The Pixel 4 supports fast wireless charging on any Qi charger [Updated]

By Joe Maring
published

Google Pixel 4
Google Pixel 4 (Image credit: Daniel Bader / Android Central)

Updated October 22, 2019: So it turns out that the Pixel 4's wireless charging situation isn't quite as simple as we initially suspected. While 11W fast charge speeds are more widely available for the Pixel 4, it needs to be used with a charger that supports the Extended Power Profile — also known as EPP. There are currently over 300 chargers that are EPP-certified, meaning fast charge speeds are much easier to get than they were with the Pixel 3, but still not quite as streamlined as we had hoped.

What you need to know

  • It's now being confirmed that the Pixel 4 supports fast wireless charging on all Qi chargers.
  • Google didn't say anything about wireless charging speeds during the Pixel 4 keynote.
  • Last year's Pixel 3 only supported fast wireless charging with the Pixel Stand.

The Pixel 3 was the first Google phone to support Qi wireless charging, but it came with a weird quirk. While it supported all Qi chargers, it only got 10W fast charging speeds when used with Google's own Pixel Stand. We assumed this was the same case for the Pixel 4, but it turns out that's not the case after all.

As discovered by Mishaal Rahman from XDA-Developers, the Wireless Power Consortium lists the Pixel 4 as supporting up to 11W for wireless charging, whereas the Pixel 3 only shows a max speed of 5W — indicating that Google's weird proprietary speed restriction has been removed.

See more

We were also able to confirm this by placing a Pixel 4 XL on a cheap Seneo wireless charger (opens in new tab) from Amazon, and sure enough, the Pixel 4 XL pulls over 10W when placed on it. This was also confirmed by How-To Geek editor Justin Duino.

While this is a welcome change of the Pixel 4's narrative, it is odd that Google didn't say anything about this during the company's press event last week. In any case, you should feel free to now pick up any wireless charger for your Pixel 4 and get max charging speeds no matter what.

Considering just how poor the Pixel 4's battery life is proving to be, we're sure all of you will be pleased by this news.

Charge on anything

 (opens in new tab)
Google Pixel 4

Google's latest Pixel does wireless charging the right way.
The Google Pixel 4 supports Qi wireless charging, but unlike the Pixel 3, you get fast charging speeds no matter what Qi charger you use. This includes Google's own Pixel Stand and any other random third-party charger you decide to use.

Joe Maring
Joe Maring

Joe Maring was a Senior Editor for Android Central between 2017 and 2021. You can reach him on Twitter at @JoeMaring1.

5 Comments
  • They didn't say anything during their announcement probably they don't want to admit they were wrong with limiting wireless charging for the Pixel 3. It was so unnecessary for them to do that. Worst part was no one care enough to make a wireless charger for them other than Belkin that cost $60! Only reason why I bought a Google wireless charger was because I got it for $40. Even Apple doesn't limit their wireless charging, why would Google did that last year is beyond me.
  • Now, is it possible for Google to make this available for Pixel 3 through software update? That would be great.
  • Don't think so
  • Getting a little confused searching for a compatible charger. Anyone have a good recommendation for a 3rd party Qi wireless charger with an AC adapter that would support 11W charging? The pixel 4 is too new for anyone to be advertising for it directly.
  • From the reviews I'm reading, you're going to have to carry a power bank with you. Battery life is deplorable