Making the MINI wireless charger hold larger phones

Fixing the wireless charger in the F56 MINI to accommodate a larger smartphone!
3D print file - www.thingiverse.com/thing:459...
Glued Pistons Phone Case - gluedpistons.com/
Instagram - theminivlog
Store - theminivlog.com/store

[@layrad]

Just did this mod to our 2024 electric Mini Cooper SE. Had to use different size bits than the one in the video. The whole process was identical otherwise. Very glad to have a useable wireless charging pad. You'd think that Mini/BMW would've fixed this size problem on their latest models.

[@bridgetjackson474]

Hi @layrad, could you tell me how you did the work? I'm so plussed that you got it done! Did you buy it or did you get it 3D printed?

[@layrad]

@@bridgetjackson474 I was about to 3D print it. I believe the file was linked in this video. But I ended up impulse buying it from Etsy because I was too lazy to fire up the printer.

[@matteodefranceschi7552]

@@layrad is there a ready-made article of this kind on Etsy or do we have to contact someone who makes it for us?

[@fibrocyte]

Thanks for letting us know it still works for newer Minis. I need to do this on my 2023 Mini Clubman Untold Edition. Any idea of the material used to print? Should I be using PETG due to Texas summer heat instead of PLA+?

[@layrad]

I'm only familiar with resin printers but the 3D printed part I bought from Etsy was definitely made in a filament printer. If I were to give some input, get something that has some flex to it.

[@Marty-MD]

Thanks for the tutorial! Was able to do the whole thing in 10 minutes without unscrewing the bottom part - just unclipping the charging trail (2023 F60 Cooper S JCW).

[@TheMINIVlog]

Nice work!

[@usmanbello7127]

Thanks for the vid. I just purchased a 2024 F55 Mini Cooper S and got bummed when I couldn't use the armrest wireless charger. My phone couldn't fit in the charging station. I stumbled on your video after searching for a way to fix the small charger. Everything worked smoothly and problem free thanks to your vid. Just some tips is to pre-screw the shelf since the 3-D Printed center hole was very small. Use magnetic screw drivers so you don't drop the screws XD You helped fixed something that BMW didn't.

[@TheMINIVlog]

Magnetic screw drivers is a great point!! Glad it worked for you!

[@JillHowlin]

Worked great on my mini countryman se hybrid all4 ! Ordered the 3d printed part online and got it in a few days! Didn't need to remove the lower 4 screws under the deck as had enough maneuverability without.

[@TheMINIVlog]

Awesome Jill!

[@SoundToyzAreUs]

Awesome. Where did you order it?

[@michelebrice7700]

Thank you so much. I had a local guy do the print and learned that my computer tech kit only carried a T6H, so I got as far as pulling out the slide deck until my new electronic bits came in. I have a 23 F60 S All 4 and found that the T5 was actually too small to use, but the T6 worked like a charm. I also had to drill the center hole of the new part. A 3/64 drill bit worked perfectly. Did a dry fit and then the real thing. I have a Galaxy S21+ in a QI enabled case and it fits and gave me the blue light of success with the message of "phone will be fully charged in 11 min". The only thing that I have to do is make sure the slider is completely disengaged when I pull out my phone. NBD as it's better than having a very expensive charger that would be used for storage. Thanks again!!! I now feel I can use 100% of my car.

[@TheMINIVlog]

Oh wow! that is awesome! Glad it worked out for you!

[@carolyngauthier]

Amazing! Well explained! We did our Mini SE with success!!! Actually easy thanks to your video! Followed the steps and Voilà! 👌🏻

[@TheMINIVlog]

Awesome! Congrats!!!

[@kirkhenry4969]

Thanks! Your video helped us install the part on our MINI Cooper SE 2022. Great stuff. Thanks again.

[@TheMINIVlog]

Awesome! Glad it could help!

[@drewstermalloy]

Thank you for this video! I was able to swap out the parts in my F60 JCW in 10-15 minutes following your steps.

[@TheMINIVlog]

Great to hear!

[@user-ix2sn7tg8z]

appreciate this a lot man. Just became new owner of 19 F56 JCW and I almost ended up paying 200$ for ones they make for center console. This just costed me 15$. thank you for putting the 3D print file there for free

[@TheMINIVlog]

glad I could help out!

