I sometimes forget to carry my charger, just like everyone else. It’s so frustrating, especially when your device’s battery is low and you can’t find a charger nearby. It can even mean losing potential customers if you’re a business owner and your customers contact you by phone. Yeah, I know, you wish there was some other way to charge your phone. With less innovative features launched these days, a device with a little something new is good news. Wireless PowerShare offers another way to charge your phone.
Wireless PowerShare Compatible Devices
Not all devices are allowed to use this function. It is specifically available for smartphones and Samsung devices with Qi wireless charging. Samsung Galaxy Note 10, Samsung Galaxy S10 edge, Samsung Galaxy Fold, and Samsung Galaxy S20 are examples of Samsung smartphones with Wireless PowerShare capabilities.
Devices with the Qi standard can transfer energy using an inductive load. This is only possible within a limited range of 4 cm. The device you charge must be compatible with the system charger. To charge, the device must be placed on the cushion. Many manufacturers are working on building their devices with the Qi standard. For example, HTC, Huawei, LG Electronics, Nokia, Samsung, Blackberry, Xiaomi, and Sony.
How to use Wireless PowerShare
To configure Wireless PowerShare, follow these steps:
- You will need to slide the status bar down on your Galaxy device.
- Tap and drag the status bar to access all quick settings options.
- Tap the Wireless PowerShare icon.
- Place the QI-compatible Samsung equipment on the back of the Samsung Galaxy with the power sharing function to charge. Make sure the portable devices are placed in the center of the Samsung Galaxy device to be charged.
After charging is complete, separate the devices to stop charging. Wireless PowerShare will automatically turn off if it does not detect another device. Reverse charging drains your battery very quickly, so you need to be careful. When you are done charging, remove the phone first and then lower the notification shade. There will be a persistent notification saying Wireless PowerShare. Tap the notification to expand it, and then tap Disable to turn it off.
Wireless PowerShare is also referred to as reverse wireless charging. This is because you can use your phone’s battery to charge other devices, as long as they are Qi certified. Check the indicator lights or the charging screen to see if it is charging. But if your battery charge is less than 30%, the power sharing function will not work.
Advantage of PowerShare
The PowerShare feature has the added benefit of allowing the user to charge two devices while using only one charger simultaneously. This means that you can also charge another QI compatible phone while charging your phone. This can be very useful when you don’t have access to an additional charger.
How PowerShare works
Wireless charging can only be effective if the coils that allow charging on both devices are properly positioned and aligned. The closer the coils are to the devices, the faster the wireless charging. Any cover on both devices can slow the loading speed. For a more efficient charging process, the casing should be removed. Some phone cases like the front and back cover of the Galaxy S20 LED can also affect the effectiveness of Wireless PowerShare.
Cleaning both devices is an essential part of ensuring their proper functioning, as foreign objects such as dust, dirt and moisture can cause the function to crash. The condition of devices is also a critical factor when trying to use wireless charging. If the device being charged is damaged or has a problem, troubleshoot the device before using PowerShare again.
It would be best to place the device on a spacious flat surface as the position of the charging coil may vary depending on the device. The devices generate heat during the charging process, and if any of the devices get too hot, the power sharing mode automatically turns off. This impact mainly occurs if both devices are charging at the same time.
The wireless power sharing function is relatively slow because the device has to manage the heat created during charging. In addition, just below the charging coil, there is a battery; therefore, it can represent a large production of heat.
If you’re using PowerShare and you’re still having trouble, but you’ve cleaned, properly positioned the devices, and removed the covers, restart your phone. You can do this by pressing the volume button and the power button simultaneously until the device turns off. If the phone is an older version, removing the battery will work fine. If the device does not respond regularly, you can schedule weekly or monthly reboots, or configure the phone to reboot on a set schedule.
The charging process
The Wireless PowerShare icon appears on the screen with a message, ready to charge. Then position the devices back to back. Moving the devices around to find the correct position will be helpful and help the coils line up. Another message that says “loading” will appear; the other device should also indicate the load. Allow the device to charge and, when sufficiently charged, separate the devices. If the device does not charge another device, it will automatically turn off within 1 minute of disconnecting with the other device.
You can also choose to change the 30% limit to a higher value on your device. For a Galaxy S20:
- Go to settings.
- Tap Device care in the options that appear, and then choose the battery.
- Tap Wireless PowerShare on the battery settings page.
- Select the battery limit option.
This will allow you to change the charge limit for Wireless PowerShare. You cannot do this when Wireless PowerShare is on – it must be off. You cannot set the Wireless PowerShare limit lower than 30%.
Conclusion
Power sharing has been of great help to many people. Get a Samsung phone or Qi enabled device to enjoy this fantastic experience. This will come in handy if you forget to carry your charger. Just make sure your phone is charged enough.