Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Tom’s Guide
Tom’s Guide
Technology
Scott Younker

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

Google Pixel 10 pro moonstone review images .

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.”

Simply, adding Qi2 magnetic wireless charging meant there wasn't room for Battery Share components. This might be a good thing.

PixelSnap

(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.

Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.

More from Tom's Guide

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.