How To: Add Inductive Charging Capabilities to a Samsung Galaxy Nexus, Note 2, and Other Android Devices

Inductive charging is already a reality on popular smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S III and Google Nexus 4, and Apple has recently published a patent that would make inductive chargers a reality for the iPhone. There are also several phones that have the capability for wireless charging, such as the Samsung Galaxy Note II.

For those who don't know, inductive charging uses electromagnetic fields to transfer energy between two devices—typically a phone and a charging station—eliminating the use of any wires. The picture below shows one of the more refined inductive chargers for the Palm Pre.

Adding Inductive Charging to a Samsung Galaxy Nexus

Even with the LG Nexus 4 spreading like wildfire, there are still many who have the older Samsung Galaxy Nexus. Thanks to Hardforum user Fenris_UNF, it's now possible to use an inductive charger with the Galaxy Nexus.

Tools:

• Extended battery and cover
• Palm Touchstone
• Palm Pixi touchstone cover
• Two wires from an old USB cord
• Soldering tools

You'll need to take apart the Nexus and solder the two wires from the pogo pin connector on the phone to the Touchstone cover. Place the battery back in and charge.

Click here to read the step-by-step instructions.

The phone should easily attach to the inductive charger and begin to charge. The charge potential of the inductive charger may not be as strong and fast as a regular charger, so it might need some more time to reach its full potential. The video below shows how the final result should look.

Click here to read the full step-by-step instructions. You can also check out this other guide on how to mod the Galaxy Nexus into an inductive charger.

Samsung Galaxy Note II and Other Android Devices

If you're someone who has already upgraded or is going to upgrade to a new phone soon, XDA Developers forum member Ryan_G has come up with a mod that brings wireless charging to the newer Samsung Galaxy Note II.

Tools:

• Soldering equipment
• Palm Touchstone
• Palm Touchstone case
• Heat shrink
• Electrical tape
• Thin multicore wire

Similar to the Galaxy Nexus project, you'll also have to take the induction coil from the Touchstone case and solder it to inside of the Note's back cover. For the full instructions on how to do it, click here.

If you have a Samsung Galaxy S, Qian Qin posted a tutorial for adding inductive charging capability (with a list and links for parts) on his blog. His method is so clean he says that even though it will void your warranty, a technician may not even be able to see traces of the mod. Check out the video for details and step-by-step instructions.

You can also find really quick inductive charging mods for the Galaxy S III and Xperia ARC. Has anyone seen a method for another popular phone? Let us know in the comments.

Picture via ZDnet