Let's clear some things up:

  • Wireless Charging refers to the Qi wireless charging standard that allows you to charge your phone without directly plugging it in. You place it on a charging pad, or in the case of the new iPhone 12, the MagSafe charger will magnetically align it for you. You have to plug the base (transmitter) into the wall - it can't obtain power from thin air.

  • USB-C charging conforms to the USB-C Power Delivery spec in which it negotiates higher charging rates. To get those higher rates, you need a USB-C charger rated to at least 20W. You can use a higher one with no problem. If you use a lower rated one (i.e. the 5W charger) but, you won't get the faster charging speeds; it may not even charge at all.

  • The "regular" USB type A charger (that everyone has) can typically supply up to 12 watts of power. You can use a charger that supplies more, but the phone will not draw any more than 12 watts. Again, I recommend, using chargers with higher wattage ratings.

  • Anker PowerIQ is Anker's technology that identifies what it's connected to so that it can deliver the maximum charge to the device connected. The first generation of PowerIQ delivered up to 12W and PowerIQ 2.0 can deliver up to 18W. These really have nothing to do with Apple's products per se other than they are compatible.

TL;DR

The charger (the thing that plugs into the wall) is required; period. Regardless if it's USB-A or USB-C, you can always use a "larger" charger than what is called for, in fact, I recommend it. A USB-A charger will typically max out at 12W (5V @ 2.4A). A USB-C charger will go up to 20W.

If you go wireless, you still need a charger (USB-C) and the maximum you'll get is 15W using MagSafe and only half that (7.5W) using a regular Qi charger. No matter what, you still need to plug the Qi base into the wall and the sizing rules still apply - get an adapter "larger" than what you need (i.e. get at least 20W). You can use a USB-C MacBook charger rated at 91W with no problems whatsoever. The 5W charger that came in the iPhone SE box will not cut it.

You can use either the new USB-C charger with Power Delivery or your can use the older USB (type A) chargers that supply 5V at 2.4 Amps

Answer from Allan on Stack Exchange
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/iphone12 › iphone 12 & wireless charging
r/iPhone12 on Reddit: iPhone 12 & Wireless Charging
August 12, 2023 -

Do all iPhone 12s without exception come with wireless charging? I can't find any settings to that effect. Is it set up by default and I don't need to do anything except put it on a compatible charger? I want to be sure before ordering a charger. Thanks in advance.

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Anker
anker.com › home › blog center › wireless-chargers › tech guide 101: can the iphone 12 charge wirelessly?
Can the iPhone 12 Charge Wirelessly? Things You Need to Know - Anker US
October 29, 2024 - Should you optimize your wireless charging experience, the tips outlined in this blog serve as invaluable troubleshooting tools. The iPhone 12 does have built-in wireless charging capabilities.
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Vegerpower
vegerpower.com › blog center - veger › does iphone 12 have wireless charging? must-know tips
Does iPhone 12 Have Wireless Charging? Must-Know Tips
May 22, 2025 - If you're an iPhone 12 user or considering upgrading, you might be asking, does iPhone 12 have wireless charging? The answer is yes—but there’s more to the story than just placing your phone on a charging pad.
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Phone Tradr
phonetradr.com › buy › phone › apple-iphone-12 › faq
Does the iPhone 12 support wireless charging?
Yes, the iPhone 12 supports wireless charging via any Qi-certified wireless charger, and also supports fast wireless charging, which can charge your phone from 0% to 50% in around 30 minutes.
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CNET
cnet.com › tech › mobile › phones › all four iphone 12 variants include wireless charging. here's what to know about it
All four iPhone 12 variants include wireless charging. Here's what to know about it - CNET
November 22, 2020 - The new phones have 5G capabilities, a new design, and a starting price of $699 for the Mini. All iPhone 12 models feature wireless charging, as every iPhone has since the iPhone 8.
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Quora
quora.com › Can-an-iPhone-12-be-plugged-in-to-charge-or-is-it-only-wireless-charging
Can an iPhone 12 be plugged in to charge, or is it only wireless charging? - Quora
Answer (1 of 10): The iPhone 12 can be plugged into charge and also you can wireless charge your iPhone 12. You can charge your iPhone 12 by a plug but there is no charge block but only the USB-C cable since the USB-C charges faster.
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Phone Tradr
phonetradr.com › buy › phone › apple-iphone-12 › faq
Apple iPhone 12 Frequently Asked Questions - Answered | Phonetradr
Yes, the iPhone 12 supports wireless charging via any Qi-certified wireless charger, and also supports fast wireless charging, which can charge your phone from 0% to 50% in around 30 minutes.
Top answer
1 of 1
4

