The Toyota Corolla Cross includes a factory wireless charger in the centre console — but the side clip that holds the phone is too narrow for wider smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3. Toyota’s service centre confirmed they won’t adjust this. Here’s how to do it yourself in about 10 minutes.
Important: The clip removal is permanent. Without the clip, phones rest flat on the Qi charging pad. This works fine for most phones but provides no lateral stability on sharp corners — test whether this is acceptable for your use before committing.
What You Need
- Flat-head screwdriver (for prying)
- Phillips screwdriver (for 2 screws)
- Small sharp scissors (for clipping the grey plastic)
- Patience with the initial removal step
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Remove the wireless charger from the console
The charger is held down by a pin under the front edge and double-sided tape on the bottom corners. It is not designed to be removed — the process breaks the tape (which you can replace with new double-sided tape afterward).
Process:
- Set handbrake on, shift gear to N — this gives more clearance to work
- Try to slide the charger forward (toward you) before lifting — the pin is at the front underside
- Once the front edge is free, lift the charger up and out
- Pull it toward you; it has a cable attached at the rear, so it won’t come fully free until you’ve worked out enough slack
Step 2: Access the clip mechanism
With the charger lifted enough to work, you’ll see two screws on the left and right sides. Unscrew both.
Step 3: Remove the clip
Push up the clip mechanism. You’ll see a grey plastic piece wrapping around a white cable — the cable is the charging coil connection.
Critical: Use small scissors to cut and remove only the grey plastic clip holder — do NOT cut the white cable.
Once the grey plastic is removed, the clip structure comes free entirely.
Step 4: Reinstall the charger
Two metal pieces remain in the charger housing. Slide the charger back into position in the console and press it down to engage with the mounting point. The double-sided tape will need to be replaced if it lost adhesion during removal — standard 3M double-sided foam tape works.
Result
The charger is now a flat Qi pad. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 (and any other wide phone) can be placed directly on it without the clip interfering. Charging works normally.
What you lose: The side clip that held narrow phones in place. Most Malaysian driving conditions (stop-start KL traffic, roundabouts) will shift a phone sitting on a flat pad. A separate phone mount on the dashboard may be a better combined solution if you rely on navigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Corolla Cross wireless charger fit a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold? Not stock — the clip is too narrow. After removing the clip, any Qi-compatible phone (including the Z Fold 3) charges by resting flat on the pad.
Will Toyota service centre do this? No. Confirmed at 1,000km service. They won’t modify the charger unit.
Is the modification reversible? Removing the charger requires breaking the adhesive tape (replaceable). The clip removal (cutting the grey plastic) is permanent.
See also the sunglasses holder installation guide for another useful Corolla Cross DIY. For more Malaysian automotive guides, see the Automotive section.
