Will a Small N52 Neodymium Magnet Block Qi Wireless Charging

Part of our guide on magnet effects on qi2 charging

This page tells you exactly if a 10 x 2 mm N52 magnet will stop wireless charging on your Pixel through a 2.5 mm TPU case and how to test it.

How magnets interfere with Qi wireless charging

Wireless charging standards like Qi and Qi2 rely on electromagnetic induction between the charging pad's coil and the phone's coil. This system is sensitive to magnetic interference, which can distort the magnetic flux and reduce charging efficiency or completely block charging.

The critical factor is the magnetic field strength at the location of the phone's charging coil. Generally, magnetic fields above 20-30 millitesla (mT) at the coil induce errors or safety shutoffs to prevent damage or excessive heat.

Magnets close to or directly on the coil produce the strongest interference. Conversely, magnets farther away or offset from the coil cause less disruption. The phone’s case thickness and material influence the distance and field attenuation between the magnet and coil.

Magnetic field strength of a 10 x 2 mm N52 neodymium disc at 2.5 mm distance

N52-grade neodymium magnets have a high remanence, about 1.48 teslas at the magnet’s surface. However, magnetic field strength decreases rapidly with distance, approximately inversely with the cube of distance for small disc magnets. It helps to understand magnet behind tpu case pixel compass before going further.

At 2.5 mm distance through TPU case material, a 10 mm diameter by 2 mm thick N52 disc produces roughly between 10 and 15 mT on its central axis. This is below the typical Qi interference threshold of around 20-30 mT at the coil surface.

This estimation assumes the magnet is placed directly over the coil. If the magnet is offset to the side or further away, the field at the coil will be even weaker and less likely to cause charging failure.

The magnetic field strength of the 10 x 2 mm N52 magnet can also be roughly estimated with a formula for the axial field of a disc magnet, B = (Br/2) * ( (z + t)/sqrt((z + t)^2 + (r)^2) - z/sqrt(z^2 + r^2) ), where Br is remanence (1.48 T), t is thickness (2 mm), r is radius (5 mm), and z is distance from magnet surface (2.5 mm). Plugging in these values gives about 12 mT, consistent with empirical measurements. This calculation helps confirm the field is typically below the 20-30 mT interference threshold. The other half of this decision is charging pixel 10 pro with qi2 sticker.

If the magnet is slightly tilted or not perfectly aligned above the coil, the effective field at the coil can be even less, as the field decreases off-axis more quickly. Also, the TPU material may have minor magnetic permeability that slightly reduces the field, though TPU is mostly non-magnetic. Therefore, field strength at 2.5 mm distance through the TPU case is a reliable indicator that this small magnet is unlikely to cause charging issues under normal conditions.

Will a small neodymium disc 10 x 2 mm N52 stop Qi/Qi2 wireless charging through my 2.5 mm TPU case on a Pixel

Given the magnetic field strength and case thickness, a 10 x 2 mm N52 magnet generally will not stop Qi or Qi2 charging on a Pixel phone through a 2.5 mm TPU case. The magnet’s field at the coil is under the interference threshold, allowing normal power transfer.

However, results can vary with exact magnet placement. If the magnet sits right over the coil and the case thickness is uneven or thinner, magnetic interference could momentarily reduce charging efficiency or cause the charger to pause. We go through iphone 14 magnetic case options step by step elsewhere on the site.

If your Pixel’s wireless charging sometimes fails or slows with the magnet attached, try moving the magnet slightly off-center or increasing case thickness. Testing with your specific setup is the only way to be sure.

In rare scenarios, environmental factors such as metal debris trapped between the magnet and case or a phone with a sensitive coil design could cause unexpected charging interruptions, even with a 10 x 2 mm N52 magnet. For example, if a small metallic fragment is near the coil, it may amplify eddy currents or localized heating, triggering the phone's safety mechanisms to pause charging.

A practical check is to observe the Pixel’s charging animation and LED indicator when placing the phone on the charger with the magnet attached. If the phone briefly indicates charging then stops, or the charger’s LED blinks erratically, this suggests magnetic interference. Adjusting the magnet’s position or adding a thin non-magnetic spacer of about 0.5 mm can alleviate this by increasing the distance or changing the field orientation at the coil. We cover iphone 15 pro will not charge in its own article.

Better alternatives for mounting your Pixel without disrupting wireless charging

Magnetic mounts or wallets designed for phones often use thinner, lower-grade magnets spread over a larger area or placed strategically to avoid the coil. This reduces magnetic interference while maintaining enough magnetism to hold your phone.

Soft TPU cases with built-in metal plates thin enough to allow Qi charging are also a good choice for magnetic mounting without blocking wireless power.

If you want stronger magnetic hold, consider using mounts with adjustable placement or clips that don’t rely solely on magnets near the coil area.

Situations when a 10 x 2 mm N52 magnet is the wrong choice for wireless charging Pixel phones

If your TPU case is thinner than 2.5 mm or unevenly thick, the magnet’s field strength at the coil may exceed the interference threshold, stopping charging.

Using the magnet directly over the charging coil, especially with a phone model known for strict magnetic interference sensitivity, risks repeated charge failures or slower charging.

If your phone has a metal back or embedded NFC components, the magnet could cause unintended interference or damage beyond just wireless charging.

How to verify if your magnet blocks wireless charging and adjust accordingly

Another way to verify magnetic interference is by using a gaussmeter app or small handheld gaussmeter. Take a reading directly at the coil area with the magnet attached and with it removed. A significant jump above 20 mT when the magnet is attached usually correlates with charging issues.

If no measuring device is available, try charging the phone in stages: start with the magnet far from the coil area and move it closer incrementally, noting when the charging behavior changes. This simple test can help identify a safe placement zone for the magnet that does not disrupt charging.

Lastly, ensure the case is uniformly 2.5 mm thick or thicker at the coil position. Uneven case thickness is a common cause for intermittent wireless charging problems when magnets are used, as the magnetic field can be stronger where the case is thinner, causing localized interference.

1. Place your Pixel phone with the 2.5 mm TPU case on a Qi wireless charger without the magnet and confirm charging starts normally.
2. Attach the 10 x 2 mm N52 magnet to your case exactly where you intend to mount it and place the phone back on the charger.
3. Observe if the charging indicator appears quickly and charging proceeds at normal speed (around 5-10 W for Pixel Qi charging).
4. If charging stalls, moves slowly, or stops, reposition the magnet slightly away from the coil area or add a thin non-magnetic spacer under the magnet.
5. Repeat tests until reliable charging occurs without interference.

Questions people still ask

I've tested small neodymium magnets with TPU cases on Pixel wirelessly; placement and thickness are crucial.