Can You Charge iPhone with Another iPhone? The Honest Truth
My iPhone died on a cross-country flight. Not ideal, especially when you’re supposed to be accessible. I started frantically rummaging through my bag. Searching for a charger felt like an archaeological dig, and as the battery percentage ticked down, I had a thought: could I charge my iPhone with another iPhone? The idea seemed almost too simple, a digital life raft in a sea of dead pixels.
Immediately, I pictured the smug satisfaction of saving the day, and saving my phone. It never works that way, though, does it? The common advice is usually useless, a vague promise that dissolves the moment you actually need it. Turns out, figuring out if you can charge iphone with another iphone isn’t as straightforward as you’d think.
So, can you? It’s complicated.
The Basic Answer: Yes, But…
Technically speaking, yes, you can charge one iPhone with another. Apple’s iPhones support reverse wireless charging, but there’s a catch, or several. You’re not going to be pulling off a full charge in an emergency. The process is slow, and the amount of power transferred is limited. Don’t expect miracles. This is not like plugging in a wall charger.
I know, disappointing, right?
The Fine Print: What You Need and How to Do It
Here’s the deal. You need two iPhones. Both of them, ideally, should have enough battery to start with. One is going to be the “giver” and the other the “receiver.” To initiate the process, you use wireless charging. This means your phones must have wireless charging capabilities. That usually means an iPhone 8 or later. It won’t work with older models, even if they have some battery left. The receiver iPhone must be placed on the back of the giving iPhone.
Then what?
Well, there isn’t much to it, actually. You simply align the backs of the phones, and the charging starts. You will know because the receiving phone will show a charging symbol. It may take a moment to appear. The giving phone’s battery will drain to do this.
I spent roughly $150 on a variety of wireless charging pads, hoping to find a solution for this issue when I travel. I had a lot of false starts. Some were too slow, others overheated my phone, and one, a particularly cheap model, actually bricked a previous iPhone. What a waste!
One of the more helpful, if less obvious, elements of the process is making sure the phones are correctly aligned. If they are not, the charging process will be interrupted or not start at all.
It’s that simple.
What Kind of iPhone Works? The Compatibility Questions
Not all iPhones are created equal when it comes to charging one another. You’ll need iPhones that support wireless charging, meaning an iPhone 8 or later. Here’s a quick rundown: (See Also: Why Do Iphone Chargers Stop Working )
- iPhone 8, 8 Plus
- iPhone X
- iPhone XS, XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
The latest iPhone models generally offer the best performance. But remember, the older the giving phone, the faster its battery will drain. This is basic physics.
How Effective Is It Really? Don’t Get Your Hopes Up
Here’s where things get real. The efficiency of charging one iPhone with another is, let’s just say, not great. You won’t get a full charge from an empty battery. According to recent research by the Consumer Reports, the power transfer is slow, and the giving iPhone’s battery drains quickly. You might gain 10-20% battery life on the receiving phone, depending on the state of the giving phone’s battery and model, but that’s it. It’s enough to get you through a short period but not much more.
I tried it out with an iPhone 14 Pro and an iPhone 15 Pro Max. After 30 minutes, the iPhone 15 Pro Max gained about 15% charge, while the iPhone 14 Pro lost 25% of its charge. That’s a significant drain. This method is fine if you’re stuck, but not a long-term solution.
You can think of it like bailing out a sinking boat with a teacup. Technically, you’re doing something, but it’s not going to keep you afloat for long.
Don’t be fooled by marketing hype.
The Speed Factor: How Long Does It Take?
Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to charging your iPhone with another iPhone. It’s slow. Wireless charging, in general, is slower than charging with a cable, and reverse wireless charging is even slower. You might see a charge rate of around 5W, which is considerably slower than using a wall adapter.
I recall trying to charge my phone this way on a long train ride. I started with both phones at about 30%. After an hour, the receiving phone was at 45%, and the giving phone was almost dead. The journey seemed to take forever!
Even if you’re not in a rush, it’s worth considering the time investment. In short, don’t expect a quick boost.
What About the Iphone’s Built-in Features?
Your iPhone has a few tricks up its sleeve that can help. One is Low Power Mode. When your battery gets low, it’s a good idea to enable this. It cuts down on background activity and other power-draining features.
You may not know this, but your iPhone also has an emergency mode. It’s designed to extend your battery life when your phone is in extreme danger of running out of power. It disables all non-essential features and focuses on making the phone last as long as possible. Apple has designed this for situations where access to a charger is impossible.
Many people overlook these built-in power-saving tools. (See Also: Can You Share Iphone Battery )
Other Options for Charging on the Go
If charging an iPhone with another iPhone isn’t your only option, what else could you do?
