Wireless Charging for the Moto X 2nd Gen (Qi Charging)

[TheRydad]

This has been covered, but I think I had to pull information from a few posts and threads so I thought I would put this all together for anyone interested...

I have a few wireless charging pads from Nokia around from my Windows Phone days. I loved being able to just set my phone on the charging plate at night or when I was at my desk without messing with USB cables, etc. (especially in the dark). I was able to add the functionality to my new Moto X using the solution documented here.

Required:

1. Qi Wireless Charging Pad. See note 1.
2. A Moto X 2nd Gen Cover. See note 2.

Solution:
Putting it together is pretty easy. The charging pad plugs into the USB port on the phone and wraps around to the back. It is designed to be placed under a battery cover for other phone models. Since there is no removable back, you will need to cover it with a phone case (or just leave it exposed, I guess).

Notes:

1. Get the "narrow interface up" version. This link should take you to the correct one: Amazon.com: BLUBOON(TM) Universal Qi Wireless Charging Receiver
2. The charging pad is a little too "long" and it covers part of the Motorola aluminum logo plate so you will need a case that covers that. This is the one that I used: Amazon.com: Diztronic Matte Back Flexible TPU Case for Moto X (2nd Gen, 2014 Model Only)
3. I haven’t used the adhesive strip on the that came with the charging pad to secure it yet. The case I chose seems to hold everything in place pretty securely. In the event I decide to remove the charging pad and case, I don’t want the leather to be marred by the adhesive. Not sure if it would be, but I don’t see any reason to do otherwise so far.
4. The USB port is sort of permanently occupied by the charging pad plug. It doesn't feel sturdy enough to last a long time with frequent plug/unplug cycles so it doesn’t seem like it will be easy to switch between wireless and wired charging.
5. It works fine for me so far, but I will try to make a note of the charging rate and provide an update, but this brings me to…
6. I don't like to keep my phone in my pocket while sitting so mine will be sitting on a charging plate whenever I am at my desk. This should keep me topped off all day. I will probably also look for a charging plate for my car. I imagine I will notice better battery life because of this, but only because the phone will be on a charger pretty frequently.
7. If you are wondering why I went to all this trouble… Once you have invested a little bit in wireless charging, you will want it for everything. I am annoyed that my dust buster and cordless drill aren’t charged by inductive coils. If I had a Tesla, I would probably insist on putting a coil underneath my garage to save the trouble of plugging in.
8. If anyone from Motorola is reading this- I am willing to pay a handsome premium to have wireless charging on the Moto X 3rd Gen. Tell your marketing people.

Pictures:

1. The three components.
   
   
2. The charging pad in place.
   
   
3. The finished product.
   

Hope this helps someone. I will stay subscribed to this thread and will watch for any questions.

-rd

 

[itinj6]

Awesome... Thank you very much for the write up. Looking forward to trying this. I already have the same Diztronic case.

 

[anderfrank]

It looks like the microphone hole on the back is covered by the cable part of the pad. Have you noticed any adverse effects of this (person you are talking to reporting change in call quality, etc...)?

 

[TheRydad]

I didn't notice that was covered up. I just got off the phone from a couple of calls this morning and no one mentioned any problems on the other side. I also just tested "Ok, Google" from a normal distance (~12-18") and it worked fine.

I'll try to remember to make a speakerphone call and see if it makes a difference. I probably have made one in the past week, but the calls I just made were with the phone to my ear so I am not 100% certain.

Basically, so far everything is working as expected.

-rd

 

[reepS]

I found a qi receiver with a long cord and worked it around the hole. Also had hole covered. No difference I or anyone noticed.

Sent from my XT1095 using Tapatalk

 

[prsepulv]

Are you able to use a normal cable to charge the phone, when you're far from your wireless charger?