Wireless Charging with NFC
Add the convenience of cable-free power to smaller form factor products and devices.
Near Field Communication (NFC) is unique in that it can transmit power as well as data. The same antenna can manage both communications and charging, allowing for the design of smaller, lighter and more affordable wireless products.
The NFC Forum NFC Wireless Charging Specification 2.0 currently offers induction charging up to 1W over a distance of 2cm and its compact antenna and multi-purpose use means that it can deliver wireless charging functionality to even the smallest of devices without impacting design.
The Specification is also complementary to Wireless Power Consortium’s (WPC) Qi induction charging platform, which delivers up to 15W over a distance of 4cm and is suitable for charging mid-sized devices such as smartphones and tablets
Learn more about how a multi-standard approach is required for the innovation and diversity of product creativity in our joint statement with Wireless Power Consortium.
All-in-one wireless charging and data transmission
Trendsetting design that's small, lightweight, and allows for easy integration
Offers up to 1W of power to connected devices
Universal Stylus Initiative has standardized on NFC Wireless Charging
Complementary to the Qi wireless charging platform
Certification Program supports NFC capabilities used in the WPC Ki Cordless Kitchen
NFC Wireless Charging allows for the charging of small battery-powered devices, such as smart watches or a tablet stylus. This approach can help avoid the need for a separate wireless charging unit for small devices.
For example, a user may be looking to use their wireless headphones but notice they are low on charge. They can then harness the same NFC communication interface used to pair the headphones with their smartphone to transfer power for wireless charging.
While it is unlikely that smartphones will ever be the primary method to charge smaller devices, NFC Wireless Charging offers consumers a convenient, on-the-go way to top-up a battery.
European Commission Study on Wireless Charging Markets
The European Commission (EC) published a market study in 2024, reviewing the current state of wireless charging technologies for mobile phones and similar portable consumer electronics.
The study identifies NFC Forum as one of the main standard associations for wireless charging and acknowledges that “there is no universal solution that caters to all devices uniformly”. It also asserts that decisions regarding the direction of potential standardization will shape the future landscape of wireless charging technologies, showing the EC is keen to actively monitor and assess standards to ensure future harmonization and compatibility across all use cases.
Key NFC Forum Content on Wireless Charging
Q&A: What product managers need to know about NFC Wireless Charging
NFC or Qi for wireless charging: What’s right for my product design?
Power, Unleashed: Three Key Questions to Understanding the Basics of NFC Wireless Charging
Power Harvesting: Using NFC to Design Affordable and Resource-Efficient Devices
NFC Forum's Wireless Charging Certification Program
Trust and consistency across different NFC implementations are crucial. NFC Forum provides its NFC Wireless Charging certification program — Test Release 13.1 (TR13.1) — which allows manufacturers to certify that their products comply with the NFC Wireless Charging (WLC) 2.0 specification. This minimizes risks for manufacturers and assures consumers that products will work as promised.
Download the Specification
Want to learn more? Read our Q&A to find out more about the key considerations, benefits and requirements of the NFC Forum Wireless Charging Specification.
The NFC Wayfinding Mark
The NFC Wayfinding Mark can be freely licensed by members and non-members alike for use on their NFC Wireless Charging capable products. This global identifier shows consumers an item includes NFC, and guides them so they know where to tap. Learn more on our Branding & Marks page.
