Metal under your desk mat can kill wireless charging.

Yes, it can. If your desk mat has a metal layer underneath, it will almost certainly interfere with a wireless charging mousepad.

Wireless charging works via inductive coupling — basically, a magnetic field transfers energy between coils. Metal in that magnetic field acts like a sponge or a shield. It absorbs or redirects the energy, so the receiving coil in your mousepad either gets weak signal or none at all. Best case: inconsistent charging. Worst case: it doesn’t charge, and the pad might get warm or even damaged.

Some people try those carbon-fiber or faux-leather mats with a rubbery bottom, thinking the metal is just for weight or rigidity — but any continuous metal layer (even thin aluminum) will mess with the field. If the mat is advertised as having a “metal core” or “steel plate,” skip it for charging use.

A few high-end desk mats use a thin conductive mesh for anti-static, which might be fine, but I wouldn’t risk it. If you want both a desk mat and wireless charging, get a mat that’s explicitly compatible. Most quality hybrid mats (like those from brands that make charging pads) are metal-free on purpose.

Stick to non-metallic mats if reliable charging matters.