If you’re an iPhone 12 user in the UK, you’ve likely come across MagSafe, a revolutionary technology that harnesses magnets for wireless charging and accessory attachment. MagSafe isn’t just a feature; it’s a game-changer. It’s one of the most innovative and convenient aspects of the iPhone 12, offering a faster, easier, and brighter way to charge your phone. But how does MagSafe work, what are the benefits, and what are the best chargers and accessories available in the UK? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll answer all these questions, empowering you to make the most of MagSafe wireless charging for your iPhone 12.
What is MagSafe, and how does it work?
MagSafe is a technology that uses magnets to align and attach accessories and chargers to your iPhone 12. The iPhone 12 has a ring of magnets around the wireless charging coil on the back, which can easily snap to compatible devices. MagSafe also enables data transfer and intelligent recognition, so your phone can display different animations or adjust settings depending on what you attach.
MagSafe chargers are not your average wireless chargers. They are the epitome of charging efficiency, delivering faster and more efficient charging to your iPhone 12. With the power to charge your phone up to 15W, they are twice as fast as standard Qi wireless chargers. Their superior alignment and connection mean you can place your phone on the charging pad without precision, and even if you move it slightly, you won’t lose power.
While MagSafe chargers are primarily designed for iPhone 12 models, they offer compatibility with other devices. They can be used with different iPhone models (iPhone 8 or later) and AirPods models with a wireless charging case. However, it’s important to note that they will charge these devices at the average Qi speed and without the magnetic alignment, a unique feature for iPhone 12 models. This reassurance about compatibility should instill confidence in your purchase decision.
What are the benefits of MagSafe chargers?
MagSafe chargers have several advantages over regular wireless chargers, such as:
- Faster charging: MagSafe chargers can charge your iPhone 12 at up to 15W, twice as fast as standard Qi wireless chargers. This means you can get more battery life in less time.
- Better alignment: MagSafe chargers use magnets to snap to your iPhone 12, ensuring a perfect alignment and connection every time. You don’t have to worry about placing your phone precisely on the charging pad or losing power if you move it slightly.
- More brilliant recognition: MagSafe chargers can communicate with your iPhone 12, display different animations, or adjust settings depending on what you attach. For example, if you attach a MagSafe wallet, your phone will show a card animation, and NFC will be turned off to prevent accidental payments.
- MagSafe chargers aren’t just for charging; they’re a gateway to enhancing your iPhone 12 experience. They can be paired with accessories like cases, wallets, stands, car mounts, etc. The possibilities are endless. Mix and match different MagSafe products to suit your needs and preferences, and create a charging setup that’s uniquely yours, sparking excitement about the infinite possibilities.
Which MagSafe charger should you get?
When choosing a MagSafe charger, the UK market offers a variety of options. However, not all chargers are created equal, with different features, prices, designs, and quality. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best MagSafe chargers available:
- Apple MagSafe Charger: This is the official MagSafe charger from Apple, and it offers the best performance and compatibility with your iPhone 12. It has a simple and elegant design, with a circular pad that attaches magnetically to your phone and a USB-C cable that connects to a power adapter (sold separately). It can charge your iPhone 12 at up to 15W and works with other Qi-compatible devices. It costs £45.00 from John Lewis1.
- Belkin Boost Up Charge Pro 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad with MagSafe: This is one of the most versatile and powerful MagSafe chargers available, as it can charge your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, and AirPods simultaneously. It has a sleek and sturdy design, with a magnetic stand for your iPhone 12, a charging pad for your Apple Watch, and a charging spot for your AirPods. It can charge your iPhone 12 at up to 15W and supports nightstand mode for your Apple Watch. It costs £139.99 from Belkin’s website.
- Anker PowerWave Magnetic Wireless Charger: One of the most affordable and reliable MagSafe chargers offers fast and stable charging for your iPhone 12. It is slim and lightweight, with a magnetic pad that snaps to your phone and a USB-C cable that connects to a power adapter (sold separately). It can charge your iPhone 12 at up to 15W and works with other Qi-compatible devices. It costs £19.99 from Amazon3.
- Scosche GoBat MS 5K MagSafe Power Bank: This is one of the most portable and convenient MagSafe chargers available, as it doubles as a power bank that you can take anywhere. It has a sleek and durable design, with a magnetic back that attaches to your phone and a USB-C port that charges the power bank. It has a 5,000mAh battery capacity and can charge your iPhone 12 at up to 7.5W wirelessly or up to 18W wired. It costs £49.99 from Scosche’s website.
- Spigen OneTap Pro Magsafe Charger: This is one of the most functional and adjustable MagSafe chargers available, as it can be used as a stand or a mount for your iPhone 12. It has a flexible and ergonomic design, with a magnetic head that rotates 360 degrees and tilts 90 degrees for optimal viewing angles. It can charge your iPhone 12 at up to 15W wirelessly or up to 20W wired. It costs £29.99 from Amazon5.
How to use your MagSafe charger with your iPhone 12?
Using your MagSafe charger with your iPhone 12 is straightforward. Here are some steps to follow:
- Connect the USB-C connector on your MagSafe charger to a recommended 20-watt (W) or more excellent Apple USB-C power adapter or compatible third-party USB-C adapter. You can also connect to a USB-C port on a Mac or PC.
- Place your MagSafe charger face on a flat surface free of metal objects or other foreign materials.
- Attach your MagSafe charger to the back of your iPhone 12, aligning the magnets. You will feel a click and see a charging animation on your phone’s screen.
- To remove your MagSafe charger, gently pull it off the back of your device.
How to check the charge of your MagSafe charger and your iPhone 12?
You can check the charge of your MagSafe charger and your iPhone 12 in different ways, such as:
- When you attach your MagSafe charger to your iPhone 12, it will automatically begin to charge your iPhone, and a charging status will appear on the Lock screen.
- To see your charging status in Today View or on the Home Screen, add the Batteries widget: Go to Today View or the Home Screen page where you want to add the widget, then touch and hold the background until the apps jiggle. Tap the Add Widget button at the top of the screen to open the widget gallery. Scroll or search to find Batteries, tap it, then swipe left through the size options. The different sizes display different information. When you see the size you want, tap Add Widget and Done.
- When you’re using your MagSafe charger to charge your iPhone 12, you might get a notification that says your iPhone will only charge up to 90%. To charge past 90%, open Control Centre, press and hold the Low Power Mode icon, then tap Continue. If you can’t see the Low Power Mode icon, find out how to add it to the Control Centre.
Conclusion
MagSafe is a technology that uses magnets to enable wireless charging and accessory attachment for your iPhone 12. MagSafe chargers can charge your iPhone 12 faster, easier, and smarter than regular wireless chargers, and they can also work with other accessories, such as cases, wallets, stands, etc.
This guide explains how MagSafe works, its benefits, and the best MagSafe chargers and accessories you can buy in the UK. We have also shown you how to use your MagSafe charger with your iPhone 12 and check the charge of both devices. We hope this guide has helped you maximize MagSafe wireless charging for your iPhone 12.