[@robertmarquez9011]

Just got mine in the mail. Can't wait to install it this weekend.

[@TheMINIVlog]

Good luck!

[@davoranticevic9993]

Just used the same file for my Countryman F60 JCW! Works like a charm. Printed in PA6 (bit stronger than ASA). Thanks for the great video.

[@davoranticevic9993]

PS. I've got a Samsung Fold 3 with case in there and still got some space left to normally take out the phone.

[@TheMINIVlog]

Thanks for the info! Glad to know it works the same in the F60 and glad it worked!!

[@jmilaj]

Great video! Thank you for making this and the file!

[@TheMINIVlog]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TheAutomotiveFanatic]

Much thanks for putting this together. I recently had a friend 3D print this. As expected, the material was too weak and broke. I ended up ordering several of them online in PA12 material and completed the reinstall today. What a difference the material is. As others had mentioned, the two holes did not fit so I simply made a tiny pilot hole, pre-installed the tiny screws, then reinstalled everything. All is good, nice tight fit now!

[@mikemeechan]

where did you order online?

[@TheAutomotiveFanatic]

@@mikemeechan email me your shipping address and I can send you one shipped for $20.

[@mikemeechan]

@@TheAutomotiveFanatic how do I send you an email or DM?

[@Azorthefirst]

Great video! I can’t wait to get this upgrade done! I have an iPhone 11 Pro Max and it’s been super lame not being able to use the wireless charging.

[@TheMINIVlog]

Good luck! Take your time is my advice!

[@michelmasse3075]

Wow, brilliant, thanks much, this really works well. Installed on a 2024 convertible Mini Cooper Seaside Edition.

[@TheMINIVlog]

Glad it helped! And awesome car!

[@scottab36]

Great video. I might just pop that back piece off and call it a day. Keep the great videos coming!!

[@TheMINIVlog]

Thanks for watching!

[@tommasorugi6320]

Thanks for the video. In my Mini Clubman 2023 there are no torx 27 screws under the support, it is interlocking. However, I managed to replace the guide in the limited space available.

[@TheMINIVlog]

Thanks for the updated info!

[@NoOne-gj3ir]

I just cut off the shelf that was made to hold the phone, and it worked.. took less than 5mins and no investment involved

[@TheMINIVlog]

That works too!

[@stuartm7770]

Hello. What did you actually do? I think I understand but would like it spelt out to me. Cheers.

[@johndej]

My '14 F56 came with some sort of phone holder/charger piece but nothing to connect it to so I never did anything with it. I'll have to look at it again. That space has been used to store small items instead. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@charlesg.waldman2997]

Just completed this operation and now my phone fits. I never would have tried this without this helpful video, so thanks. However I didn't realize that my phone doesn't actually support wireless charging! Oops! Well at least now I can stow my phone while driving so it doesn't bounce around the cabin.

[@TheMINIVlog]

Haha oops! But awesome you got it done and for your next phone, it will be ready!

[@JakkuBibi]

Thanks for sharing and it is well explained. Unfortunately, when I was at the very last step to screw the extender back, one of the screws dropped into the compartment area and the other was stripped to the new extender. I wonder if you have any idea what the size of the screws is.

[@carcreationsyt]

Thanks for the awesome video! I'm surprised that they have one cable with a nice plug, but solder the other to the board...

[@TheMINIVlog]

You and me both!

[@jadekwong7483]

Thank you for this video. I was able to get my iPhone 15 pro max to fit. I got it printed at my local public library that has a maker space 3d printer.

[@jqd84983]

My 2018 Clubman did not have the 4 torx bolts so I had to make do with the cable length available.

[@TheMINIVlog]

Ah interesting. I have not peeked at the clubman armrest. Thanks for the info!

[@chamberlin1]

Cool! I was so disappointed on my '21 JCW, where I finally splurged on getting wireless charging, and then the damn cradle didn't fit my Huawei Mate 30 Pro! My MA was a bit embarrassed too when he was demoing the car for me on delivery day. Looking forward to getting one from you if you get a batch made! (edit: I see that you won't be getting them made out of respect for the CAD designer - appreciate that!)

