Battery Share turns your iPhone into a wireless charger for other devices
Battery Share (officially called "Power Sharing" on some iPhones) lets you wirelessly charge another device using your iPhone's battery. You hold the two devices close together, back-to-back, and your iPhone sends power to the other device until your battery drops to 20 percent—then it stops automatically to protect your own phone.
This feature works with iPhones, AirPods, Apple Watches, and some Android phones that support wireless charging. It is built into newer iPhones and does not require an app or special setup beyond turning it on.
Key Takeaways
- Battery Share is available on iPhone 14 and newer models, and you turn it on in Settings under Battery.
- Both devices must support wireless charging, and you hold them back-to-back with no case or metal objects between them.
- Your iPhone will stop sharing power when its battery reaches 20 percent to keep your phone usable.
- Remove any thick phone cases, metal rings, or credit cards from your wallet before attempting to share battery.
- If Battery Share is not working, restart both devices and check that neither one is overheating.
Which iPhones have Battery Share
Battery Share is available on iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, and all iPhone 15 models. If you have an older iPhone, this feature is not available on your device.
The receiving device does not have to be an iPhone. You can charge an Apple Watch, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, or Android phones that have wireless charging built in. Check your device's manual or settings to confirm it supports wireless charging.
How to turn Battery Share on
Open Settings on your iPhone and tap Battery. Scroll down and look for Battery Sharing or Power Sharing (the name varies slightly by iOS version). Toggle the switch to the on position.
Once you turn it on, your iPhone is ready to share. You do not need to do anything else—the feature stays active until you turn it off again or your battery drops to 20 percent.
The correct way to position the devices
Place the two devices back-to-back with their centers aligned. Hold them steady and close together—they should be touching or nearly touching. The charging coil in most iPhones is in the center of the back, so centering the devices helps the connection work faster.
Remove any thick cases, metal phone rings, metal wallet cards, or protective shells before you start. Even a thin case usually works, but leather cases, MagSafe rings, or metal card holders can block the wireless signal and prevent charging from starting. If charging does not begin within a few seconds, try moving the devices slightly or removing the case.
Keep both devices still while charging. Moving them around or separating them breaks the connection and stops the power transfer.
Why Battery Share stops or does not work
Your iPhone will stop sharing power automatically when its battery reaches 20 percent. This is a safety feature to make sure your phone stays usable for calls and emergencies. If you need to share more power, you will have to charge your own iPhone first.
Battery Share also stops if either device gets too warm. iPhones have temperature sensors, and if the phone detects heat above a safe level, it pauses charging to protect the battery. Move both devices to a cooler location and wait a few minutes before trying again.
If Battery Share is on but nothing happens when you hold the devices together, restart both phones. Turn off your iPhone completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Then restart the receiving device the same way. After both phones restart, try positioning them back-to-back again.
Battery Share versus a portable charger
Battery Share is convenient when you do not have a charger cable or outlet nearby, but it drains your iPhone faster than a portable battery pack would. Wireless charging is less efficient than wired charging, so you lose more power in the transfer.
If you regularly need to charge multiple devices, a portable battery pack (also called a power bank) is usually a better choice. A power bank does not drain your iPhone's battery as quickly and can charge multiple devices at once. Battery Share is most useful in emergencies when you need a quick top-up and do not have other options.
Turning Battery Share off
Open Settings, tap Battery, and toggle Battery Sharing or Power Sharing to the off position. Your iPhone will no longer share power with other devices.
You can also turn it off temporarily by restarting your iPhone. When your phone restarts, Battery Share returns to whatever setting you had before, so this is only useful if you want a quick pause.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Battery Share while my iPhone is charging?
No. Your iPhone must be unplugged from power to share battery with another device. If you plug in your iPhone while it is sharing power, the feature stops when ready.
Does Battery Share work with older AirPods or Apple Watches?
Only with devices that support wireless charging. AirPods Pro (2nd generation), AirPods Max, and Apple Watch Series 7 and newer can receive power this way. Older models do not have wireless charging and cannot be charged by Battery Share.
What happens if I try to share battery with a device that does not support wireless charging?
Nothing will happen. The connection will not establish, and no power will transfer. Your iPhone will not show an error message—it straightforward will not charge a device without wireless charging capability.
Can I share battery with two devices at the same time?
No. Your iPhone can only share power with one device at a time. If you need to charge multiple devices, charge them one after another.
Does Battery Share damage my iPhone battery?
Occasional use of Battery Share does not harm your iPhone battery. However, frequent wireless charging (whether from Battery Share or a wireless charger) generates more heat than wired charging, which can wear the battery slightly faster over years of use. For daily charging, a wired charger is gentler on the battery.