Magnetic Rings & Plates

MagSafe ring — how it works and when you need one

MagSafe is a circle of magnets around the wireless charging coil. Thanks to it, a charger, mount or power bank snaps into the right position and holds the phone securely — the Qi2 standard is also based on this design. A magnetic ring stuck to a phone or case adds this attachment point where it is missing:

• iPhones older than the 12 series, which have no MagSafe magnets,
• non-MagSafe cases, which weaken the pull of the phone's magnets,
• Android smartphones — most have no built-in magnets, and Qi2 Ready models rely on magnets in the case,
• tablets — larger magnetic stickers are designed for these.

Ring or metal plate for a magnetic mount

A metal plate for a magnetic mount is a flat, thin plate for classic magnetic car mounts. It holds the phone, but doesn't centre it on a charger, and if placed over the coil it blocks wireless charging — stick it lower down, away from the coil area. MagSafe rings and adapters have a hole in the middle, so they surround the coil instead of covering it.

Does a magnetic ring interfere with wireless charging?

A well-centred ring doesn't interfere with charging. Problems arise when it is off-centre or stuck to a very thick case — the charger then holds less firmly, and charging may slow down. A ring also won't add wireless charging to a phone that doesn't support it. After fitting, check charging and contactless payments, and keep payment cards out of the space between the phone and the charger.

How to fit a magnetic ring

• Choose a smooth, hard PC or TPU case — on silicone, leather, fabric and textured surfaces the adhesive holds poorly.
• Degrease the surface (e.g. with isopropyl alcohol, if the case manufacturer allows it) and dry it thoroughly.
• Align the ring with the coil, using the template from the kit if one is included, and press down firmly.
• Before putting the phone in a mount, wait for the adhesive curing time stated by the manufacturer.

Sticking the ring to the case rather than the phone protects the glass back and comes off together with the case.

Magnetic accessories for your ring

Magnetic rings, plates and adapters are made by brands such as Spigen, ESR, Nillkin and Tech-Protect. The ring works with car mounts, wireless chargers, MagSafe power banks and magnetic wallets. You can see the full range in the MagSafe accessories category.