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I've just received a "smartfox qi" wireless charger as a gift, but it won't charge my Nexus 4 despite its indicator light turning on, and the Nexus 4 says "charging wireless". Still, it doesn't charge, the battery graph shows a power depletion just as if it were just lying on a desk. It's running stock 4.2.2 without a case.

The charger has the exact same dimensions as the Nexus 4, so I just placed it exactly on top. I'm thinking that the wireless coils didn't match up well enough. So my question is:

Where in the Nexus 4 are those charging coils? How do I have to place it to ensure maximum-efficiency charging?

Bonus questions:

  1. Wireless charging heats up the Nexus 4 a lot. Is this really healthy? Won't it significantly reduce the lifetime of the (non-replaceable!) Nexus 4 battery?
  2. What specific product would be a good recommendation, specifically for the Nexus 4?
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    Is it a stock N4 (rooted? custom ROM?) Do you use a case, or is it "naked" when you place it on the charging pad? Do you have the charging pad's manufacturer and model number?
    – Chahk
    Commented Mar 24, 2014 at 14:11
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    Added above: It's running stock 4.2.2 without a case, and Amazon link to exact charger model.
    – Torben Gundtofte-Bruun
    Commented Mar 24, 2014 at 17:05
  • That charger is listed as putting out only 500mA. That is kind of low, seeing how a USB port usually outputs 600mA. Are you actively using the phone while it's on the pad (i.e. screen is on, playing music, etc.?) If so, it's possible that the pad doesn't provide enough "juice". Personally, I would't use any chargers under 1A (example ).
    – Chahk
    Commented Mar 24, 2014 at 17:13
  • Of course, there's always the possibility that the charging pad is simply defective.
    – Chahk
    Commented Mar 24, 2014 at 17:22
  • I personally had that charger previously. It's a piece of junk. Slow charging and it wouldn't function through any kind of case, even a thin plastic thing.
    – Compro01
    Commented Mar 24, 2014 at 17:55

1 Answer 1

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  1. The charging coil is embedded into the back panel of the phone and is located directly over the battery, as shown in steps 7 and 8 of IFixIt's teardown.

  2. The battery isn't quite non-replaceable, as the above mentioned teardown shows. It's somewhat involved to replace it (you'll need a Torx screwdriver, a Philips screwdriver, a plastic opening tool, and some patience), but it's perfectly doable.

  3. If you're wanting something that will work for sure, the official wireless charger would probably be your best bet. However, it's not exactly cheap at $50. I personally use this charger with my Galaxy S3, which I added a wireless receiver to. I find it works well and charges right through my lifeproof case.

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