Xiaomi Redmi 9 became one of the most popular budget devices of 2020 due to its balanced specs and affordable price. However, many users still wonder why this device does not support wireless charging, which has long become the standard for flagship models.
In this article, we will go into detail the technical reasons why Redmi 9 does not support Qi-standard, analyze the myths about the “software activation” of wireless charging, and offer real alternatives for those who want to charge a phone without wires, learn what hardware modifications can harm your device, and how to safely use external accessories to simulate wireless power.
Why Redmi 9 doesn’t support wireless charging: technical limitations
The main reason for the lack of Qi charging in the Xiaomi Redmi 9 lies in its hardware platform.
- 🔋 A special inductance coil in the case of a smartphone that converts an electromagnetic field into an electric current. Redmi 9 just doesn't have it - the manufacturer has saved on this component.
- 📱 Power control controller that supports Qi protocol. Even if it had a coil, it's a chip. PMIC (Power Management IC) This phone is not designed to process wireless signal.
- 🔌 Protective circuits against overheating and voltage surges. Wireless charging generates more heat than wired charging, and budget models often lack additional cooling systems.
In addition, the Redmi 9 features a plastic case that, while it does not block the electromagnetic field (unlike metal), is not optimized for efficient power transfer. Xiaomi deliberately eliminated this feature to reduce the cost of the device – adding a Qi module would increase the cost by 15-20%.
It's important to understand that wireless charging is not a software feature, it's a hardware feature, and no firmware updates or "secret codes" can add it to Redmi 9 if the necessary components are physically missing. 5G on a smartphone without a proper modem – technically impossible.
Myths about “hidden” wireless charging: what doesn’t work on the Redmi 9
Instructions on how to unlock Qi charging on Redmi 9 are being widely distributed online via an engineering menu, changing system files or installing custom firmware, and let’s take a look at some of the most common myths and explain why they don’t work:
| Myth | Reality. | Risks. |
|---|---|---|
| "Enabled through #4636###" | This code opens the test menu, but doesn't add new features. There are no options to activate Qi. | No risks, but no benefits. |
| "Redmi Note 9's Qi-enabled firmware" | The Redmi Note 9 doesn't support wireless charging either. Custom firmware can break the system. | Loss of warranty, “brick” of the device, errors in work. |
| «Modification through ADB» | ADB It allows you to change the settings, but does not add hardware capabilities. | You can disrupt the system if you change the critical parameters. |
| "Installation of a magnetic plate on the battery" | The plate doesn't replace the Qi coil. It's a useless accessory. | Risk of battery damage during disassembly. |
It is especially dangerous to follow advice about disassembling a phone for installing “homemade” Qi modules. First, it is unwarranted. Second, improper connection can lead to overheating of the battery or even fire. In 2022, there were cases when after such modifications Redmi 9 stopped turning on due to a short circuit.
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If you really need wireless charging, consider buying an external Qi receiver as a case or sticker, which is safer than disassembling your phone.
Alternative ways to charge wirelessly for Redmi 9
While there is no native Qi support in Redmi 9, there are several legal ways to simulate wireless charging without risking the device.
1. Qi receivers in the format of stickers or covers
These are thin modules that connect to the USB-Type C port of a smartphone and attach to the back cover, and they convert the electromagnetic field from the charging station into current that is transmitted through the cable.
- 🔌 Nillkin Magic Tag - ultra-thin receiver (1.5 mm), supports up to 10 watts.
- 📱 Baseus Wireless Charger Receiver – magnetically fastened, compatible with MagSafe accessories.
- 🔋 Xiaomi Mi Wireless Charging Receiver (official, but rarely available on sale).
Advantages:
✅ It doesn't require disassembling the phone.
✅ Compatible with any Qi charging stations.
✅ Price from 500 to 1500 rubles.
Disadvantages:
❌ Charging goes through USB, So the port wears out.
❌ The speed is lower than that of wired charging (max. 10 W vs. 18 W of the original RAM).
2. Cases with integrated battery and Qi
Some manufacturers are making cases with built-in powerbank that supports wireless charging.
- 🔋 Zendure SuperTank – case with a 10,000 mAh battery and Qi support on the output.
- 📱 Mophie Juice Pack – a thin battery case with the ability to charge from a wireless station.
This option is convenient if you are on the go often, but be prepared to increase the thickness and weight of the phone.
The USB-Type C port must be free (not some cases block access)|The power of the receiver should not exceed 10 W (otherwise overheating)|Check compatibility with your charging station|Make sure the sticker does not interfere with the camera.-->
Magnetic charging stations with adapter
Some brands, like Anker or Belkin, are making magnetic charging stations that attach to the back of the phone via an adapter that don’t require Qi compatibility, but provide a wireless experience through magnetic mounting and hidden cable.
