2021-2026 Audi Phone Box Wireless Charging Not Working

Owners of 2021-2026 Audi vehicles may experience issues with their Audi wireless phone charging system, specifically the Audi Phone Box. This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) provides guidance on diagnosing and understanding these common problems, which are often related to device compatibility and usage conditions rather than a vehicle defect.

Symptoms

If your Audi's wireless phone charging isn't working as expected, you might notice one of the following:

• Your mobile device sometimes cannot be charged wirelessly.
• The phone gets very hot during charging, leading to charging being canceled or the phone entering thermal protection mode.
• The MMI displays the message: "The device cannot be charged as there is another object in the charging cradle."
• The phone does not begin charging immediately after being placed in the charging cradle.

These symptoms typically occur even when the mobile device supports wireless charging or uses a compatible charging cover.

What Owners Should Know

This TSB highlights several important points for owners regarding the Audi wireless phone charging system:

• USB Connection Recommended for Intensive Use: If you frequently use your phone for intensive tasks like navigation or streaming while charging, Audi recommends using a USB connection instead of wireless charging. This can prevent overheating and ensure consistent power delivery.
• Charging Start-Up Time: It can take up to 60 seconds for wireless charging to initiate after placing your phone in the cradle.
• Test with Another Phone: If you're experiencing issues, try testing the Audi Phone Box with a different wireless charging-compatible phone to rule out device-specific problems.
• Apple iPhone MagSafe Compatibility: For Apple iPhone generations 12, 13, and 14, the MagSafe charging technology used in these devices is not 100% compatible with the industry-standard Qi system in the Audi Phone Box. This incompatibility can lead to higher power losses and increased heat generation, especially during intense phone use while charging. Your iPhone may temporarily restrict its functionality or enter thermal protection mode and shut off. It's crucial to understand that this behavior is normal for these specific iPhone models and is caused by the phone's technology, not a fault with the vehicle. Do not replace parts as that will not resolve the customer complaint.

Troubleshooting and Diagnosis

Before seeking service, you can perform several checks to understand why your Audi wireless phone charging might be malfunctioning:

1. MMI Settings: Ensure that wireless charging is activated within your vehicle's MMI settings. Refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions.
2. Clear the Cradle: Verify that there are no objects other than your mobile phone in the charging cradle. Foreign objects can interfere with charging.
3. Remove Phone Case: If your phone has a case or back cover, try removing it and testing if the phone charges without it. Some cases can hinder wireless charging efficiency.
4. Phone Positioning: The position of your phone significantly impacts charging performance. Always ensure the phone is centered in the charging cradle during tests. The Audi Phone Box uses three charging coils, but only one is active at a time. Smaller devices or misaligned phones can lead to more energy loss and heat.
5. Battery Level Check: If your phone's battery is low when placed on the charging pad, it may generate more heat. Check if the issue persists when your phone's battery level is above 80%.
6. Close Apps: Intensive app use (including Apple CarPlay or Android Auto) during wireless charging can cause your device to become very hot. Close all apps and stop background processes to see if the concern is resolved.

If these troubleshooting steps do not resolve the issue, technicians will use Guided Fault Finding to further diagnose the problem.

Technical Background

The challenges with Audi wireless phone charging stem from the inherent technical limitations of the wireless charging standard itself. Various external factors can influence the effectiveness of the wireless charging feature. Unlike a typical repair, this TSB primarily serves as an informational guide, as there is no specific production solution or repair procedure to address these technical limitations.

Warranty Information

It is important to note that this Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) is informational only and does not apply to any Audi Warranty. This means that issues described within this document, particularly those related to device compatibility or normal operational characteristics, may not be covered under standard warranty claims.

Source: NHTSA ID 10246161