How to charge your iPhone 4 from a power outlet in America

Instructions showing how to recharge your iPhone 4 from an American power outlet using a USB 30 pin cable with a Type A power charger and how to charge the iPhone 4 using a Type B USB adapter.

American power outlet

Various standards and plugs can often lead to confusion when planning on staying in a new country to the first time traveller. With only a handful of different types of common standards used in the world this article tells you exactly what you'll need in advance to power the iPhone 4 in America. These instructions were written to help prepare people wanting to charge the iPhone 4 abroad.The following simple guide shows how to power the iPhone 4 when going to America using their B or A type American 120 volt 60Hz wall outlets, a majority of Americans normally use the Type B plug outlets. If the iPhone 4 slowly recharges or doesn't turn on when you are visiting America from another region then check that it is compatible with a 120 volt power supply. Typically devices which originate from a different country which use a higher voltage (for example 240 volts) sometimes take longer to charge or won't turn on, so check that the iPhone 4 is dual voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional voltage converter to ensure proper use. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPhone 4.

Charging the iPhone 4 in America

Can you use the iPhone 4 in America?

Yes, you can use the iPhone 4 in America by using the correct power convertor.

What is the best travel adapter for the iPhone 4 in America?

If travelling with more than your iPhone 4 or visiting multiple countries then the best international travel charger for America is a multiple USB adapter which includes compatible plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two different types of plug sockets that Americans use (types B and A) and using a power charger like this ensures that you are covered for type A. As these types of chargers come with interchangeable plugs and handle 100 - 240 volts will mean that you can travel to over 100 countries around the world simply by switching the included heads over. If your iPhone 4 is compatible with Fast Charge (note not all USB devices do) then you'll benefit from much quicker charging times with one of these USB travel adapters, plus support for certain power hungry devices like tablets.

This means you can power more than one device at the same time without needing to bring individual power chargers for your trip. Because you are only needing to bring a single international USB travel charger will help keep the weight down, making it ideal to fold up in hand luggage. Due to their versatility these types of power chargers can be used back at home so when you’re not on holiday they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple smartphones and tablets with only a single plug socket.

If you travel frequently we suggest buying a versatile travel adapter like this at an electronics retailer, the multipurpose travel charger illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for charging multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries.

Alternative travel adapter for America

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world who only have USB devices such as the iPhone 4, 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 useful for travellers to regions with unreliable power supplies to prevent damage to any connected appliances from voltage spikes. These travel converters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both America and over 150 countries around the world:

  • 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 America visiting America using type B American plug sockets.
  • 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 from the US using type B plugs. This is a more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with only 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 ideal for a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting America. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for the iPhone 4 in America?

How to use a Type A power charger for recharging your iPhone 4 from an American power outlet

Instructions showing how to recharge your iPhone 4 from an American power outlet using a USB 30 pin cable with a Type A power charger.

  1. If you want to charge the iPhone 4 from an American power outlet you will need a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], Apple normally include this cable with your iPhone 4.
  2. Start the process by plugging the Type A USB power plug adapter in the power outlet. The plug outlet, technically called a Type A power outlet [3], is recognised by two adjacent slots for live and neutral.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the USB power charger 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 American power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right corner of the iPhone 4 will display a charging icon to indicate that the phone is powering up, typically taking roughly one-four hours to fully recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type A power charger for recharging your iPhone 4 from an American power outlet

How to use a Type B power charger for charging your iPhone 4 from an American power outlet

Instructions showing how to charge your iPhone 4 from an American power outlet with the 30 pin Apple cable with a Type B power charger.

  1. In order to charge the iPhone 4 from an American power outlet you will need a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (this cable is usually included with your device by Apple).
  2. Start the process by inserting the Type B USB power plug adapter in the wall outlet. This plug outlet, technically called a Type B power outlet [6], is recognised by two slots parallel to each other for live and neutral blades with a single hole below for the longer earthed pin.
  3. Connect one end of the USB cord into the bottom of the USB power charger 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 American power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right corner of your iPhone will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone is powering up, typically taking around 60-240 minutes to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type B power charger for charging your iPhone 4 from an American power outlet

See also

  1. Visittheusa - Visit The USA
  2. Apple - official iPhone user guide
  3. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  4. Type A USB power plug adapter - With its two-blade, ungrounded design, the Type A USB power plug adapter offers a straightforward way to convert electrical outlets in countries like the United States and Canada into USB ports for easy device charging..
  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 B power outlet
  7. Type B USB power plug adapter - A Type B USB power plug adapter conforms to the NEMA 5-15 specifications, featuring 2 parallel flat blades and an extended grounding pin. Rated at 15A and 125 volts, suitable for use in the United States and Canada for converting domestic outlets to USB..
  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..