[@TheMINIVlog]

I'll be doing a video (hopefully tomorrow) showing people how they can grab this file and print it with all the settings I used.

[@samuelpacheco37]

I have the new mini electric and yeah the same problem if you decide to sell that part I'll definitely buy it from you and thanks much needed video.

[@TheMINIVlog]

Thanks for watching! And congratulations on that electric! I'm jealous! I won't sell the part. It's a community/open source design so I don't want to profit off others work. I might do a future video showing how you can download and send the file off the be printed with all the steps/settings needed though.

[@samuelpacheco37]

@@TheMINIVlog 😂 I love my electric car but I'm jealous of that GP I so want for the first time fly by me here in Florida it looks Great in person.

[@mickey790624]

awesome! where you put the JCW Pro exhaust remote control? also 3D print solutions?

[@TheMINIVlog]

I don't have the jcw pro exhaust on this car! I let it go with the jcw! But there are many 3d printed options I've seen for holding the button in the car right between the cup holders

[@bridgetjackson474]

Thanks so much for sharing! We have a Mini Cooper Countryman S 4WD, and the armchair wireless charging doesn't fit our iPhone 13 Pro Max. Can you give a recommendation for a supplier for the slider piece? We can do the installation fine. Thanks!!!

[@svencowart]

It works!!!

[@likeclubs3775]

Amazing video, now where can I order the part?

[@gingertea7232]

Wonderful

[@TheMINIVlog]

Thank you!

[@stanleyhuang7727]

What’s the maximum length?

[@ConstantineKyriakakis]

I just successfully made this modification. Thanks for the helpful video. My only concern is that the only thing holding the shelf on is the plastic threads for those tiny screws. They will eventually wear out and it will come right off. Has this happened to anyone yet and has anyone tried to use a bracket of some kind to secure the shelf onto the slide?

[@TheMINIVlog]

Has not happened to me yet but I'm also concerned that is being held in by just that

[@wizche]

Great video! The adapter installation was easy thanks to the detailed instructions in the video. I printed the adapter with with PLA, 80% infill and 0.20 layer. Do you accept any form of tips?

[@TheMINIVlog]

Awesome! Glad it worked well! I don't. Just a like and subscribe for now is appreciated!

[@user-rh1ve9gv1b]

How do I get a link and/or copy of the 3D printer file?

[@TheRickr61]

Awesome video!!!

[@TheMINIVlog]

Thanks!

[@TheRickr61]

@@TheMINIVlog Just had it sent out for printing. I'll install it on sat :-)

[@TheMINIVlog]

Awesome! Good luck! Take your time, you got this!

[@RD-kc1cy]

Hi Nick THANK YOU SO MUCH. For my Countryman 2020 I have printed the piece in Nylon PA12 (as you suggested in the other video about materials), my experience is the finishing is not very nice, but seems to be strong as any other plastic component of the car. I already installed and works fine, will update if it last. Now that my iphone XS Max has room, I realized the wireless charging make the phone warm, actually hot. I have waze and amazon music running on Carplay, and when the phone becomes hot (1.5 hours of charging), Carplay becomes unestable, music playing with cuts, Have you experience that?

[@TheMINIVlog]

Yeah the phones definitely bake in their while charging and the lid closed despite their efforts to cool them. I imagine they won't use this arm rest charger design for the next generation. At least I hope they don't. Some people leave the arm rest open to help the phone get even more airflow during charging

[@willparnell]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful video! I've taken all apart and tried 2 prints from 3d printers (Shapeways). Both broke really quickly and the second one was such a surprise as it was very hard plastic (fine print though). Do you have a good recommendation of the Type of 3d material you have used? This is getting expensive to keep trying.

[@TheMINIVlog]

Will, I have 3 different/new materials arriving to me soon. I'll do a video on them as soon as I get them if you can sit tight for a little bit. If not, I can tell you what print material I used from shape ways with success. Let me know.

[@willparnell]

@@TheMINIVlog I would love hear now (dm me?) because I have a trip coming up. AND I would also see your video of the 3 types! It has been quite a fun project thanks to your directions! Very well done!

[@TheMINIVlog]

Are you on Instagram by chance so I can dm you there?

