Reverse charging on Xiaomi: how to turn on the function and charge other gadgets from the phone

Reversible charging (or reverse wireless charging) on Xiaomi smartphones allows you to use your phone as a wireless charging station for other devices, from AirDots headphones to Mi Band smartwatches. The feature appeared back in 2019 with the release of the Mi 9 Pro 5G, but still raises questions among users: how to turn it on, which models support the technology, and why it sometimes refuses to work.

In this article, we’ll break down not only the standard way to activate through MIUI Settings, but also hidden nuances, from power restrictions to third-brand accessory compatibility. You’ll also learn how to check if your Xiaomi supports reverse charging even if the feature isn’t displayed on the menu, and what to do if the phone overheats during the process.

What is reverse charging and how it works on Xiaomi

Reverse Wireless Charging is a technology where a smartphone acts as a transmitting station for wireless charging of other devices. It is based on the Qi standard, but with limited power: if conventional charging stations produce 5-15 watts, then Xiaomi smartphones are usually limited to 2.5-5 watts.

How does it work technically? There's a wireless charging coil in the phone case that can operate in two modes:

• 🔋 Reception – when the phone itself charges from a wireless station.
• 🔌 Transmission – when the phone gives power to another device.

The process is controlled by a power controller that distributes energy between the phone’s battery and an external gadget.

It is important to understand that reverse charging is not designed to fully recharge other smartphones — it is suitable for emergency recharging headphones, watches or fitness bracelets. For example, in 30 minutes you can recover up to 20-30% of the charge of the Mi Band 7, but another smartphone (even Redmi Note) to charge will not work — power simply will not be enough.

What Xiaomi models support reverse charging

The feature is not available on all Xiaomi smartphones, and here is the full list of models with reverse charging support (as of 2026):

If your model is not on the list, it doesn’t mean that the feature is definitely missing. Some devices (such as the Xiaomi 12T Pro or Redmi Note 12 Pro+) only support reverse charging in Chinese versions of the firmware, and you can check this through the engineering menu or special applications like DevCheck.

Step-by-step: how to turn on reverse charging on Xiaomi

Activation of the function takes less than a minute, but there are a few nuances depending on the version of MIUI.

1. Open Settings and go to Battery and Performance (on some models, just Battery).
2. Slip on Wireless Charging (or Reverse Charging on the new MIUI 14+ versions).
3. Activate the Reverse Charging switch (could be called Reverse Charging or Wireless Power Share).
4. Place the charger on the back of the smartphone (usually in the center where the Xiaomi logo is located).

If the Reverse Charging option is not on the menu, try:

• 🔍 Update MIUI Up to the latest version (the function could appear in new builds).
• 📱 Install regional firmware (for example, EU ROM), If you have a global version.
• 🔧 Enable Developer Mode and look for hidden settings upon request reverse.

Smartphone charge ≥ 20%

Resource-intensive applications disabled

The charged device is compatible with Qi standard

The phone is on a flat surface.

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Attention! On some models (e.g. the POCO F3 GT), the function can automatically shut down when the battery is above 40°C. If charging is interrupted, let the phone cool for 5-10 minutes.

Why Reverse Charging Doesn't Work: Common Problems

Even if your smartphone supports the feature, you may encounter errors, and here are the most common reasons and ways to fix them:

Special attention should be paid to covers and stickers. If there are metal elements or a thick case on the back of the phone (more than 2 mm), this can block the power transfer.

⚠️ Note: Some users report that after activating reverse charging on the Xiaomi 12 Pro, there are problems with wireless charging of the phone itself.If you notice that the smartphone has stopped charging from the station, try resetting Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting network settings.

Compatible devices: what can be charged from Xiaomi

In theory, reverse charging should work with any gadgets that support the Qi standard. However, in practice, there are limitations:

• 🎧 Wireless headphones: Xiaomi AirDots (all models), Redmi Buds 3/4 Pro, Sony WF-1000XM4 (only if the power ≥5 Watt).
• ⌚ Smartwatch: Mi Band 5/6/7/8, Amazfit GTR 3, Huawei Watch GT 3 (charging is possible, but very slowly).
• 📱 Other smartphones: Only models with back-charging support (e.g. Samsung Galaxy) S22+), Xiaomi (5 watts) will only last 1-2% in 10 minutes.
• 🎮 Gamepads and accessories: Xiaomi Game Controller, 8BitDo Pro 2 (requires precise centering on the back panel).

Incompatible devices:

• ❌ Apple AirPods (using proprietary standard).
• ❌ Smartphones without Qi (for example, iPhone before the model 8).
• ❌ Charging power devices >10 W (risk of overheating).

Security and Limitations: What You Need to Know

Reverse charging is a convenient feature, but it has a number of limitations that are rarely mentioned in official instructions:

1. Charging speed: Most models have a maximum power of 5 watts, which is 2-3 times slower than standard wireless charging, for example, the Mi Band 7 will charge from 0 to 100% in 2-3 hours.
2. Battery consumption: When power is transferred, the smartphone loses charge faster than usual, for example, in 30 minutes of reverse charging, the Xiaomi 13 Pro can lose up to 10-15% of its own battery.
3. Overheating: The body temperature can rise to 45-50°C, which causes the function to automatically shut down. On the POCO F4 GT and Black Shark, this is especially noticeable because of the gaming processor.

To minimize the risks:

• 🔋 Do not use reverse charging when the phone’s battery level is below 20%.
• ☀️ Avoid direct sunlight during the process.
• 📵 Turn off mobile internet and Wi-Fi if you don’t use them – it will reduce the load on the processor.

⚠️ Attention: Forums 4PDA There are reports that frequent reverse charging on the Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra leads to accelerated battery wear (capacity loss of 5-7% in 6 months).If you plan to use the feature regularly, monitor the battery condition through the AccuBattery app.

Alternative ways to activate reverse charging

If the standard method didn't work, you can try enabling the feature through hidden menus or third-party apps.

Method 1: Engineering menu (for advanced users)

1. Open the Phone app and type ##4636##.
2. Go to Battery Information.
3. Find the Wireless reverse charge line and tap it 5 times.
4. Return to Settings → Battery – a new item should appear.

Method 2: Activity Launcher Application

1. Install Activity Launcher from Google Play.
2. Find it in the list of com.android.settings.
3. Select Wireless Battery Share (or similar).
4. Activate the function through the window that opens.

Method 3: ADB-team (requires PC)

1. Connect your phone to your computer and activate Debugging via USB.
2. Enter in command line: adb shell settings put global wireless_reverse_charge_enabled 1
3. Reset the device.

These methods may not work on newer versions of MIUI 14/15 due to tighter security policies. If the feature never appeared after manipulation, your model probably does not support reverse charging hardware.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reverse charging