Charging the iPhone 4 from a power outlet in Germany

Instructions showing you how to recharge your iPhone 4 with a German power outlet with a 30-pin connector and a Type C USB adapter and how to charge the iPhone 4 using a Type F power adapter.

German power outlet

Varying different standards and plugs can all be confusing when planning on visiting a new country especially if you've never visited before. However this isn't as complex as it appears, with only a handful of different types of sockets used throughout the world this article shows exactly what you'll need in advance to charge the iPhone 4 . These instructions have been written to stop you worrying if you'll be able to charge your iPhone 4 when you're in staying in Germany.This page contains a step by step guide showing exactly what you'll need to supply power to the iPhone 4 when you are in Germany by using their standard types F or C 230 volt 50Hz plug outlets, Type F wall outlets are normally used by a majority of Germans. If you are visiting Germany from another region please double check your iPhone 4 can be charged using a 240v supply. If your iPhone 4 came from a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) ensure the device is dual voltage (marked with a 100-240 volt notation) else you may need to use an additional converter to prevent the device from overloading when powering up. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPhone 4.

Charging the iPhone 4 in Germany

Can you use the iPhone 4 in Germany?

You can connect the iPhone 4 to a German power outlet by using the correct power adaptor.

What is the best power charger for recharging the iPhone 4 in Germany?

If travelling to multiple countries then the best travel adapter for Germany is a multiple USB adapter which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Germans use two different standards of plug sockets (types F and C) and bringing this will ensure that you are covered for type C. As these types of chargers are supplied with interchangeable plugs and can handle 100 to 240 volts it makes them ideal for over 100 countries around the world just by changing the heads over. If your iPhone 4 can support Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much faster charging times by using one of these types of power adapters and additional support for certain power hungry devices like tablets. This will allow you to charge multiple devices at the same time without needing to buy seperate travel adapters. By only packing a single international travel charger will keep the overall weight down, making it perfect to store in hand baggage whilst travelling. Because of their flexibility these types of power chargers can be used when back at home as well as abroad so when you’re not on holiday they can sit overnight charging multiple tablets, smartphones and e-readers without using up an additional plug socket.

We recommend buying an adaptable travel adapter similar to this at your preferred electronics retailer; the power adapter illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested with multiple USB devices in numerous different countries around the world with perfect reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Germany

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country who only have USB devices such as the iPhone 4, but for those also wishing to use their domestic plugs these power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power strips offer surge protection which is necessary for visitors of regions with unreliable or unstable power supplies to prevent damage to any connected devices from voltage spikes. These travel adapters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both Germany and over 150 destinations:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular compact option for travellers originating from North America visiting Germany.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Similarly having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the travel adapter from Orico is also aimed at travellers originating from the US using type B plugs. This is a much more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with just one less AC outlet for almost half the price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 2 AC outlets but offers a generous 5 USB charging ports. This versatile power strip is compatible with both American plugs and popular plug types A, D,E/F, G, H, I, L and N making it perfect for a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting Germany. [8] [AD]
What is the best power charger for recharging the iPhone 4 in Germany?

Charging the iPhone 4 from a German power outlet by using a two pinned Europlug Type C USB adapter

Instructions showing you how to recharge your iPhone 4 with a German power outlet with a 30-pin connector and a Type C USB adapter.

  1. In order to supply power to your iPhone 4 from a German power outlet you will need to use a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], the cable is normally supplied with your device by Apple.
  2. Begin the process by taking the Type C USB power plug adapter and inserting it into the German power outlet. This plug supply, also known as a Type C power outlet [3] or Europlug, can be recognised by the two adjacent holes where the pins go.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the power adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 4. The iPhone 4 dock connector is found at bottom of the iPhone 4.
  4. Switch on the German power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of the mobile screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the mobile is powering up and takes roughly 1 to 4 hours to completely recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Charging the iPhone 4 from a German power outlet by using a two pinned Europlug Type C USB adapter

How to use a Type F power charger for recharging your iPhone 4 from a German power outlet

Instructions on how to charge your iPhone 4 from a German power outlet with a 30 pin cable and a Type F power adapter.

  1. In order to power the iPhone 4 from the German power outlet you will need to buy a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple will usually include this cable when you buy your iPhone 4).
  2. Begin by inserting the Type F USB power plug adapter into the German power outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by the two large round holes 19 mm apart from each other for live and neutral pins and a pair of two grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  3. Connect one end of the cord into the bottom of the mains power adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 4. The iPhone 4 dock connector is found at bottom of the iPhone 4.
  4. Turn on the German power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of the iPhone 4 screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone 4 is powering up which takes between one to four hours to fully recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type F power charger for recharging your iPhone 4 from a German power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - German Wiki page
  2. Apple - official iPhone user guide
  3. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  4. Type C USB power plug adapter - Conforming to Europlug specifications, the Type C USB power plug adapter incorporates two 4 mm rounded pins spaced 19 mm apart. It is engineered to adapt electrical outlets commonly found in Europe, converting them to USB-compatible charging ports..
  5. USB to Apple 30 pin cable - This connects compatible iPhones, iPods and iPads to a USB port for charging, syncing and playing music.
  6. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  7. Type F USB power plug adapter - Compliant with Europlugs and CEE 7/17 specifications, the Type F or Schuko adapter is engineered to adapt German electrical power outlets into USB-compatible ports..
  8. 4 Port USB Wall Charger - A 4-port USB wall charger is an electrical device that provides simultaneous charging for up to four USB-compatible devices. It often includes interchangeable international plug adapters for global use..