How to charge your iPhone 5 from a power outlet in Germany

A page on how to power your iPhone 5 from a German power outlet by using a USB Lightning Apple connector and a Europlug Type C USB adapter and powering the iPhone 5 using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB charger.

German power outlet

Different combinations of voltages and standards can often be confusing when planning to travel to another country especially for the first time traveller. These instructions were written to stop visitors needing to worry if they can power the iPhone 5 abroad.The following simple instructions will show you exactly how to power the iPhone 5 when going to Germany using their F or C type 230 volt 50Hz power outlets, you will discover most Germans will typically use the Type F plugs in their power outlets. When you are visiting Germany from a different country check your iPhone 5 can accept a 240 volt supply. If the iPhone 5 originated in a country which uses a lower voltage such as 110 volts ensure the device is dual-voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional transformer to stop the device from overloading whilst powering it up. If you are planning to stay in a German destination like Berlin we suggest referring to the Germany Wikipedia page [1] for more indepth details on travelling to the area. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPhone 5.

Charging the iPhone 5 in Germany

Can you use the iPhone 5 in Germany?

Yes, you can use the iPhone 5 in Germany.

What is the best travel adapter for the iPhone 5 in Germany?

If travelling with more than your iPhone 5 then the best travel charger for Germany is a multiple USB charger which includes swappable plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. Germans use two different standards of wall outlets (F and C) and using a travel charger like this ensures that you are covered for type C. As these types of chargers come with interchangeable plugs and can handle from 100 volts - 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries around the world simply by changing the supplied heads over. If your model of iPhone 5 supports Fast Charge then you'll benefit from quicker recharging times by using one of these types of USB travel adapters, and support for certain power demanding devices. This means you can power multiple devices at once without needing to buy individual travel adapters on your trip to Germany. Because you are only packing a single international USB travel charger will also keep the overall size and weight down, making it ideal to store in hand baggage as well as being convenient for recharging your iPhone 5 at the airport or on the plane. Because of their flexibility these types of adapters can be used when back at home so when you’re not travelling they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple tablets, phones and speakers without needing an additional power outlet.

If you travel frequently we recommend buying this type of flexible power charger online, the multipurpose power charger illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested with multiple USB devices in numerous different countries around the world on a daily basis.

Alternative travel adapter for Germany

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to recharge devices via USB, but for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters offer surge protection which can be necessary when visiting counties with unreliable power grids. These travel converters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover Continental Europe, North America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China and over 150 destinations:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK international travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling portable power converter for travellers originating from America visiting Germany using 3 pin type B US plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Similarly having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico travel adapter is also aimed at travellers originating from the US using type B plugs and gives the same functionality as the BESTEK with just 1 less AC outlet at almost half the price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 2 AC outlets but offers 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 most travellers from around the world visiting Germany. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for the iPhone 5 in Germany?

How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone 5 from a German power outlet

Instructions on how to power your iPhone 5 from a German power outlet with a USB Lightning cable with a Type C power charger.

  1. To supply power to the iPhone 5 using the German power outlet you'll need to use a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] - Apple should usually supply this USB cable with your iPhone 5.
  2. Start the process by taking the Type C USB power plug adapter and plugging it into the power supply. This wall supply (sometimes known as the Europlug) can be identified by two circular holes adjacent to each other.
  3. Then connect one end of the Apple USB Lightning power cord into the bottom of the USB mains adapter and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPhone 5. You can find the Lightning connector on the iPhone 5 found at the bottom of your iPhone 5.
  4. Switch on the German power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right corner of your phone screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone is recharging and takes between one-four hours to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone 5 from a German power outlet

Powering the iPhone 5 with a German power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

Using the Lightning Apple connector and a two pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter to charge the iPhone 5 from a German power outlet.

  1. In order to charge your iPhone 5 using a German power outlet you will need a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5], this cable is usually already included with your device.
  2. Start by inserting the Type F USB power plug adapter in the German power outlet. The recessed circular plug outlet (sometimes known as the Type F power outlet [6]) can be identified by two large circular holes 19 mm adjacent to each other, plus a pair of two thin metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  3. Plug in the USB end of the power cable into the power charger and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPhone 5. The iPhone 5 Lightning connector is situated at bottom of the iPhone 5 under the home button.
  4. Turn on the German power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of the iPhone 5 will display a charging icon to indicate that the mobile is charging, typically taking around one to four hours to completely recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 5 with a German power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Germany Wikipedia 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 Lightning cable - The Apple Lightning cable is a charging and syncing cable for more recent Apple devices and connects compatible iPhones and iPads to a USB port.
  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..