What the Anker Nano Wireless Car Charger Does

The Anker Nano Wireless Car Charger is a dashboard or windshield-mounted device that charges compatible phones wirelessly while you drive. You place your phone on the charging pad, and it transfers power without a cable — the phone must support wireless charging (Qi standard) for this to work. The charger plugs into your car's 12-volt power outlet, commonly called the cigarette lighter socket.

This is a physical product you purchase and install yourself, not a service or subscription. It does not connect to your phone's data or location; it only delivers electrical power. The device itself is roughly the size of a smartphone and mounts to your dashboard using an adhesive pad or to your windshield using a suction cup.

Key Takeaways

  • The Anker Nano requires your phone to have built-in wireless charging capability — iPhones from the 8 onwards and most recent Android phones support this, but older models do not.
  • Power comes from your car's 12-volt outlet, so you need a working outlet and a clear path from the outlet to where you mount the charger.
  • The charger generates heat during use, which can affect battery health if your phone gets too warm, especially on hot days or during long drives.
  • Mounting options include dashboard adhesive pads and windshield suction cups; suction cups are more removable but less stable on rough roads.
  • Wireless charging is slower than wired charging — expect 5 to 10 watts of power depending on your phone model, compared to 20+ watts from a car USB-C cable.

Which Phones Work With This Charger

Your phone must support the Qi wireless charging standard to work with the Anker Nano. iPhones from the iPhone 8 (released 2017) and newer all support Qi charging. Samsung Galaxy phones from the S6 onwards support it, as do most mid-range and flagship Android phones from the last five years.

Older phones, budget Android models, and some rugged phones do not have wireless charging built in. Check your phone's specifications or manual to confirm. If your phone does not support wireless charging, you will need a wired car charger instead — the Anker Nano will not charge it at all.

The charger works with phone cases, but thick cases (over 5 millimeters) or cases with metal components can block the signal or reduce charging speed. Leather cases, silicone cases, and thin plastic cases usually work fine.

Power Source and Installation Requirements

The Anker Nano draws power from your car's 12-volt accessory outlet — the socket that traditionally powered cigarette lighters. Most cars have at least one, usually in the dashboard or center console. Some newer vehicles have multiple outlets, and some luxury or electric vehicles may have USB-C or USB-A outlets instead, which will not work with this charger.

Before you buy, locate your car's 12-volt outlet and confirm it works. Plug in a phone charger or other device to test it. If the outlet is dead, it may need a fuse replacement or professional repair. The Anker Nano comes with a car power adapter that plugs into the outlet; the cable is typically 3 to 4 feet long, so you need a mounting location within that distance.

The charger mounts using either an adhesive dashboard pad or a windshield suction cup. The adhesive pad is permanent and more stable but damages your dashboard if you remove it. The suction cup is removable and leaves no residue but can lose grip on hot days or bumpy roads. Choose based on whether you plan to keep the charger in your car long-term.

Charging Speed and Battery Health Considerations

Wireless charging in a car is slower than wired charging. The Anker Nano typically delivers 5 to 10 watts of power, depending on your phone model and the charger's design. A wired USB-C car charger often delivers 20 to 30 watts. This means a wireless charger may not fully charge your phone during a short drive, especially if you are using it while driving (which slows charging further).

Wireless charging generates heat as a byproduct. Your phone's battery and processor both heat up during charging, and in a hot car on a sunny day, the combined heat can stress the battery. Lithium batteries degrade faster when repeatedly charged at high temperatures. If you regularly charge your phone wirelessly in a hot car, you may notice reduced battery lifespan over one to two years.

To reduce heat buildup, remove thick cases before charging, keep the charger out of direct sunlight, and avoid using your phone heavily while it charges. If your phone feels hot to the touch, unplug it and let it cool down.

Comparing Wireless and Wired Car Charging

The main trade-off between wireless and wired charging is convenience versus speed. A wireless charger requires no cable connection — you straightforward place your phone on the pad. A wired charger requires you to plug in a cable, which takes a few seconds but delivers power much faster.

Wireless chargers also work with any compatible phone without needing different cables for different devices. If you share your car with family members who have different phone types, a wireless charger is more flexible. Wired chargers require you to have the correct cable for each phone (USB-C, Lightning, Micro-USB).

Cost is similar: a quality wireless car charger like the Anker Nano typically costs $25 to $40, while a wired car charger costs $15 to $35. The choice depends on whether you prioritize ease of use or charging speed.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

If your phone does not charge, first confirm that your phone supports wireless charging and that the 12-volt outlet is working. Plug a different device into the outlet to test it. If the outlet is dead, the fuse may be blown — check your car's fuse box (location varies by model; see your owner's manual).

If the outlet works but your phone still does not charge, try removing your phone case. Thick cases or cases with metal components block the wireless signal. If charging starts without the case, the case is the problem.

If the charger feels very hot or your phone overheats, unplug it when ready. Heat damage can occur if the charger malfunctions. Most Anker products come with a one-year warranty; contact Anker support with your receipt if the charger fails.

Suction cup chargers sometimes lose grip on windshields. Clean the suction cup and windshield with rubbing alcohol and let them dry completely before reattaching. If the cup still does not hold, the adhesive may be worn out — replacement suction cups are available separately.

Environmental Impact of Wireless Charging

Wireless charging is less efficient than wired charging — it converts roughly 70 to 80 percent of electrical energy into usable power, while wired charging converts 85 to 95 percent. The lost energy becomes heat. Over time, this means a wireless charger uses more electricity to deliver the same amount of charge to your phone.

If you charge your phone wirelessly every day, the cumulative energy use is measurable but small — roughly equivalent to running a light bulb for a few extra hours per month. The environmental cost is modest compared to your car's fuel consumption.

The charger itself is a durable product designed to last several years. When it eventually fails, it contains electronics and a power adapter that should be recycled rather than thrown away. Anker and most electronics retailers accept old chargers for recycling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a wireless car charger work if my phone is in a metal case?

No. Metal blocks the wireless charging signal. If your case has metal components — even a thin metal plate or ring — remove the case before charging. Aluminum, steel, and other metals prevent the charger from detecting your phone.

Can I use a wireless car charger while driving?

Yes, but it is not ideal. Charging while using your phone (navigation, music, calls) slows the charging speed because your phone's processor is working hard. The phone also generates more heat. For safety, mount the charger where you can see it without taking your eyes off the road for more than a second.

What happens if my car's 12-volt outlet stops working?

The charger will not work. Check the fuse for that outlet in your car's fuse box — the location and fuse size are in your owner's manual. If the fuse is blown, replacing it costs a few dollars. If the outlet itself is damaged, you may need professional repair.

Does wireless charging damage my phone's battery?

Wireless charging itself does not damage the battery, but heat does. In a hot car, the combined heat from wireless charging and the sun can stress your battery and reduce its lifespan. This is a gradual effect over months or years, not when ready damage.

Is a wireless car charger worth buying if I already have a wired charger?

It depends on your priorities. If you value the convenience of not plugging in a cable and you do not mind slower charging, a wireless charger is worth it. If you need fast charging or you rarely charge in your car, a wired charger is more practical and cheaper.