Wireless Charging Car Mounts

A car holder that charges the phone

A wireless charging car holder has a charging coil behind the phone, so the phone charges while it shows the map, with no cable to plug into it each time you get in. It suits drivers who use maps every day and are tired of plugging in, and phones whose charging port is worn. The holder itself still needs power, from a cable to the car's 12-volt socket.

The kinds of charging holder

• Clamp holders. Arms close round the phone as it is put in, on some by a motor and a sensor, and open again at a touch. They take most phones that charge wirelessly.
• Magnetic charging holders. A ring of magnets lines the phone's coil up with the holder's coil and holds it there. They suit iPhones from the iPhone 12 on, Qi2 phones, and other phones in a magnetic case. Look for MagSafe-compatible or Qi2 on the listing.

Both kinds come on vent clips, dashboard bases and windscreen arms, the same fittings as any car holder.

How to choose a charging holder

Check the phone first. It must be able to charge wirelessly: every iPhone from the iPhone 8 on can, while many cheaper Android phones, including Samsung's Galaxy A series, cannot, and no holder will change that. The coils have to line up, because off-centre coils charge slowly and turn the lost energy into heat. That is where a magnetic holder helps.

Then the case: a thick or metal case, a metal plate or a card wallet on the back can stop wireless charging. Then the power: a weak car charger in the socket means slow or no charging while the screen is on, so use one that suits the holder.

Questions people ask about wireless charging car holders

Why does my phone charge slowly in the holder?

Usually heat. A phone running maps in a warm car, in sun or over a heater vent gets hot, and Apple says charging slows or stops when an iPhone gets too hot. Turn the vent's flow away and keep the phone out of direct sun. A thick case, coils out of line or a weak car charger slow it too.

Does it work with a case on?

Most thin cases are fine. Take off thick, metal or battery cases if charging stops, and never keep cards between the phone and the coil. The guide to wireless and magnetic charging explains why.

Is it legal?

Yes, if you do not hold the phone and it does not block your view of the road. See the guide to car phone holders and the law.

How long does delivery take?

Delivery is included in every price and tracked to your door. Each product page says when it usually arrives.

More to look at

• Magnetic car mounts
• Car chargers
• Magnetic phone cases
• Wireless chargers
• All car phone holders
• Guide: Car phone holders: vent, dashboard or windscreen, and the law
• Guide: Wireless and magnetic charging explained: Qi, Qi2 and MagSafe-compatible