[@JOMITONO]

Herzlichen Dank für die Instrucktion. Habe soeben meinen BMW i3S umbauen können. Funktioniert top.

[@jeffmadiro2470]

Will definitely need to invest in that piece. Who do you recommend sending the file out to so we can get it made? Suggestions?

[@TheMINIVlog]

I like shapeways.com for my high quality prints. I'll work on a video showing all my print settings since several people have asked similar questions.

[@jeffmadiro2470]

@@TheMINIVlog sounds great! I look forward to the video👍🏼

[@rxlast]

Nick, love your videos! They helped pass the 6 months I had to wait for my 2022 Countryman JCW. I was wondering if you could comment on your wireless charger fix now that you have been using it for some time? Are you happy with the update? Any issues or changes you might have? Thanks in advance!

[@TheMINIVlog]

I'm still happy with the part and being able to put my phone in there! However! The issue of the phone over heating in there is still very much a possibility. Especially if you are streaming music or using navigation. That has been an issue for many and is due to the coffin-like design of the arm rest and not related to the printed extender.

[@TheMINIVlog]

Exciting about your JCW too!! Congrats!

[@rxlast]

@@TheMINIVlog Thanks! Love the ride! Think I might just pull it out and go with the hard wire instead!

[@drewnwiseman]

This was great video - thanks. It inspired me to do this with my 2018 JCW All4 Countryman. So I downloaded the file and ordered my $40 printed part from Shapeways. Yesterday I installed the part. Only issue I had was that the 2 screw holes had to be drilled out - they were too small. Also, the finish on the part was not great, and I paid for a higher quality material. My larger iPhone did fit (barely) even with my thin-ish rubber case. But the charger wouldn’t turn on unless I pressed down hard in the phone. Disappointed. Then, after my 5th time inserting the phone - bam! The part snapped. What a waste of money and time. I’ve come to the conclusion that this charger design, frankly…well it sucks. It only really works with no case. But who does that? And the sliding arm is a joke. My advice: DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY AND TIME. I will be converting the inside of my armrest to storage and using a different solution to charge my phone.

[@BlownMacTruck]

I actually abused the hell out of my 3D printer part (used Shapeways, and coincidentally ended up using one of the materials this dude recommended in another video) and it’s been fine. I literally pried on the charging unit by the part forgetting one torx bolt and it was fine. I even stress tested it with about 200 rapid open / closes and it hasn’t even deformed. Even if it did break, the part is so cheap and the mod so easy to do that I have a spare on hand just in case.

[@damonpolk5628]

@@BlownMacTruck printed this piece twice now. The first time I printed it 40% infill but with the heat I decided to print it at 100% infill, should bend now.

[@norman_haegert]

I have a question :) Do you know how Long the cell phone can be ? I have an iPhone12max and it is 161mm Long. Do you Know if its fids with this Hack. Thx.

[@ylafla]

Are you going to be selling the parts on your store? I would love to purchase this to fit my phone.

[@TheMINIVlog]

Thanks for watching. I won't be selling it in my store. It's a community design and not mine at all. I don't want to profit off of others work. I might do a future video showing how you can download and sent the part off the be printed with all the settings needed to get it to come out this well though.

[@Travels6630]

Does anyone have instructions on how to remove my existing phone charger and utilize the empty space under the arm rest - I have a 2023 mini S

[@user-rh1ve9gv1b]

I’d like to get one from you if still available, thanks!

[@aprocess2403]

Quick question - I have a 19 JCW and want to remove the wireless charger to allow additional storage in the armrest. If I remove that click in charger portion, is there a flat floor beneath it? Thanks mate.

[@TheMINIVlog]

There is not but I'm sure you could cut a piece of plastic to cover the void where the cables route down underneath

[@davenash9925]

I wonder if an iPhone 13 pro max with a chunky case will fit nicely if you just remove the sliding shelf and lay the phone in there.

