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Pixel 3 Charge Another Phone? Yes, Here’s How

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Pixel 3 Charge Another Phone? Yes, Here's How

Yes, the Pixel 3 can charge another phone, but only the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, not the smaller Pixel 3a. This works through a feature called Battery Share, which uses the phone’s wireless charging coil in reverse. You can top up a compatible phone, earbuds, or smartwatch by placing it on the back of your Pixel 3, though it’s slower than a wired charger and drains your own battery.

What Is Battery Share on the Pixel 3?

Battery Share is Google’s name for reverse wireless charging, introduced with the Pixel 3 series in 2018. The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL have a built-in wireless charging coil that normally receives power from a Qi charging pad. When you enable Battery Share, that same coil switches to transmit power instead of receiving it. This lets the phone act as a portable charger for other Qi-compatible devices.

The feature is not available on the Pixel 3a or Pixel 3a XL, which lack wireless charging hardware entirely. It also isn’t on later Pixel models like the Pixel 4, which dropped the feature, though it returned on the Pixel 5 and newer.

How to Use Battery Share on a Pixel 3

Using Battery Share is straightforward, but you need to enable it manually each time. Here are the steps:

  1. Open Settings on your Pixel 3.
  2. Tap Battery.
  3. Select Battery Share.
  4. Toggle the switch to On.
  5. Place the device you want to charge face-down on the back of the Pixel 3, roughly centered.

You’ll see a notification that Battery Share is active. The charging stops automatically when you turn it off, when the Pixel 3’s battery drops below a certain level, or when the other device is fully charged. You can also set a limit so Battery Share only works when your phone’s battery is above a chosen percentage, like 20% or 50%.

Which Devices Can You Charge?

Any device that supports standard Qi wireless charging can be charged by the Pixel 3. That includes:

  • Other phones that support Qi, like Samsung Galaxy models or iPhones (iPhone 8 and later).
  • Wireless earbuds with Qi charging cases, such as the Pixel Buds or Samsung Galaxy Buds.
  • Smartwatches that use Qi, like the Pixel Watch or some Fitbit models.
  • Small accessories like wireless charging power banks or stylus pens.

One important caveat: the Pixel 3’s reverse charging is relatively weak. It delivers about 5W of power, which is enough for small devices but will charge another phone very slowly. A phone with a large battery might only gain a few percent in 30 minutes, and the Pixel 3 itself will lose more power than it transfers.

How Fast Is It? Realistic Expectations

Wireless charging on the Pixel 3 is capped at 10W when using a compatible Pixel Stand, but Battery Share output is lower, typically around 5W. For comparison, a standard wall charger for most phones delivers 18W or more. So if you’re trying to charge a phone with a 4,000 mAh battery, you might get about 10% in 30 minutes, depending on the device’s charging efficiency.

Your Pixel 3’s own battery is 2,915 mAh (Pixel 3) or 3,430 mAh (Pixel 3 XL). If you use Battery Share to give another phone 500 mAh, you’ll lose roughly 700-800 mAh from your own battery due to conversion losses and heat. It’s best used for emergency top-ups, not as a full charger.

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

If Battery Share isn’t working, check these common issues:

  • Alignment: The charging coil is near the center of the back. If the other device isn’t aligned properly, charging won’t start.
  • Case thickness: Thick cases, especially those with metal or magnets, can block the signal. Remove both cases if possible.
  • Battery level: The Pixel 3 stops Battery Share if its own battery drops below about 15% or 20%, depending on your settings.
  • Device compatibility: Some devices, like older Apple Watches, use a proprietary charging method and won’t work with Qi.
  • Overheating: If either device gets too hot, charging pauses. Move to a cooler environment.

If you see a message that Battery Share is unavailable, wait a few minutes and try again. Sometimes the phone needs to cool down or the feature needs to be re-enabled.

Battery Share vs. Other Charging Options

Battery Share is convenient, but it’s not the only way to charge another device from your Pixel 3. You can also use a USB cable with an OTG adapter to charge another phone, but the Pixel 3 doesn’t support USB Power Delivery output, so the charging speed will be limited to about 5V/1A (5W). This is similar to Battery Share but requires a cable.

Compared to a dedicated power bank, Battery Share is less efficient and slower. A power bank can hold more energy and charge faster. However, Battery Share is always with you, and it’s handy for charging small accessories like earbuds without carrying extra cables.

Safety and Battery Health Considerations

Reverse wireless charging generates heat, which is the main enemy of battery longevity. Using Battery Share frequently can degrade your Pixel 3’s battery faster than normal use. To minimize wear:

  • Limit Battery Share to short, emergency top-ups.
  • Avoid using it while the phone is charging or in direct sunlight.
  • Remove thick cases to improve efficiency and reduce heat.
  • Keep the Battery Share limit set to a higher threshold, like 50%, so you don’t drain your own battery too low.

Also, note that Battery Share is not a fast charger. It’s designed for convenience, not speed. If you regularly need to charge other devices, a dedicated power bank is a better investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Pixel 3 charge the Pixel 3?

Yes, you can place two Pixel 3 phones back-to-back and one will charge the other, but it’s slow and inefficient. You’d lose more battery on the charging phone than the receiving phone gains, so it’s only useful in a true emergency.

Can I charge an iPhone with my Pixel 3?

Yes, if the iPhone supports Qi wireless charging (iPhone 8 and later). Place the iPhone face-down on the back of the Pixel 3, and it will charge, though slowly. iPhones with MagSafe (iPhone 12 and later) still work with Qi, but you’ll need to align the coil manually.

Why is Battery Share not showing up on my Pixel 3?

First, make sure your Pixel 3 is updated to Android 10 or later, as Battery Share was added with that update. If it’s still missing, check if you have a Pixel 3a – that model doesn’t have the hardware. Also, some carrier variants may have the feature hidden; try searching in Settings for “Battery Share.”

Does Battery Share work while the Pixel 3 is plugged in?

Yes, you can use Battery Share while the Pixel 3 is connected to a charger. This can help reduce battery drain, but it may cause extra heat. It’s generally safe, but it’s better to unplug if the phone gets warm.

Can I charge a smartwatch with my Pixel 3?

Yes, if the smartwatch uses standard Qi wireless charging. Many Wear OS watches and some Fitbit models do. However, some watches, like the Apple Watch, use a proprietary charger and won’t work. Check your watch’s specifications.

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