What is Qi?

Qi wireless charging technology for chargers & power banks

The word Qi means "life energy" - so this is a fitting name for chargers and power banks. In technology, this term refers to a proprietary standard for wireless energy transfer.

This technology uses electromagnetic induction to generate and transmit electricity. The standard was introduced by the Wireless Power Consortium, which was founded in 2008. The first Qi low-power specification was published in 2010. Wireless charging became known in Germany through a product line from a well-known furniture store. This company offers lamps with an integrated Qi charging station, for example. For smartphones, it was Samsung that equipped the first device with Qi technology in 2012. Apple followed suit in 2017 with its iPhone 8 and iPhone X. Numerous other manufacturers are also successfully using the technology in their smartphones - some models are now even capable of reverse wireless charging and are themselves becoming power banks for other Qi-enabled devices.

How chargers with Qi charging technology work

With Qi technology, a resonant inductive coupling is established between the transmitter (charging station) and receiver (smartphone). The charger sends out a check signal at regular intervals, which uses changes in capacity or resonance to determine whether a smartphone or other device to be charged is on the charger.

If a corresponding product is placed on the charging station, it modulates the charge and checks the compatibility of the mobile device with the Qi standard. If the mobile device is compatible, the charging process is started.

Advantages of chargers with Qi technology

Wireless charging using chargers with Qi technology offers many advantages over wired charging. You can charge your devices anytime and anywhere, because in conjunction with a Qi-enabled power bank, no socket is required for wireless charging. Numerous hotels, fast food chains, restaurants, cafés and airports offer Qi charging stations. In addition, there are many furniture manufacturers who integrate this technology into their furniture so that the chargers can be perfectly integrated into the living space without being conspicuous.

The charging port of mobile devices is protected, as frequent plugging and unplugging of the cable wears out the socket in the long term or even damages it if used improperly. Devices that support Qi technology are compatible with every Qi charging station. This means you only need one charger for all your mobile devices. Qi charging technology charges your devices just as quickly as conventional chargers.

InLine products with Qi support

InLine® WoodCharge - Organiser with integrated Qi charging surface, walnut wood

Multifunctional workplace solution: Combines wireless Qi charging with a structured storage surface – ideal for organising desks and workstations. Stylish design made from real walnut wood: Each piece is unique – for high-quality furnishings with a n...

Item no.: 33392Y

InLine® PURE Air TWS, Bluetooth In-Ear headphones with Qi-Case PowerBank

Reliable Bluetooth 5.0 connection: For stable, uninterrupted audio transmission in business environments. Long battery life with high flexibility: Up to 10 hours of runtime plus 8 times recharging via the charging case – ideal for long periods of use...

Item no.: 55356T

InLine® Car smartphone holder, ONE TOUCH QI 2, universal, wireless charger

Universal car holder with wireless charging function up to 15 W Smart sensor technology for automatic opening and closing of the holder arms Three mounting options: Ventilation (hook/clamp) or suction cup Integrated Farad capacitor enables up to thre...

Item no.: 23156Q

InLine® Qi Powerstation multiport power supply, 4x USB-C, 2x USB-A, GaN, 100W

High overall performance in a compact design: The maximum output power of 100 W allows multiple powerful USB devices to be charged simultaneously at a central charging point. Future-proof fast charging standards: Support for Power Delivery 2.0 and 3....

Item no.: 31517K