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With the release of the Pixel 10 series smartphones, Google adopted the newer and faster Qi2 wireless charging standard. This shift also paved the way for magnet-based accessories like the Pixelsnap series, which serve both as charging docks and protective covers. However, these magnets have also interrupted a longstanding feature—reverse wireless power sharing—that has been available on Pixel devices for over five years.
What’s Changed?
When the Pixel 5 debuted, it introduced a battery-sharing capability that allowed the phone to wirelessly charge other Qi-compatible devices, like earbuds or another phone. To use this feature, you simply placed the device with a low battery on the back of the Pixel phone, and power would transfer wirelessly.
(Image showing Battery Share on the Pixel 5, used to top up earbuds)
On the latest Pixel 10 models, this Battery Share feature no longer exists. Google explains on its support page that the absence of reverse wireless power sharing in this series is due to the magnets that enable Qi2 wireless charging. These built-in magnets create a secure connection when placing accessories like the PixelSnap or other compatible chargers, but they also prevent power transfer between devices—particularly when trying to share power wirelessly with another phone. The lack of a bi-directional magnetic lock appears to be a key reason why the feature was dropped.
Why Did Power Sharing Disappear?
The strong magnetic connection, which is helpful for aligning and securing chargers, unfortunately creates a physical barrier to reverse wireless charging. While these magnets make for a sturdy hold during charging, they impede the necessary magnetic flux for pulling power from one device to another—effectively ending the era of reverse wireless power sharing on the Pixel 10 lineup.
The future of this feature remains uncertain. As more Android brands adopt Qi2 technology and integrate magnets near wireless charging coils on the back of their phones, it will be interesting to see whether reverse wireless sharing becomes a thing of the past or if new innovations might find a way around these obstacles.
In the meantime, while Google’s Pixel phones no longer support power sharing, other devices, such as Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series, continue to offer this handy feature—saving users in moments where their accessories are running low on battery. Only time will tell how the ecosystem evolves as manufacturers settle on design choices that balance magnetic attachment with wireless power capabilities.
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