[@TheMINIVlog]

thats a good question. that might be pushing the limits, depending on the case

[@angeredsmile2]

I have that, it looked archaic, is it handy to plug your phone into? The connection looks like an old Nokia phone charger? Are there adapters or something? I have a 2016 Cooper s

[@felipemarin9861]

Hello, could this part work on a F60-Cooper SE (PHEV) - 2022? Thanks

[@arnaumarce3943]

It should, I’ve ordered the print and will find out on Nov, 19th

[@gillis9999]

Thank you very much, guy... The install on my 2020 Mini Cooper S Clubman was a bit different than yours. The four screws in the tray under the main unit don't exist. I had to cut a small piece of plastic from the tray in order to get enough play from the cables... Other than that... A snap. One thing, real quick. I noticed when I push it back all the way it jams a bit for about a quarter inch or so... It doesn't slide cleanly all the way back. I can't see what the heck it's rubbing on. Any ideas?

[@TheMINIVlog]

The rubberized coating of the charge bed is likely what is catching that sliding arm from sliding smoothly. Mine will occasionally do it too when it get warm and things expand in there.

[@jonathanavrahamoff3810]

Hey thanks for that. Instead of ordering the 3d part, would it be possible to cut off the two protruding ends which could allow the original part to slide an extra 2 cm?

[@TheMINIVlog]

Probably possible. Might be difficult but I would say possible

[@chaudhra]

Where can I purchase this type of product from? Just realised my pixel 7 does not fit into a newly purchased wireless adapter :( any help would be great I am based in the UK, London. Thanks in advance

[@TheMINIVlog]

You can download the file and send it off to a 3d printing service. I don't recall the names of some in the UK but I am sure a quick google search will turn up some answers to that!

[@Zywl]

what's the biggest phone you can hold with this adapter? I wonder if my Galaxy S21 would fit

[@roccol3110]

Yes it will. The phone in the video is a Pixel 4 XL which is bigger than the GS21

[@ahmedmarakchi]

Hi . Good day , Where can by this holder

[@TheMINIVlog]

You can actually take the 3D file and have it printed at your preferred 3d printing service near you!

[@richardfairservice]

I have used the wireless in our CM and the phone gets stupid hot. There is a vent in the side but it needs a fan. It would have been nice if it was a simple plate.

[@TheMINIVlog]

I hope the 4th gen moves it to a double charging zone pad down in front of the cupholders

[@InfiniteColorsMusic]

Mine too. My old Galaxy S9 managed to get some decent charge before stopping due to overheating - my new S21 only gets a few percent points of battery juice before stopping. Actually there is a fan (if you put your ear directly over the armrest you can hear it working when you turn on the ignition), but it doesn't do much!

[@VgAce135]

Just did this mod and it is a game changer. Idk why Mini didn't just make it so that longer phones could fit. I was able to fit in a Google Pixel 7a which is about 6.1 inches. The max length with this mod is about 6.5 inches I believe. Anything longer and it will not fit.

[@TheMINIVlog]

Glad you did it!

[@VgAce135]

@@TheMINIVlog Only thing I have noticed is that my phone does get hot. That is why they added the little fan and vent in the newest models. I don't think it does much but it is better than nothing.

[@kieronwatson1290]

Hey mate....dropped one of those damned T6 torx screws, any idea on what they're called or measured so I can get an exact replacement?

[@TheMINIVlog]

Bummer! Hmmm I don't. Maybe take the other to the hardware store with you to find the appropriate replacement?

[@kieronwatson1290]

@@TheMINIVlog ill have a go, otherwise I'll need to find the OEM number

[@KCnLex]

My new phone is too long....I am missing something here I think. Was your phone too wide or too long? If length, how did getting the same bar increase the length? I couldn't see the initial phone real well or the shot of it inserted after change, after watching a couple times, so decided to just ask. I saw your new video on the 3d printed part. Is frustrating that Mini seems to accommodate Apple in every way but lags so far with android devices. I am considering just removing the slide bar completely and setting phone on top of it when I need to charge, the old duct tape it in place for a temporary fix is cheap if ugly way to stop the phone from moving while charging!

[@TheMINIVlog]

my phone was too long to fit. the bar has an extension on it to allow for taller phones like my google pixel. I think the sliding of the bar is an important part of the charger, when you slide the bar back, you see a blue LED light come on. I suspect that might turn on the charger only when the bar is slid back, but can't say for sure.

[@IQM1]

I would like to buy such an element for the iphone 13 Pro max and 11 pro max - will it be the same and where can i buy it?

