Google’s new Pixel 9 model lacks the support found on most previous Pixels.
Google’s new Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL phones are missing an important feature that has been part of the Pixel series since the Pixel 5, launched in 2020.
Updated on September 2 with details on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s wireless charging issues. This article was originally published on August 31
What is in question is Battery Sharing, specifically, the ability to use this feature while your Pixel is connected and charging. Battery Sharing allows you to use your Pixel smartphone as a wireless charger for other Qi-compatible devices. You can charge another device by activating Battery Share on your Pixel phone and placing your device in the appropriate position on the back of your Google Pixel.
Doing this will drain your Pixel’s battery quickly, but it’s a useful feature when you want to revive another dead device.
Pixel devices can also use Battery Share when plugged into a charger. In this configuration, you can charge two devices at the same time from one cable. I used this recently when I realized I forgot to pack the lightning cable for the iPhone I was using. Using this setup, I can use Battery Share from the Pixel to make sure both phones have a charger and get ready for the day even though only the Pixel is plugged into the charger.
The Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL will turn off Battery Share when the charger is connected.
Pixel 9 Series: Battery Sharing Loses Wired Charging Function
Unfortunately, this second scenario doesn’t work on the new Pixel 9 model. As Google’s support document shows, Battery Sharing will turn off every time you connect a Pixel phone to a wireless charger. The update only affects the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL. Pixel 5 to Pixel 8 devices remain unaffected and can charge other devices as well.
When you plug your Pixel 9-series smartphone into the charger while Battery Share is turned on, Battery Share will immediately turn off with the message “Battery Sharing is unavailable during laundry.” This works even if the Pixel 9 phone is already charged. You’ll need to unplug the charger to restart Battery Share and rely on the Pixel 9’s battery to charge your other device, meaning the Pixel 9 will need to be recharged later. Note that Google’s foldable Pixel devices do not support Wireless Battery Sharing at all.
It is unclear why Google has decided to remove this Battery Share feature from its latest update. However, a possible reason could be to save battery life, because using Battery Share frequently like this is sure to damage the Pixel 9’s battery health. Another reason could be to avoid overheating.
For now, users of older Pixel phones can continue to use Battery Share while washing, but perhaps this latest change should be taken as a warning not to overuse this important feature.
Update September 2: Pixel 9 Pro Fold 2 has its own issues with wireless charging:
The Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL aren’t the only Google products with wireless charging. Potential owners of the popular Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold should also be careful: As explained in Google’s support document, the new Pixel 9 Pro Fold does not support Wireless Battery Sharing at all. However, the device can still share the charge with another device connected to the USB-C cable.
Additionally, while the Pixel 9 Pro Fold can be charged wirelessly, it is at odds with the Google Pixel Stand 2 wireless charger. According to Google, the reason is that “The location of the charging coil of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is not as well positioned as compared to previous Pixel phones.” This means that the charging coils in the Pixel Stand 2 and Pixel 9 Pro Fold do not connect properly to charge the smartphone.
For many owners of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the lack of the Pixel Stand 2 will be a big deal. However, it is reasonable for Pixel 9 Pro Fold owners to assume that their devices will work with Google’s latest charger, and this could lead to customers being caught off guard.
Also note that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, like the original Pixel Fold before it, has a wireless charging speed of 7.5W, slightly lower than the 23W capability of the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
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