DIY: Wireless Charger Insert Fix (For Easier Phone Insert/Removal)

[Jack GS]

I knew this has been a pain point for many, but never cared until recently upgrading to a device capable of wireless charging. I previously left the wireless charger unused. Now that I wish to use it, I too ran into some issues with the rubber charger insert being too snug.

That being said, just wanted to share my little hack with the wireless charger, where I literally just hacked off a portion of it. I took an exacto knife and cut half of the "football" out. Here's a before and after:


And a different angle:


Note: Cutting half of the football out allowed me to easily insert/remove my Pixel 9a with a fairly robust case. Depending on the device, it may be necessary to remove more or less. Keep in mind, that "football" is responsible for holding the phone in place so I do not recommend removing it altogether unless it's a really tight fit.

 

[DrFaustus]

I did something very similar to get my Pixel 7 Pro to fit. It's been working like a charm for years now.

 

[danzig997]

I’m using a wireless charger now, and I’d never switch back to the sleeve-style ones in the console.

 

[wagonlover56]

I’m using a wireless charger now, and I’d never switch back to the sleeve-style ones in the console.

I'm guessing that came from Aliexpress?
It looks good but I would never order from them.
Does the phone stay on there when you turn corners or does it slide off?

 

[Jack GS]

Thread 'Car Qi Wireless Phone Charger - Product Review' Car Qi Wireless Phone Charger - Product Review

This is another solid option. I installed mine without the charger, but it only eliminates the single cupholder.

 

[Undercover87T]

Will have to try this. I still have a Pixel 4 XL and have to remove the slim case for it to fit in the charger. However, the phone only illuminates the charge symbol for about a second then stops. Considering upgrading to the Pixel 10 so is this just a Pixel thing?

 

[DrFaustus]

Will have to try this. I still have a Pixel 4 XL and have to remove the slim case for it to fit in the charger. However, the phone only illuminates the charge symbol for about a second then stops. Considering upgrading to the Pixel 10 so is this just a Pixel thing?

It's not just a Pixel thing. You need to hold the phone up next to the wireless charging pad. But, you may also need to upgrade that wireless charging pad. I had to do so on mine. The newer phones use a different charging standard. But the part from a 2019+ car uses the new standard. When I went from Pixel 3 to Pixel 7 I had to change that out too. It's not too terrible to get at it. The new part bolts right in and plugs right in to the wiring harness.

 

[Undercover87T]

It's not just a Pixel thing. You need to hold the phone up next to the wireless charging pad. But, you may also need to upgrade that wireless charging pad. I had to do so on mine. The newer phones use a different charging standard. But the part from a 2019+ car uses the new standard. When I went from Pixel 3 to Pixel 7 I had to change that out too. It's not too terrible to get at it. The new part bolts right in and plugs right in to the wiring harness.

Is there a part number for the current version?

 

[DrFaustus]

Is there a part number for the current version?

GM 19421449

 

[D2R]

I personally don't use this sleeve type wireless charger for many reasons.
Especially our cars do not even have wireless AA/CP.

 

[DrFaustus]

Adding a wireless AA adapter is one of the best upgrades I've made!

 

[danzig997]

Adding a wireless AA adapter is one of the best upgrades I've made!

I've been using the first-generation AAWireless for a few years. While it's pricier than generic Chinese adapters, the product stands out for its excellent support and consistently updated app and firmware.

 

[DrFaustus]

I'm using the same AA adapter. It's great.