi standard as of December 2023, including Apple, Samsung, Google, Huawei, LG, Sony, Xiaomi, and Asus.

For under-surface charging, this means that the 18mm to 20mm (0.71 in to 0.80 in) thickness range will become the practical standard as more phones adopt Qi2 magnetic alignment. The full 30mm range remains available for older Qi devices without magnets.

How distance affects charging speed and efficiency

Wireless charging efficiency decreases as the distance between charger and phone increases, with a typical efficiency range of 60% to 80% for wireless versus 85% to 95% for wired charging (Wistek, 2025). Through a 20mm surface, expect efficiency in the 60% to 70% range. This means a phone that takes 2 hours to charge wirelessly at direct contact will take roughly 2.5 to 3 hours through a 20mm desk.

Research published in Scientific Reports (Nature, December 2025) found that the average efficiency of wireless charging systems is 74.5% under controlled conditions, with poor alignment and load fluctuations causing energy losses of up to 27%. Proper alignment, which under-surface chargers achieve through fixed mounting positions and alignment stickers, eliminates the alignment variable and keeps charging in the upper efficiency range.

Paul Struhsaker, executive director of the WPC, noted that "Qi2's magnetic attachment also means consumers will no longer have to fuss in trying to adjust the positioning of their devices to ensure perfect alignment between phone and charger." For under-surface charging, this magnetic alignment is especially valuable because it guides the phone to the exact right position over the hidden charger.

Long-distance wireless charging in commercial settings

The global wireless charging market reached $30.33 billion in 2025, growing at 24.9% CAGR, with 47% of demand coming from consumer electronics (SkyQuest Technology Consulting, 2025). Commercial adoption of under-surface charging is accelerating as offices, hotels, restaurants, and coworking spaces integrate hidden charging into furniture and countertops.

The InvisQi wireless charger has been deployed in over 25 countries, with over 3,200 units sold since 2021. Commercial customers include furniture manufacturers, electrical contractors, interior designers, and hospitality properties. Shield Casework, a commercial furniture manufacturer, has integrated 269 units across 17 production runs over four years, building wireless charging directly into their casework products for healthcare and corporate environments.

For businesses, contractors, and commercial projects, multi-unit setups use a quad power supply to run four chargers from a single outlet, simplifying power distribution across conference rooms, reception desks, and workstation clusters.

Device compatibility and maximum distance by phone model

All Qi-enabled smartphones support wireless charging, but the maximum effective distance varies based on whether the device uses standard Qi or MagSafe/Qi2 magnetic alignment. The table below shows the recommended maximum surface thickness for through-surface charging by device.

Phone cases add to the total distance between the charger and the phone. A typical phone case is 1mm to 3mm thick. Cases with metal plates, card holders, kickstands, or ring grips will block wireless charging regardless of distance. For best results through surfaces near the maximum thickness, remove bulky cases or use a thin, non-metallic case.

Frequently asked questions

How far can wireless charging work?

Standard Qi wireless chargers work at distances up to 8mm (0.31 in) between the charger coil and the phone. Long-distance wireless chargers extend this range to 30mm (1.18 in), allowing charging through desks, countertops, and other furniture surfaces. The Qi specification technically supports power transfer over distances up to 40mm (1.6 in).

What is the maximum distance for Qi wireless charging?

The Qi specification supports wireless power transfer over distances up to 40mm (1.6 in) between coils. In practice, the maximum reliable charging distance through a surface is 30mm (1.18 in) for standard Qi devices, and 18mm to 20mm (0.71 in to 0.80 in) for MagSafe-equipped iPhones and Qi2 devices with magnetic alignment.

Do long-distance wireless chargers work through countertops?

Yes. Long-distance Qi chargers with a 30mm (1.18 in) range work through granite, quartz, marble, wood, glass, and laminate countertops. The charger mounts underneath the countertop with adhesive. The surface material does not affect performance as long as it is non-metallic and within the thickness range.

Does wireless charging get slower over distance?

Yes. Wireless charging efficiency decreases as the distance between the charger coil and the phone increases. Wired chargers deliver 85% to 95% energy efficiency. Direct-contact wireless chargers deliver 60% to 80%. Through a 20mm surface, expect 60% to 70% efficiency. The charge still completes, but takes longer than direct-contact charging.

What is the difference between Qi and Qi2 charging distance?

Qi and Qi2 use the same inductive charging technology and support the same maximum distances. The key difference is that Qi2 adds magnetic alignment (based on Apple's MagSafe), which requires the phone to be closer to the charger for the magnets to lock. For under-surface charging, this means Qi2 devices work best through surfaces of 18mm to 20mm (0.71 in to 0.80 in), while standard Qi devices work through up to 30mm (1.18 in).