How to charge the iPhone 5C from a power outlet in America

A guide showing how to power the iPhone 5C with an American power outlet with a Lightning Apple connector with a Type A power adapter and how to charge the iPhone 5C using a three pinned Type B USB plug.

American power outlet

Various voltages and plugs can all be confusing when planning to stay in another country especially to the first time traveller. With only a handful of different types of sockets being used throughout the world this guide shows exactly what you'll need to purchase in advance to power the iPhone 5C in America. This guide has been written to prevent you having to worry if you'll be able to charge your iPhone 5C abroad.If you are staying in America this page has useful instructions showing how to charge your iPhone 5C using the standard Type B or A 120 volt 60Hz power outlets, a majority of Americans normally use the Type B plugs in their power outlets. Most power sources differ regionally so we suggest that you read the Wiki Connections travel power connections page where you'll find a complete list of regions. If your iPhone 5C slowly recharges or doesn't turn on when you are visiting America from a different region then check that it is compatible with a 120 volt power supply. Typically devices which originate from another country which use a higher voltage (for example 220 volts) may take longer to charge or won't power up, so check your iPhone 5C is a dual voltage device (usually indicated by 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional power transformer to ensure proper use. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPhone 5C.

Charging the iPhone 5C in America

Can the iPhone 5C be used in America?

You can use the iPhone 5C in America by using the correct power convertor.

What is the best power charger for the iPhone 5C in America?

When you are travelling with more than just your iPhone 5C and visiting more than one country then the best travel charger for America to buy is a multiple USB port adapter which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two different standards of wall outlets that Americans use (types B and A) and using a travel charger like this will ensure that you are covered for type A.

Because these chargers are supplied with interchangeable plugs and can handle from 100 - 240 volts will mean that you can travel to over 100 countries around the world simply by changing the supplied plugs. If your type of iPhone 5C can support Fast Charge (not all USB devices will) then you'll benefit from much quicker charging times by using one of these types of USB power chargers along with additional support for certain power demanding devices like tablets.

Having a 4 port charger will also allow you to charge multiple devices simultaneously without needing to bring multiple power chargers for your trip to America or using up additional wall outlets. By only packing a single international USB travel charger will keep the weight down, making it ideal to fold up in hand baggage while travelling. Due to their versatility these types of power adapters can be used when back at home not just abroad so when you’re not travelling they can be used overnight charging multiple smartphones and tablets without using up an additional power outlet.

If you travel to America we recommend searching for a versatile travel charger similar to this online. The travel adapter illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for charging multiple USB devices in numerous different countries with perfect reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for America

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to charge devices via USB, however for those also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters offer surge protection which can be crucial for travellers to counties with unreliable or unstable power supplies. These power adapters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering Continental Europe, North America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular compact power converter for travellers originating from America going to America.
  • 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 America using type B plugs. This offers the same functionality as the BESTEK with one less AC outlet for 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 suitable for a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting America. [8] [AD]
What is the best power charger for the iPhone 5C in America?

How to use a Type A power charger for recharging your iPhone 5C from an American power outlet

A guide showing how to power the iPhone 5C with an American power outlet with a Lightning Apple connector with a Type A power adapter.

  1. To power the iPhone 5C from an American power outlet you will need to buy a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] - the cable is typically included with the iPhone 5C by Apple.
  2. Begin by taking the Type A USB power plug adapter and plugging it in the power outlet. You can identify this power outlet by the 2 adjacent slots next to each other where the pins go.
  3. Connect one end of the USB to Apple Lightning cable into the bottom of the USB mains adapter and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPhone 5C. The iPhone 5C Lightning connector is situated at bottom of the iPhone 5C under the home button.
  4. Turn on the American power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of your phone screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone 5C is charging, typically taking around 1 - 4 hours to fully recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type A power charger for recharging your iPhone 5C from an American power outlet

How to use a Type B power charger for charging your iPhone 5C from an American power outlet

A guide on how to power the iPhone 5C with an American power outlet with a Lightning Apple connector with a Type B power adapter.

  1. To supply power to the iPhone 5C from the American power outlet you will need a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] (this cable is normally included with the iPhone 5C).
  2. Begin by taking the Type B USB power plug adapter and plugging it in the power supply. This power outlet (sometimes known as the Type B power outlet [6]) can be identified by the two slots parallel to each other with a single hole below for the longer ground pin.
  3. Connect one end of the USB to Apple Lightning cable into the bottom of the USB mains adapter and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPhone 5C. The iPhone 5C Lightning connector is situated at bottom of the iPhone 5C under the home button.
  4. Turn on the American power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of your phone screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone 5C is charging, typically taking around 1 - 4 hours to fully recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type B power charger for charging your iPhone 5C 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 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 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..