Yes, iPhones can share battery with other devices using a feature called Battery Sharing

Apple's Battery Sharing feature lets your iPhone wirelessly charge other iPhones, AirPods, Apple Watches, and other Qi-compatible devices by placing them back-to-back. Your iPhone acts as a power bank. The feature is built into newer iPhones and turns on automatically when you hold another device against the back of your phone — you do not need to read anything or change settings to use it.

Battery Sharing works only when your iPhone has enough charge left. Apple recommends keeping your iPhone above 20 percent battery before you try to share, though the feature will work at lower levels. The charging speed is slower than plugging a device into a wall outlet, so expect it to take longer to fully charge another device this way.

Key Takeaways

  • Battery Sharing is available on iPhone 15 and newer models, and it works by placing another device flat against the back of your iPhone.
  • Your iPhone must have at least 20 percent battery remaining to share power with another device.
  • The feature works with iPhones, AirPods, Apple Watches, and any device that supports Qi wireless charging.
  • Charging another device through Battery Sharing is slower than using a wall charger, so plan for longer charging times.
  • You can turn Battery Sharing off in Settings if you want to prevent your iPhone from powering other devices.

Which iPhones have Battery Sharing

Battery Sharing is available only on iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. If you own an older iPhone model, your phone cannot share battery with other devices, even if the device you are trying to charge supports wireless charging.

Other Apple devices can receive a charge through Battery Sharing if they support wireless charging. This includes all current AirPods models with charging cases, Apple Watch Series 3 and newer, and any iPhone model that has wireless charging built in (iPhone 8 and later).

How to use Battery Sharing

To share battery, hold the other device flat against the back of your iPhone, centered on the Apple logo. Your iPhone will recognize the device and begin charging automatically. You will see a charging indicator on your screen showing that power is being transferred. Keep the devices in contact — if you move them apart, charging stops.

The charging process is slow compared to a wall outlet. A full charge through Battery Sharing can take several hours depending on the device. If your iPhone gets too warm during sharing, it may pause or stop charging to protect the battery. This is normal and not a sign of a problem.

You do not need to unlock your iPhone or open any app to share battery. The feature works even when your phone is locked or in use. However, if you are actively using your iPhone for demanding tasks like gaming or video recording, charging speed will slow down further.

Turning Battery Sharing on and off

Battery Sharing is turned on by default on compatible iPhones. If you want to prevent your phone from sharing power with other devices, you can disable it in Settings. Open Settings, go to Battery, then Battery Health & Charging, and toggle off Battery Sharing.

You might want to turn off Battery Sharing if your iPhone is running low on battery and you want to preserve power for your own use. Disabling it does not affect your iPhone's ability to receive a charge from another iPhone or a wall charger.

When Battery Sharing is not working

If your iPhone is not charging another device even though you are holding them together, check that your iPhone has at least 20 percent battery. If your battery is below this threshold, Battery Sharing will not set up. Plug your iPhone into a wall charger first, then try again once it reaches 20 percent or higher.

Make sure the other device supports wireless charging. Older iPhones (iPhone 7 and earlier), some older AirPods models, and non-Apple devices may not be compatible. Check the device's manual or Apple's website to confirm it has wireless charging built in.

If both devices are compatible and your iPhone has enough battery, try repositioning them. The devices need to be aligned properly — usually centered on the back of your iPhone. If your iPhone feels warm, it may have paused charging temporarily to cool down. Wait a few minutes and try again.

Battery Sharing versus carrying a power bank

Battery Sharing is convenient when you have your iPhone with you and another Apple device needs a quick charge. It requires no cables or extra equipment. However, it drains your iPhone's battery while charging the other device, so you are trading your phone's power for another device's power.

A portable power bank is a better choice if you need to charge multiple devices or if you want to keep your iPhone's battery for your own use. Power banks hold their own separate battery and do not drain your phone. They also charge faster than Battery Sharing and work with any device that has a USB port or wireless charging.

Battery Sharing works best as a backup option when you are in a pinch — for example, if your AirPods die during the day and you need them working again before you can get to a charger. For regular charging needs, a wall outlet or power bank is more practical.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Battery Sharing damage my iPhone's battery?

No. Sharing battery uses the same wireless charging technology that your iPhone uses when you charge it on a wireless pad. It does not cause extra wear on your battery compared to normal charging. However, if your iPhone gets hot during the process, it may slightly slow down battery aging — heat is the main factor that degrades lithium batteries over time.

Can I use Battery Sharing while my iPhone is charging?

Yes. If your iPhone is plugged into a wall charger, it can still share battery with another device at the same time. Your iPhone will prioritize charging itself first, then share any extra power. This is useful if you need to charge two devices and only have one wall outlet available.

How much battery does it take to fully charge another iPhone?

A full charge depends on the model, but expect to use roughly 50 to 75 percent of your iPhone's battery to fully charge another iPhone. Smaller devices like AirPods use much less — usually 5 to 10 percent. If your iPhone is at 50 percent battery, you can probably charge AirPods fully but not another iPhone.

Why is Battery Sharing so slow?

Wireless charging is inherently slower than wired charging because power transfers through the air gap between the devices. Battery Sharing is even slower because your iPhone is managing power flow while also running its own systems. Wired charging delivers power more directly and efficiently, which is why a wall charger is always faster.

Can I use Battery Sharing with non-Apple devices?

Only if the non-Apple device supports Qi wireless charging. Your iPhone can share battery with any Qi-compatible device, including some Android phones and wireless earbuds from other brands. However, not all non-Apple devices work reliably with Battery Sharing, so results may vary.