Samsung's Wireless PowerShare lets you charge another device from your phone's battery

Wireless PowerShare is Samsung's built-in feature that turns your phone or tablet into a wireless charger. You place another compatible device on the back of your Samsung phone, and power flows from your battery to theirs. It works with any device that supports wireless charging — iPhones, AirPods, smartwatches, and other Android phones.

The feature is available on most Samsung Galaxy S and Galaxy Z phones from 2019 onward, and on some Galaxy Tab tablets. Not every Samsung model has it, so check your phone's settings first. If you see the option, your device supports it.

Key Takeaways

  • Wireless PowerShare turns your Samsung phone into a wireless charger by placing another device flat against its back.
  • Your phone's battery must be above 20 percent before you can set up the feature, and it drains your battery faster than normal use.
  • You turn on PowerShare in Settings under Battery and Device Care, then tap Wireless PowerShare to enable it.
  • The receiving device must support wireless charging and should be placed centered on your phone's back for the best connection.

Check if your Samsung phone has Wireless PowerShare

Open Settings on your Samsung phone. Scroll down and tap Battery and Device Care. Look for an option called Wireless PowerShare or Wireless Power Sharing. If you see it, your phone supports the feature. If the option does not appear, your model does not have it.

Models that typically include Wireless PowerShare are the Galaxy S10 and newer, Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series, and some Galaxy Tab S tablets. Older models and budget Galaxy A phones usually do not have this feature.

How to turn on Wireless PowerShare

Go to Settings and open Battery and Device Care. Tap Wireless PowerShare. Toggle the switch to On. Your phone will show a blue indicator or notification that the feature is active.

Once enabled, place the device you want to charge on the back of your Samsung phone, centered over the charging coil. The receiving device should start charging within a few seconds. You will see a charging icon on both phones. If charging does not start, try moving the device slightly — the coils must align properly.

Battery requirements and drain

Your Samsung phone must have at least 20 percent battery remaining before Wireless PowerShare will work. If your battery drops below 20 percent while you are charging another device, the feature automatically stops. This is a safety measure to prevent your phone from dying completely.

Wireless PowerShare drains your battery much faster than normal use. Charging another phone's battery by 50 percent can use 60 to 70 percent of your own battery. If you need to keep both devices charged, use a wall outlet instead. PowerShare is most useful for topping up a device in an emergency, not for full charges.

Devices that work with Wireless PowerShare

Any phone, tablet, or accessory with wireless charging support will work. This includes iPhones (iPhone 8 and newer), AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets, Google Pixel phones, and most smartwatches. Some older or budget devices do not have wireless charging built in, so check the receiving device's specifications first.

Thick phone cases can block the wireless signal. If the device does not charge, remove both the case on your Samsung phone and any case on the receiving device, then try again. Metal objects between the two devices will also prevent charging.

Turning off Wireless PowerShare

Go back to Settings > Battery and Device Care > Wireless PowerShare and toggle the switch to Off. The feature will stop when ready. You can also turn it off by restarting your phone or by letting your battery drop below 20 percent.

Turning off the feature when you are not using it saves battery and prevents accidental power drain. Some users leave it on all the time, but this uses more power even when no device is placed on the back.

Troubleshooting common problems

If charging does not start, first check that Wireless PowerShare is turned on in Settings. Then remove all cases from both devices and try again. Make sure the receiving device's battery is not already full — some phones stop accepting wireless power once they reach 100 percent. Wait a few seconds after placing the device on your phone; charging sometimes takes a moment to begin.

If your Samsung phone gets very hot during charging, remove the receiving device and let your phone cool down. Wireless charging generates more heat than wired charging. If the phone feels too warm to hold, stop using PowerShare and charge both devices with a wall outlet instead. Overheating can damage your battery over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Wireless PowerShare work with any wireless charger?

No. Wireless PowerShare only works when your Samsung phone is the charger. You cannot use another wireless charger to charge your Samsung phone and then share that power — the feature only works in one direction, from your phone to another device.

Can I use my phone while Wireless PowerShare is on?

Yes, but it will drain your battery much faster. Using your phone while charging another device uses power from three sources at once: the receiving device, your phone's screen, and your phone's processor. Your battery will empty in roughly half the time it normally would.

Why does my phone say Wireless PowerShare is unavailable?

This usually means your battery is below 20 percent. Charge your Samsung phone to at least 20 percent, then try again. If the option remains unavailable even at higher battery levels, your phone model may not support the feature.

Does Wireless PowerShare damage my phone's battery?

Wireless charging generates more heat than wired charging, which can stress your battery slightly over many years of heavy use. For occasional emergency charges, the impact is minimal. If you use PowerShare multiple times daily, your battery may degrade faster than normal.

Can I charge multiple devices at once?

No. Wireless PowerShare only works with one device at a time. If you try to place two devices on your phone's back, charging will not start or will stop if it was already running.