OnePlus 8 Wireless Charging: Is It Supported?
Yes, the OnePlus 8 does support wireless charging, but only if you use the official OnePlus Warp Charge 30 Wireless charger or any compatible Qi-certified pad. The phone itself has the necessary hardware built in, but OnePlus did not include a wireless charger in the box, so you’ll need to buy one separately to take advantage of this feature.
Background: Why Wireless Charging Was a Big Deal for OnePlus
For years, OnePlus fans asked for wireless charging, but the company resisted, citing that its wired Warp Charge was so fast that wireless seemed unnecessary. That changed with the OnePlus 8 series in April 2020. The standard OnePlus 8 and the OnePlus 8 Pro both gained wireless charging, marking a significant shift for the brand. The OnePlus 8 Pro even added reverse wireless charging to top up earbuds or other phones, while the regular OnePlus 8 kept things simpler with just standard wireless charging.
This move aligned OnePlus with other flagship phones of that era, like Samsung’s Galaxy S20 and Apple’s iPhone 11, which already had wireless charging as a standard feature. It also meant OnePlus had to design a proprietary charger to match its fast-charging reputation.
How OnePlus 8 Wireless Charging Works
The OnePlus 8 uses the Qi wireless charging standard, the same one used by most modern phones, earbuds, and accessories. Qi charging works through electromagnetic induction: a coil in the charger creates an alternating magnetic field, and a coil in the phone converts that field back into electrical current to charge the battery.
To get the fastest speeds, OnePlus introduced the Warp Charge 30 Wireless charger, which delivers up to 30W of power. That’s significantly faster than the standard 5W or 10W you’d get from many generic pads. The charger uses a proprietary protocol to communicate with the phone, but it’s also backwards compatible with standard Qi, so you can use any Qi-certified pad, though speeds will drop to around 10W or less.
What You Need to Use Wireless Charging
If you have a OnePlus 8, here’s what you need to get started:
- A Qi-certified wireless charger – the official OnePlus Warp Charge 30 Wireless charger is recommended for full speed, but any Qi pad will work at slower speeds.
- A compatible power adapter – the Warp Charge 30 Wireless charger requires a Warp Charge 30 adapter (or a USB-PD adapter with sufficient wattage) to deliver 30W. Using a standard 5W adapter will limit charging to about 5W.
- Correct placement – the phone must be centered on the charging coil. Most pads have a marked sweet spot; misalignment can slow charging or stop it entirely.
- No thick case – cases over 3mm thick or those with metal parts can interfere with wireless charging. Remove such cases before charging.
Charging Speeds and Real-World Performance
With the official Warp Charge 30 Wireless charger, the OnePlus 8 charges from 0 to 50% in about 30 minutes, and a full charge takes roughly 80 minutes. That’s comparable to many wired fast chargers of the time. However, if you use a generic Qi pad, expect much slower speeds – typically 5W to 10W, which can take over 3 hours for a full charge.
It’s worth noting that wireless charging generates more heat than wired charging, and heat can degrade battery health over time. OnePlus implemented some thermal management, but if you notice the phone getting hot, it’s best to remove the case or pause charging until it cools down.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Users often report a few issues with OnePlus 8 wireless charging:
- Charging stops intermittently – usually caused by misalignment or a case. Reposition the phone and ensure the case is Qi-compatible.
- Slow charging on third-party pads – this is normal; the phone only hits 30W with the official charger. If you want faster speeds, you need the Warp Charge 30 Wireless charger.
- Phone doesn’t charge at all – check that the charger is plugged into a wall adapter that provides enough power. Some USB ports on computers don’t supply enough wattage.
- Overheating – if the phone gets too hot, it may stop charging to protect the battery. Move it to a cooler area and remove any thick case.
Comparison: OnePlus 8 vs. OnePlus 8 Pro Wireless Charging
The OnePlus 8 Pro adds two extra wireless features that the standard OnePlus 8 lacks:
- Reverse wireless charging – the Pro can wirelessly charge other Qi devices like earbuds or another phone, at up to 3W. The regular OnePlus 8 cannot do this.
- Higher wireless charging speed – both support 30W with the official charger, but the Pro also supports 10W reverse charging, while the standard model has no reverse option at all.
If you have the OnePlus 8 Pro, you can use the same Warp Charge 30 Wireless charger, but you also get the convenience of topping up accessories on the go.
Alternatives to Wireless Charging
If you don’t want to buy a separate wireless charger, the OnePlus 8 still supports the company’s fast wired charging. The included Warp Charge 30T adapter charges the phone from 0 to 50% in about 20 minutes and fully charges in around 60 minutes. That’s faster than wireless, and it doesn’t generate as much heat.
Another alternative is to use a standard Qi pad you might already own for other devices. It will work, but at a slower speed. If you’re looking for a budget option, many third-party Qi chargers are available, but make sure they are Qi-certified to avoid compatibility issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the OnePlus 8 support wireless charging?
Yes, the OnePlus 8 has built-in wireless charging hardware and works with any Qi-certified charger. For fastest speeds, use the official OnePlus Warp Charge 30 Wireless charger.
What is the maximum wireless charging speed of the OnePlus 8?
The OnePlus 8 supports up to 30W wireless charging, but only with the official Warp Charge 30 Wireless charger and a compatible 30W adapter. With third-party Qi pads, it typically charges at 5W to 10W.
Can I use any wireless charger with the OnePlus 8?
Yes, any Qi-certified wireless charger will work, but speeds will be limited to the pad’s output and the phone’s compatibility. For the full 30W, you need the official OnePlus charger.
Does the OnePlus 8 come with a wireless charger in the box?
No, the OnePlus 8 does not include a wireless charger. You need to purchase one separately. The box includes a Warp Charge 30T wired charger and cable.
Is wireless charging safe for the OnePlus 8 battery?
Yes, wireless charging is safe, but it generates more heat than wired charging. Prolonged heat can degrade battery health over time. To minimize risk, avoid charging in hot environments and remove thick cases.
Can I use reverse wireless charging on the OnePlus 8?
No, reverse wireless charging is only available on the OnePlus 8 Pro. The standard OnePlus 8 does not support it.
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