Let's clear some things up:

  • Wireless Charging refers to the Qi wireless charging standard that allows you to charge your phone without directly plugging it in. You place it on a charging pad, or in the case of the new iPhone 12, the MagSafe charger will magnetically align it for you. You have to plug the base (transmitter) into the wall - it can't obtain power from thin air.

  • USB-C charging conforms to the USB-C Power Delivery spec in which it negotiates higher charging rates. To get those higher rates, you need a USB-C charger rated to at least 20W. You can use a higher one with no problem. If you use a lower rated one (i.e. the 5W charger) but, you won't get the faster charging speeds; it may not even charge at all.

  • The "regular" USB type A charger (that everyone has) can typically supply up to 12 watts of power. You can use a charger that supplies more, but the phone will not draw any more than 12 watts. Again, I recommend, using chargers with higher wattage ratings.

  • Anker PowerIQ is Anker's technology that identifies what it's connected to so that it can deliver the maximum charge to the device connected. The first generation of PowerIQ delivered up to 12W and PowerIQ 2.0 can deliver up to 18W. These really have nothing to do with Apple's products per se other than they are compatible.

TL;DR

The charger (the thing that plugs into the wall) is required; period. Regardless if it's USB-A or USB-C, you can always use a "larger" charger than what is called for, in fact, I recommend it. A USB-A charger will typically max out at 12W (5V @ 2.4A). A USB-C charger will go up to 20W.

If you go wireless, you still need a charger (USB-C) and the maximum you'll get is 15W using MagSafe and only half that (7.5W) using a regular Qi charger. No matter what, you still need to plug the Qi base into the wall and the sizing rules still apply - get an adapter "larger" than what you need (i.e. get at least 20W). You can use a USB-C MacBook charger rated at 91W with no problems whatsoever. The 5W charger that came in the iPhone SE box will not cut it.

You can use either the new USB-C charger with Power Delivery or your can use the older USB (type A) chargers that supply 5V at 2.4 Amps