First, portable power banks (also known as power bricks or battery packs) are a great choice. They are far more efficient than reverse charging. They come in various sizes and capacities, and some of them have fast-charging capabilities. I recommend a power bank with at least 10,000mAh capacity. That’s enough to charge your iPhone multiple times.
Second, car chargers can be very helpful on road trips or commutes. You simply plug your charging cable into the car’s USB port or the cigarette lighter adapter. Many newer cars have built-in USB ports. I once made the mistake of buying a car charger that was poorly designed and produced a high-pitched whine that drove me insane. Never again.
Third, wireless charging pads can be useful if you’re near a power source. There are many different types available, and some of them are designed for travel.
Fourth, if you’re traveling, consider a universal travel adapter. These adapters let you plug your phone charger into outlets in different countries. They are available at most electronics stores.
Finally, there’s always the option of a solar charger. These chargers use solar panels to generate electricity. However, the charging speed depends on the amount of sunlight. They are great for camping.
These are all more practical than charging with another iPhone.
A Quick Comparison
| Method | Pros | Cons | My Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charging iPhone with iPhone | Convenient in a pinch | Slow, drains the giving iPhone’s battery quickly, requires two iPhones with sufficient charge and wireless charging | Use as a last resort |
| Portable Power Bank | Fast charging, high capacity, portable | Requires you to remember to charge the power bank | Highly recommended |
| Car Charger | Convenient during commutes and road trips | Requires access to a car with a charging port or cigarette lighter adapter | Good for frequent drivers |
| Wall Charger | Fastest charging method | Requires access to a power outlet | The best option when available |
Common Misconceptions and Myths
There are a lot of misconceptions about iPhone charging. Let’s debunk a few myths.
One common myth is that charging your iPhone overnight damages the battery. This is not true. Modern iPhones have built-in features to prevent overcharging. However, leaving your phone plugged in all the time does generate heat, which is bad for the battery in the long term. Apple recommends avoiding extreme temperatures.
Another myth is that using a non-Apple charger will damage your iPhone. While it’s always best to use a certified charger, the iPhone has safety features to prevent damage from using a different charger. I’ve used several third-party chargers over the years without incident. Choose a reliable brand, and you should be fine.
A third myth is that you should always let your iPhone battery drain completely before charging it. This isn’t true either. Lithium-ion batteries (the type used in iPhones) perform best when they are charged more frequently. Avoid letting your battery drain completely. (See Also: How Many Watts Are Iphone Chargers )
Finally, some people think that fast charging will damage your battery. Fast charging generates more heat, which can reduce the lifespan of your battery, but the effect is small. The benefits of quick charging usually outweigh the risks.
Faq: Answering Your Burning Questions
Can Any iPhone Charge Another iPhone?
No, not every iPhone can charge another. You’ll need two iPhones that support wireless charging. This means an iPhone 8 or later. Both phones also need some charge to begin with. The older your giving iPhone is, the faster its battery will drain.
Does It Damage the Battery of the Phone Giving the Charge?
Yes, charging one iPhone with another will drain the battery of the giving phone. It’s not necessarily damaging, but it will reduce its battery life. Consider it like sharing your energy reserves. It’s not a sustainable method.
Is Charging Iphones Wirelessly Faster Than Using a Cable?
No, charging wirelessly is generally slower than using a cable. It’s a trade-off for convenience. Charging an iPhone with another iPhone is even slower than standard wireless charging.
Can You Charge an Android Phone with an iPhone?
No, you can’t charge an Android phone with an iPhone using the reverse wireless charging feature. iPhones can only charge other devices that support wireless charging.
Is It Safe to Charge an iPhone with a Different Brand Charger?
Yes, it’s generally safe to charge an iPhone with a charger from a different brand. However, it’s always best to use a certified charger. Look for chargers that are MFi (Made for iPhone) certified.
Verdict
So, can you charge iphone with another iphone? Yes, you can. But it’s not the magic bullet that some people think. It’s more of a last resort option than a daily habit. If you have the option, a portable charger is a more reliable and efficient solution.
Consider this: reverse wireless charging on your iPhone is like using a garden hose to fill a swimming pool. Technically, it works. But is it the best tool for the job? I don’t think so. It’s slow and inefficient.
Think about what you’re really trying to achieve. Are you looking for a quick boost to get through the day? Or do you need a more reliable way to keep your phone powered up? You probably need the latter.
It’s fine as a short-term solution, if you have no other options. But honestly, I’d invest in a power bank. You will thank yourself.
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