The Pixel 5 is one of several flagship phones to offer a reverse wireless charging feature, but Google’s done something particularly clever with its implementation of the feature here: whenever you plug in a USB-C cable, your Pixel 5 will automatically turn on its reverse wireless charging feature, effectively turning it into a Qi charging pad, as spotted by 9to5Google.
Google is pretty smart about how it handles the automated feature: according to a support doc, Battery Share will only turn on for “a short period.” If the phone detects another Qi-compatible device has been placed on top to charge, it’ll work as usual, otherwise it’ll automatically turn Battery Share off.
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This doesn’t mean that you can’t use reverse wireless charging to share power when your phone isn’t plugged in — you’ll still be able to activate Battery Share manually, even when you’re away from a charger. (To do that, either head to Settings -> Battery -> Battery Share or add the Battery Share toggle to your quick settings dropdown menu.)
The automated reverse wireless charging is a particularly smart addition, though, effectively turning the entire Pixel 5 into a full-fledged Qi charger that can be easily taken anywhere.
