QI STANDARD

Qi (pronounced “chee”) is the world’s de facto wireless charging standard for providing 5-15 watts of power to small personal electronics. Though it is primarily used to charge smartphones, the standard can also apply and easily be used to provide power for a growing number of consumer devices. With over 9,000 Qi Certified products on the market today, Qi delivers a positive and safe wireless charging experience. The Wireless Power Consortium and its more than 350 member companies are committed to continuing to grow this market by delivering differentiated and affordable products.

WHAT TYPES OF DEVICES WORK WITH QI?

Smartphones: There are currently hundreds of Qi Certified receiver products available, including mobile phones with Qi built in from the majority of handset manufacturers around the globe, as well as Qi Certified protective covers and sleeves that add wireless charging capabilities to older devices.

With more than 7,500 Qi Certified smartphone chargers (transmitters) able to supply wireless power to those devices, consumers have a choice of wireless chargers that fit their needs.

QI BENEFITS AND WHY QI CERTIFICATION IS IMPORTANT

Qi Certification is the WPC’s product certification program for wireless charging devices. The WPC uses a network of independent authorized test labs around the globe that test specific properties for safety, interoperability, and usability, each of which can involve multiple test procedures. Only Qi Certified products are allowed to carry the Qi logo.

Compatibility: By ensuring that all Qi Certified devices work together regardless of manufacturer, country of origin, version of the standard used, or other factors, the Qi standard ensures a consistent and simple user experience. A Qi Certified device placed on a Qi Certified charger will simply work. 

Safety: The Qi standard includes a number of consumer safety precautions, including heat shielding and foreign object detection. Tests conducted by independent labs on non-certified products found that they can reach almost 200 degrees Fahrenheit—enough to cause up to a third-degree burns.

HOW TO TELL IF A PRODUCT IS QI CERTIFIED

Only Qi Certified products are allowed to carry the Qi logo on all products and packaging to show consumers that the product has passed all tests required for the certification. You can also confirm that a product is Qi Certified by searching for it in our Qi Certified Product Database. Read more about this on our blog.

COMING SOON: QI2

Qi2 is the new enhanced wireless charging standard being developed by the Wireless Power Consortium. Qi2’s Magnetic Power Profile will provide an improved wireless charging user experience and pave the way for future features and enhancements.

QI2 IS MORE EFFICIENT AND FASTER

Thanks to the Magnetic Power Profile technology, Qi2 ensures devices and chargers align perfectly, improving energy efficiency. More efficient charging also means faster charging because energy is not lost in the charging process.

QI2 IS FUTURE ENHANCING

Qi2 will enable development of faster wireless charging while ensuring the process remains safe, won't shorten battery life and won't damage the receiver. Qi2 will enable new product innovation in other ways, too. The magnetic locking feature will support new product form factors, like an AR/VR headset. It will also support new types of accessories that magnetically attach to the back of the phone, like an extra battery.

QI2 IS MORE SUSTAINABLE

Charging cords tend to wear out due to the mechanical stress of daily plugging and unplugging, ending up as waste in landfills. Wireless chargers eliminate that mechanical stress and don't wear out, reducing needless waste.

LEARN MORE AND GET INVOLVED

Companies interested in certifying devices must apply for membership and submit the device for testing. Learn more about the Qi certification process in our knowledge base.

Click here for more information on the benefits of a Wireless Power Consortium membership, or go to this page where you can learn more about joining and submit a membership application. Please contact us to speak to someone about membership or for more details.