Wireless power bank getting hot? Here's what to do

⚡ Fast fix

• Pause charging. If either device is running hot, give it a break.
• Give it air. Allow your charger to cool uncovered, out of sunlight, and on a hard surface.
• Check the fit. Once cool, look at the alignment to see if the power bank's case is in the way.
• Spot damage? If you notice swelling, leaking, or a burning smell, stop using the damaged device.

You pick up your phone from your magnetic power bank and pause. They're both warm enough to make you wonder if something's wrong.

Some warmth can be normal during wireless charging, but if you notice warning signs like increasing heat and repeated temperature warnings, it may be time to double-check the health of your devices.

Asurion Experts help you troubleshoot tech issues to protect the longevity of your devices. Here’s why some wireless power banks are hotter than others and how to fix the issue.

Why wireless power banks get warm—and why some run hotter

Power banks can get hot because of magnetic induction. Wireless charging moves energy between two coils instead of through a wire, which causes some of it to dissipate. The bank's own battery and power-conversion electronics add extra heat.

Some power banks are hotter than others. Two banks can feel different depending on their charging efficiency, power output, charging coil alignment, and shell material. Your current phone activity and the ambient temperature can also cause heat levels to fluctuate.

It's worth noting that a warmer exterior may indicate better heat dissipation, not a worse battery. A bank that stays cool to the touch may simply be trapping heat inside.

When warmth becomes a warning sign

Mild warmth during charging is expected. Here's what isn't normal:

• Heat that keeps climbing.
• Repeated temperature warnings.
• Battery swelling or a bulging seam.
• Leaking.
• A burning or chemical smell.

Stop using your power bank if any of these occur, and disconnect if it's safe to do so. If there's smoke, hissing, or fire, move away and call emergency services instead of handling the device.

Some power banks have built-in thermal protection. If charging slows down, you'll know your device got warm but not exactly what caused it.

If you're noticing any signs of a wireless power bank overheating, stop using it and check the exact model against current safety notices. Then, contact the manufacturer or seller about a replacement.

Never open the enclosure or swap internal cells. Follow manufacturer and local hazardous-battery disposal instructions, as a damaged or recalled lithium-ion battery can't go in household trash or ordinary recycling.

How to reduce heat from your wireless power bank

If you notice your wireless charger getting hot, try these steps to cool it down:

1. Charge on a hard, uncovered surface somewhere cool—never in a bag, pocket, or under bedding.
2. Check alignment against the model's own instructions. A bank that's off-center works harder for the same result.
3. Take off a thick or metal case and clear anything between the two surfaces, including cards, keys, and metal PopSockets.
4. Avoid demanding activities like gaming, video recording, and navigation while you're charging.
5. Do not charge your power bank while charging your phone unless your user manual expressly allows simultaneous charging, which is a common source of extra heat.

Never use a refrigerator, freezer, ice, or water to cool your power bank.

Is the heat coming from your phone or the power bank?

If your phone gets hot when charging wirelessly, either device may be experiencing issues. Heat moves between the phone and power bank, so touch alone won't tell you which one is the source.

Once everything is cool and there are no warning signs, check the phone's temperature on a known-good wired charger under normal conditions. For instance, once you cool down an overheating iPhone®, try plugging it into an issue-free, Qi-certified charger.

If your phone's temperature still rises, it's worth looking at how to stop your phone from overheating. The phone's activity, software, or battery may be the culprit. If your phone only heats up on the bank, the cause may be alignment, compatibility, or a faulty bank.

If you suspect a faulty bank, stop using it and contact a professional for help. Don't reproduce the heat on a second phone to confirm it.

FAQ

Are there any wireless chargers that don't get hot?

Not completely. Wireless charging naturally creates some heat. Good alignment, airflow, and a quality charger can help keep it under control.

Why is my power bank getting so hot?

Poor alignment, thick cases, trapped objects, hot surroundings, or a faulty battery can all crank up the heat.

Is it normal for a power bank to get hot while charging?

Warm? Yep. Too hot to comfortably hold, getting hotter over time, swollen, leaking, or smelling burnt? Stop using it.

How do I stop my wireless power bank from overheating?

Line up the charging coils, remove thick cases, keep it uncovered, and avoid heavy phone use while charging. If it keeps overheating, stop using it.