Google Drops Reverse Wireless Charging in the Pixel 10 — Here’s Why

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Blame it on Qi2

Google Pixel 10 pro moonstone review images
(Image credit: Future)

Google's latest Pixel 10 lineup of phones comes with a number of enticing upgrades, but they're also missing Battery Share, a notable absence compared to previous Pixel handsets. However, there may be a good reason for the removal.

If you're unaware, Battery Share is Google's take on reverse wireless charging, meaning your Pixel phone could wirelessly charge other devices. It's a common feature in some of the best Android phones, and one that Apple may steal for the iPhone 17 Pro, but it's missing on the Pixel 10.

Google has a reason as the company told the Portuguese site DroidReader (via TechRadar) that the magnets used to enable Qi2 magnetic wireless charging "creates a strong connection with the charger but presents a physical limitation for reverse wireless charging.”

PixelSnap

Pixelsnap accessories on Pixel 10.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

Qi2 charging helped Google introduced Pixesnap, the one Pixel 10 upgrade everyone should be excited about. Essentially, Pixelsnap finally gives Android devices a version of MagSage charging.

It creates an ecosystem of chargers and accessories, including stands and grips, that will attach to your Pixel 10 phones with magnets. It's the true Qi2 experience that Android devices have been waiting years for.

As one Reddit thread shows the decision is a mixed bag. "Battery share I found to be such a useful feature. I think it's a shame if we can't have both," wrote one commenter.

Others claimed to have used Battery Share but found it inefficient. While many said they weren't even aware the feature was available on their phones.

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Scott Younker
Scott Younker
West Coast Reporter

Scott Younker is the West Coast Reporter at Tom’s Guide. He covers all the lastest tech news. He’s been involved in tech since 2011 at various outlets and is on an ongoing hunt to build the easiest to use home media system. When not writing about the latest devices, you are more than welcome to discuss board games or disc golf with him. He also handles all the Connections coverage on Tom's Guide and has been playing the addictive NYT game since it released.

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