The reverse charging function refers to the technology whereby the mobile phone or any other device turns into a mobile power bank, providing energy to another device. That is to say, when a mobile phone is connected with other devices, it would switch to mobile power bank mode for discharging and recharging other electronic devices. In this sense, the mobile phone is utilized as a charger. If you want to know if your phone can charge another phone, then read further.
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can my phone charge another phone
Your phone will be able to charge another in case your phone supports reverse charging. With a reverse charging function, it would mean that it will be able to use the phone as not only a device to be charged but also an electric power source to provide electricity so as to charge other supporting devices, such as another phone, Bluetooth headset, smart watch, etc. You can find this in your phone’s manual, specifications sheet online, or contact the customer service of the phone manufacturer. Some phones of certain brands will go the extra step to actually indicate the reverse charging option in their system settings. If you can find this option in the settings, then your phone likely supports this function.
What is the reverse charging function
Definition: Reverse charging, also known as OTG charge or wireless reverse charge, is technology that allows a smartphone or any other device equipped with this feature to become an independent power source by which one is capable of charging other devices, such as another phone, Bluetooth headset, smart watch, game controller, and so on, under certain conditions.
Technical Principle: Reverse charging is realized primarily based on OTG technology. OTG technology allows devices to transfer data and power from one another without a traditional computer host. Via the OTG interface, the phone can detect and identify the devices connected to it and hence judge whether to turn on the reverse charging function.
Wireless Reverse Charging: Some high-end phones also feature wireless reverse charging that benefits from ideas like electromagnetic induction or waves of radio for the transfer of power wirelessly between devices. It simply requires that you place a device supporting wireless charging on the back of the phone supporting wireless reverse charging, and charging will ensue.
How to know if a phone supports reverse charging
Phone Manual Check: You may want to refer to the user manual or spec sheet of your phone and see whether it supports reverse charging.
Online Query: If you have misplaced the manual, then go to your phone brand’s official website and check under your phone model. This will lead you to the detailed spec sheet. There, it usually lists all functions or interfaces the phone can support, including reverse charging.
System Settings Check: It will be clearly marked as reverse charging in the system settings of some phone brands. Navigate to “Settings” on your phone, then look for options like battery, USB settings, or wireless functions, and see if there’s a switch available that reads “Reverse Charging” or “OTG Charging.”
How to use reverse charging
Wired Reverse Charging: If your phone supports wired reverse charging and you have an OTG cable—a special kind of USB cable with one end being a standard USB interface and another end being Micro-USB, Type-C, or any other depending upon the model of your phone—plug one end into the phone and another into the device that needs charging. Note that not all OTG-supporting devices support reverse charging; it depends on the implementation.
Wireless Reverse Charging: If your phone supports wireless reverse charging, then you will simply need to place the wireless charging-enabled device on the back—maybe the bottom—of your other phone and ensure the wireless charging function is turned on in both devices. Your phone will charge the other device thereafter.
What to Keep in Mind When Using Reverse Charging
Having adequate battery life: Before using the reverse charging facility, it is important that you should have enough battery life in your phone. It is necessary as a precautionary measure so that during the process of reverse charging, your phone may not run out of power, because if that happens, both devices will be left uncharged and you will be in a lousy situation.
Slow Charge: Keep in mind that reverse charging might reduce the speed of charging your phone. This is so because the phone now acts to serve as both a power source and an item to be charged. The extra load of powering another device can reduce the speed at which the battery of your phone charges—especially so if the connected device has high power consumption.
Compatibility Check: Not all electronic devices are compatible with reverse charging. It is essential to ensure that the device you intend to charge via reverse charging supports such functionality. Some devices, though they may have a capacity to get power via a USB port, might not be designed to actually be charged off another device’s battery. Improper use on an incompatible device may cause damage to one or both devices or simply failure to charge.
Stable connection: In the case of wired reverse charging, ensure that the connection of the devices with each other is tight and stable. A faulty or loose connection may disrupt the charging or even damage the device or the cables. Similarly, while reverse wireless charging, the two devices must align properly with each other and the surface on which they lie, and none of the devices must be obstructed with any objects as it will hinder the efficiency of the wireless power transfer.