How to Share Battery on iPhone | Complete Guide

The idea of sharing power between devices has long been a dream for iPhone users, and with the shift to USB-C, that dream is now closer to reality. Imagine being able to top up your AirPods, Apple Watch, or even another phone with just a simple connection to your iPhone. No more hunting for chargers or wall outlets when you’re out and about.

But how does this new power-sharing feature work, and what are its limitations? Does it mean you can charge other devices wirelessly, or is it limited to wired charging for now? As Apple continues to innovate, the possibilities of turning your iPhone into a portable charging hub are expanding, and in this article, we’ll walk you through how to share battery on iPhone. From the technology behind it to practical applications, we’ll cover all the details, so you can make the most out of this new feature and stay powered up wherever you go.

What is Battery Sharing?

On an iPhone, battery sharing refers to Reverse Wired Charging, a feature powered by the universal USB-C port found on the iPhone 15, 16, and the latest iPhone 17 series. Unlike the "Wireless PowerShare" found on some Android devices, Apple utilizes a wired connection to ensure maximum energy efficiency and safety.

By simply connecting a USB-C cable, your iPhone transforms into a portable power bank capable of exporting about 4.5 watts of power. This is an essential utility for commuters and travelers who need to revive dead AirPods, an Apple Watch, or even provide an emergency boost to another smartphone. Because it works automatically upon connection, there are no complicated settings to toggle. It’s a seamless way to manage your ecosystem’s power on the go, ensuring your essential accessories never stay dead for long.

How Does Power Sharing Work?

Unlike many Android devices that utilize "Reverse Wireless Charging" by placing devices back-to-back, iPhones rely on the USB-C Power Delivery standard for superior efficiency. When you connect a device to your iPhone via a USB-C cable, the phone recognizes the accessory and outputs roughly 4.5 watts of power.

The logic for power direction depends entirely on the cable used. If you connect two USB-C iPhones (like an iPhone 16 and 17), they perform a "handshake" where the device with the higher battery percentage automatically charges the one with the lower battery. However, if you use a USB-C to Lightning cable to connect a newer model to an older one, the newer USB-C iPhone will always act as the power source. In this scenario, the older Lightning-based iPhone will be charged by the USB-C model even if it already has a higher battery percentage.

Do iPhones Have Power Sharing?

Phones do support power sharing, but only through a wired USB-C connection. Starting with the iPhone 15 and continuing through the iPhone 16 and the latest iPhone 17 series, you can use your phone’s battery to charge accessories like AirPods, an Apple Watch, or even another smartphone. This feature is strictly wired; despite long-standing rumors, the iPhone 17 still does not support native reverse wireless charging (placing a device on the back of the phone).

The system uses an intelligent "handshake" to manage power flow. When connecting two USB-C iPhones, the device with the higher battery percentage will automatically charge the one with the lower charge. However, if you use a USB-C to Lightning cable to connect a newer model to an older iPhone, the USB-C model will act as the power bank and charge the older phone regardless of which one has more battery.

Although wireless power sharing is not yet available, the wired option marks a significant step forward in enhancing the iPhone’s versatility as a power-sharing tool. As the demand for greater convenience grows, it’s possible that Apple could expand its power-sharing options in future models, further blurring the lines between devices in its ecosystem.

Steps for Sharing Battery on iPhone

Sharing battery on an iPhone is a useful feature, but it requires precise steps to set up and manage effectively. Here’s a technical breakdown of how to share power from your iPhone:

Step 1: Automatic Connection 

Ensure you are using an iPhone with a USB-C port (When using a USB-C to Lightning cable, the newer USB-C iPhone (15, 16, or 17) will always charge the older model. Simply plug one end of a compatible USB-C cable into your iPhone and the other into your AirPods, Apple Watch, or another iPhone. 

Step 2: No Settings Required 

Unlike Android devices, there is no "Reverse Charging" toggle in your Settings. Your iPhone automatically recognizes the connected device and begins outputting roughly 4.5 watts of power immediately.

Step 3: Monitor Charging 

You can track the power flow by adding the Batteries Widget to your Home Screen. This will show the battery percentage of both your iPhone and the device being charged.

Step 4: Built-in Safeguards 

To protect your own phone’s usability, your iPhone will automatically stop sharing power if its own battery level drops to 20%. This ensures you always have enough power for your own essential needs.

By following these steps, you can technically and effectively share your iPhone’s battery power with other devices, using a wired method. This allows you to provide a power boost to your accessories when you’re on the go, without relying on a power outlet.

Why is Sharing Battery on iPhone Good and What Are Its Limitations

Using your iPhone 15, 16, or the new iPhone 17 as a portable power bank is a massive convenience for modern users. The biggest benefit is the ability to provide an emergency "top-up" for accessories like AirPods or an Apple Watch using nothing but a USB-C cable. This eliminates the need to carry multiple charging bricks or hunt for wall outlets when your essential gadgets are dying.

However, there are technical trade-offs. The most significant limitation is that iPhone power sharing remains wired-only; despite rumors, even the iPhone 17 lacks native reverse wireless charging. Additionally, the power output is capped at 4.5 watts, making it much slower than a standard charger. While perfect for small accessories, it can take hours to charge another smartphone and will significantly drain your iPhone's own battery, potentially leaving you low on power if you aren't careful.

How to Share Battery on iPhones: A Comparison with Android

Now that we’ve explored how power sharing works on the iPhone, it’s worth checking into how Apple’s approach differs from Android devices. The iPhone 15, 16, and the latest iPhone 17 allow users to share battery power with other gadgets through a USB-C cable, offering a fast and direct way to charge accessories like AirPods or even other phones. This is ideal for those who need speed, as wired charging at 4.5W is often more efficient and generates less heat than wireless alternatives. Yet, it lacks the "cable-free" simplicity that many Android users have become accustomed to.

Android devices, by contrast, have embraced Wireless Power Sharing for some time now. Brands like Samsung, Huawei, and Xiaomi have made it easy to charge earbuds, smartwatches, and even other smartphones by simply placing them on the back of the phone, thanks to the Qi wireless charging standard. Despite intense rumors that the iPhone 17 Pro would finally introduce this feature, it remains exclusive to Android for now.

The differences between these approaches highlight the diverging philosophies of Apple and Android. Apple focuses on the stability and efficiency of a wired connection to protect long-term battery health, while Android emphasizes the convenience and flexibility of wireless options.

Solution for Low Battery on iPhone

Tired of constantly hunting for power outlets or carrying bulky chargers around? If you’re always on the go and find your iPhone’s battery struggling to keep up, we’ve got a solution that’s perfect for you. No more interruptions during important calls, photo sessions, or while using your favorite apps.

Snap Battery Pack

Say goodbye to the anxiety of low battery notifications with the Snap Battery Pack. This pocket-sized powerhouse boasts a sleek design and a robust 3400mAh capacity, making it the perfect travel companion for your iPhone. Available in four chic colors, it combines style with functionality, ensuring you stay fashionable while keeping your devices charged.

Because of its MagSafe compatibility, charging your iPhone is as easy as snapping it on. One of the standout features of the Snap Battery Pack is its intelligent heat management system, which maintains optimal performance within a temperature range of -10°C to 45°C. 

Lightweight and palm-sized, this battery pack easily slips into your pocket, ensuring you stay powered up wherever your adventures take you. With the Snap Battery Pack, you’ll never have to search for an outlet again, just grab your pack and go!

Wrap-Up!