Find elsewhere
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The Verge
theverge.com › tech › gadgets › news
Apple’s iPhone 12 can wirelessly charge twice as fast, but only with a MagSafe charger | The Verge
October 13, 2020 - Apple’s new iPhone 12 line will be able to access faster wireless charging speeds of 15W in line with the most up-to-date Qi standard, but there’s a catch: you’ll have to use Apple’s new MagSafe brand of charger or a MagSafe-compatible one from a third-party accessory maker.
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Croma
croma.com › home › iphone 12 gets faster 15w wireless charging support with qi2 chargers: how to enable it
iPhone 12 gets faster Qi2 wireless charging - Croma Unboxed
With the new update, iPhone 12 users can use any Qi2-certified wireless charger to get the full 15W charging speed that is possible with the smartphone’s hardware, instead of slower speeds of usually about 7.5W.
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Quora
quora.com › Does-iPhone-12-have-wireless-charging
Does iPhone 12 have wireless charging? - Quora
Answer (1 of 3): The iPhone 12 doesn’t have wireless charging as such, because it does not come with a wireless charger, but you can say it supports both Qi wireless charging as well as MagSafe wireless charging.
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Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 251957466
Qi Wireless Charging on iPhone 12 - Apple Community
Go to Settings>Battery>Battery Health>Optimized Battery Charging and turn it off if you wish. Mine does that every day, and works just fine. I use it on my wireless charger. ... After the update to 14.2.1 I have two wireless Qi chargers that seem to not work now with my iPhone 12 Pro.
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Phone Tradr
phonetradr.com › buy › phone › apple-iphone-12-pro › faq
Does the iPhone 12 Pro support wireless charging?
Yes, the iPhone 12 Pro supports wireless charging via any Qi-certified wireless charger, and also supports fast wireless charging, which can charge your phone from 0% to 50% in around 30 minutes.
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Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 252044047
Qi charging iPhone 12 - Apple Community
You will have to book an appointment at the dealer to install the update. He told me to call them around Easter because that’s around the time where they expect the software to be released. ... iPhone 14 car volkswagen wireless charger hi, it seems my new iphone with wireless charging, doesn't charge itself in volkswagen or it cuts connection, how to solve this issue ? Regards S 2021 1 · wireless charging iPhone 12 pro max is not charging car(Honda) built-in Qi-certified wireless charger 1098 2
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IMDb
imdb.com › news › ni63983115
The iPhone 12 Is Capable Of Reverse Charging After All - IMDb
This means not only can the iPhone 12 be charged wirelessly with a MagSafe or Qi charger, but it can also charge other devices wirelessly. So far this ability is quite limited, but might be expanded in the future.
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Pocket-lint
pocket-lint.com › home › phones › phone features › does the iphone 12 support faster qi2 wireless charging? i tested it to find out
Does the iPhone 12 support faster Qi2 wireless charging? I tested it to find out
April 17, 2024 - The new wireless charging standard, Qi2 is finally here, and with it, Qi2 compatible charging stands and pads. Apple's iPhones have been some of the first to adhere to the new standard.
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Apple
support.apple.com › en-asia › 108377
How to wirelessly charge your iPhone - Apple Support
To extend the lifespan of your battery, if the battery gets too warm, software might limit charging above 80 percent. Your iPhone will charge again when the temperature drops. Try moving your iPhone and charger to a cooler location. Your iPhone won't charge wirelessly when connected to USB.
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Havit
sbsupply.eu › home › iphone › iphone 12 mini accessories › iphone 12 mini wireless chargers
iPhone 12 Mini Wireless Chargers ✅ Always charged!
Apple iPhone: 12 Mini, 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, SE 2020, 11 Pro Max, 11 Pro, 11, XS Max XS, XR, 8, 8 Plus Samsung Galaxy: S20 Ultra, S20 Plus, S20, Note 10 Plus 5G, Note 10 Plus, Note 10, S10 5G, S10 Plus, S10, S10e, Note 9, S9, S9+, Note 8, S8, S8+, S7, S7 Edge (Plus) Sony : Xperia 1 II, Xperia ...
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Best Buy Canada
bestbuy.ca › en-ca › shop › iphone-accessories › wireless-charger-for-iphone-12
Wireless Charger For iPhone 12 | Best Buy Canada
A magnetic car phone holder that wirelessly fast charges iPhone models while providing cooling functionality. ... As summer days stretch long into the evening and the pace of life picks up with outdoor adventures, road trips, and backyard gatherings, staying connected becomes more important than ever. For anyone with an iPhone 12, keeping your device charged while on the move is essential—whether you’re capturing memories at the cottage, navigating city streets, or video calling loved ones from a sunlit patio.
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Anker
anker.com › home › blog center › wireless-chargers › no wires attached: does iphone 12 pro have wireless charging?
Does iPhone 12 Pro Have Wireless Charging? (2025 Updated) - Anker US
March 1, 2024 - Apple first introduced wireless ... the need for cables. Building on this technology, the iPhone 12 Pro, released in 2020, of course supports wireless charging....