Example: Anker 622 Magnetic Battery is an external battery that magnetizes to a metal plate case and charges the phone through a hidden connector.
How to Choose an External Qi Receiver for Redmi 9: Criteria
If you decide to buy an external Qi receiver, pay attention to the following parameters:
- Power: Optimal range – 5-10 W. More powerful receivers (15 W)+) Redmi 9 can overheat because its cooling system is not designed for high loads.
Example of comparison of popular models:
| Model | Power | Thickness | magnet | Price (₽) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nillkin Magic Tag | 10 Watts. | 1.5 mm | No. | 600–800 |
| Baseus Wireless Receiver | 10 Watts. | 2.1 mm | Yes. | 1200–1500 |
| Xiaomi Mi Wireless Receiver | 10 Watts. | 1.8 mm | No. | 900–1100 |
Why are cheap Qi receivers dangerous?
Instructions for connecting an external Qi receiver to Redmi 9
If you have purchased an external Qi receiver, follow this step-by-step instruction to avoid errors:
- Turn off the phone: Before connecting the receiver, turn off the Redmi 9 completely to avoid power surges.
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Never use an external Qi receiver while using your phone (games, video, navigation) and this can cause you to overheat due to double battery load.
If the charger does not start:
- 🔌 Check if your Qi station supports 10W (some older models only run at 5W).
- 📱 Make sure the receiver cable sits tightly in the port (sometimes light swaying helps).
- 🔋 Try another charging station - the problem may be in it, not the receiver.
⚠️ If after connecting the receiver, the phone began to warm up strongly (more than 45).°C), immediately disconnect it from charging. Prolonged overheating reduces the life of the battery and can cause it to bloat.
Wireless and wired charging on Redmi 9: what is more efficient
Many users find wireless charging more convenient, but in practice, it has several significant drawbacks compared to traditional cable:
| Criteria | Wire-based charging | Wireless (via receiver) |
|---|---|---|
| Speed. | Up to 18W (fast charging) | Up to 10 W (40–50%) |
| Heating. | Moderate (30-35)°C) | Increased (40-45)°C) |
| Wearing the USB-C port | There are (with frequent connections) | Aye (receiver permanently inserted) |
| Convenience | Requires cable, but is reliable | No cable, but you need precise positioning. |
| Cost | Zero (included) | 500. ₽ receiver + station |
The conclusion is that wired charging for Redmi 9 remains more efficient in speed and safety, and wireless solutions should only be considered as an option for convenience, for example, on a desktop or in a car.
If you are critically interested in speed, it is better to use the original Xiaomi 18W charger – it charges the Redmi 9 from 0 to 100% in about 2 hours, whereas the wireless receiver will spend 3-4 hours on this.
Frequent wireless charging issues on Redmi 9 and their solutions
Even with a high-quality Qi receiver, Redmi 9 users may face a number of challenges, including typical situations and ways to fix them:
1.The phone is not charged at the station
Possible causes and solutions:
- 🔌 Station incompatibility: Some Qi charges only work with certain devices. Solution - check the compatibility list on the manufacturer's website.
- 📱 Wrong position: The receiver and station coils must match. Solution - try to shift the phone a few millimeters.
- 🔋 Weak contact in port USB-C: Solution - gently move the receiver plug or clean the port of dust.
2. Charging is jerking or interrupted
It's related to an unstable electromagnetic field.
- Remove metal objects between the phone and the station (coins, keys).
- Use a station with ventilation (overheating leads to blackouts).
- Disable background applications that load the processor (this increases power consumption).
3.The phone is very warm
Overheating is the most common problem when using Qi receivers on budget smartphones.
- Remove the cover during charging (it worsens the heat sink).
- Use a station with a power of no more than 7.5 watts (even if the receiver supports 10 watts).
- Do not use your phone while charging (games, videos, navigation, etc.)
⚠️ Warning: If the body temperature exceeds 45°C, and charging is slower than 1% per minute, immediately stop using the receiver. This is a sign of malfunction or incompatibility of equipment. Prolonged overheating can lead to bloating of the battery, which makes the phone dangerous for further use.
4.The receiver falls off or holds poorly
The problem is with cheap stickers with a weak adhesive layer.
- Use double-sided scotch (for example, 3M VHB).
- Stick the receiver to the case, not to the phone itself (it is easier to replace).
- Choose a model with a magnetic mount (for example, Baseus).