[@TheMINIVlog]

You don't buy, you download the 3D file and send that file to a printing company like shapeways. It will be the same file for any phone as long as the phone is not too tall. I am fairly certain people have used this with 13

[@MK_8593]

Thanks for the video this is awesome! All was going well until I dropped the screw into oblivion! 😂 does anyone know the size of screw I would need to buy to fit this?

[@TheMINIVlog]

😬😬😬

[@misterrestore7403]

I have try this and all worked fine.. but my iphone 14pro max dosent want to charge.. but if i use my iphone 8 it works.. so the position of the kontaktless charger is not right… any other have this problem? 😃

[@eletaone]

Any idea what size torque bit u need to remove the tiny screws. None of mine fit :(

[@TheMINIVlog]

I used a T5 bit out of an electronics repair kit. An eyeglass repair kit probably has something similar that might work

[@eletaone]

@@TheMINIVlog all done :) tyvm

[@eletaone]

@@TheMINIVlog fyi i had to use a T6 for mine. Not sure if the screw was just knackered but T5 was too small. Anyone reading this, get a few sizes just in case

[@TheMINIVlog]

Great tip!

[@magmorales5335]

I definitely need one of these!! Where can I buy one?

[@TheMINIVlog]

You can send the file found in the description to a 3d printing company like shapeways.com and have it printed for you. I am trying to get a bunch printed that I can offer people but the bulk order is taking a long time.

[@magmorales5335]

@@TheMINIVlog Thank you! I just requested it to be done.

[@erikamason551]

Hi How do I get hold of the 3d template please?

[@TheMINIVlog]

That file is right down in the description for download!

[@onlineretail3550]

Can anyone recommend a good online 3D printing service? I live in a small town and would like to use the internet and the post office to get this product in hand. Unless that’s something you don’t recommend.

[@TheMINIVlog]

shapeways.com is really good.

[@ThePatriotQuya]

Can i buy one of those from you i have no 3d print resource thanks!

[@TheMINIVlog]

I don't have the ability to sell them. Give shapeways.com a try. They offer 3d printing services and all you need to do is upload the file that I have in the description.

[@gilbertgolpeo]

Hi Nick. There is no 3D printer in my area, and I really am not too tech savvy. Am I able to order through you please?

[@TheMINIVlog]

I don't have any near me either. I order them from shapeways.com so you can give them a try or give me a DM on my Instagram!

[@gilbertgolpeo]

@@TheMINIVlog Hi Nick. thanks for your patience. What is you instagram name. I will ask my wife to DM you since I do not have an IG account..

[@Ryan-nq5du]

I need this…where could I get the part (I’m in the Uk 🇬🇧) please and thank you! 🤞🏻

[@TheMINIVlog]

So the 3D print file is linked right in the description for you to download! You can take that file and print it yourself if you have a printer or send it off to any 3D printing service. I used shapeways and their metal printing option but really any place should be able to print that file!

[@Ryan-nq5du]

Thank you for replying! This is the only mod I feel like I need or want badly!! 🤣🥳👌

[@TheMINIVlog]

You are welcome and good luck!

[@thomasnoordhoff075]

Wil it work with a Iphone 13 Pro Max?

[@TheMINIVlog]

I cannot say with 100% confidence, especially if you have a case on your phone but I have heard of others with the 13 pro max say they can without a case so its likely....?

[@gillis9999]

It should. I have the largest iPhone 11 and there's plenty of room. I also have a magnetic charging adapter on mine which makes it an extra 1/8" longer... No problems at all...

[@arjanooijevaar]

Hi, saw your video. Is it possible that you can sent me the modified printed part? I’m not that familiar with 3D printing and zip-files. I’d love to pay for your effort. Please help me if you can.

[@ylafla]

I had a friend print it out for me and have 3 extras to give away if you own a GP. Hit me up and it’s yours. Thanks fir the print out and video. It was very helpful.

[@TheMINIVlog]

Niiiiice!

[@raymondliu1523]

Hi David, I have a GP3 , I want one, how much is it, and how can I get it from u? Thanks

[@ylafla]

@@raymondliu1523 where you located? I live in California.

[@nicholasburr4825]

Can I buy one for my 2023 Countryman?

[@Travels6630]

ok