How to charge your iPhone 3G from a power outlet in Brazil

Instructions showing how to charge the iPhone 3G with a Brazilian power outlet with a 30 pin Apple connector with a 2 pinned Type C power charger and charging the iPhone 3G using a Type N power charger.

Brazilian power outlet

Brazil uses 2 different types of voltage depending on the location - both 127 volts and 240 volts. Always ensure that you familiarise yourself with the voltage of the outlet prior to using any electrical appliance in a Brazilian power outlet. Instructions on this page assume that you understand which voltage you will be using, however the safest option is always to use a dual voltage device or appliance.

Various voltages and region codes can all cause confusion when planning to stay in a different country especially for the first time traveller. These instructions have been written to prevent you having to worry if you'll be able to charge your iPhone 3G when Brazil.When going to Brazil this page contains instructions showing how to power the iPhone 3G using their standard types N or C Brazilian 60Hz plug outlets, please note that Type N plug outlets are used by most Brazilians. If the iPhone 3G slowly recharges or doesn't turn on when you are travelling to Brazil from another country then check that it is compatible with a Brazilian power supply. Typically devices which originate from another country which use a higher voltage (for example 240 volts) can take longer to charge or won't power up, so check that the device is dual-voltage (you'll find these are usually marked with 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional power converter to ensure proper use. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 4 or greater on the iPhone 3G.

Charging the iPhone 3G in Brazil

Can you use the iPhone 3G in Brazil?

Yes, you can use the iPhone 3G in Brazil by using a power convertor.

What is the best travel adapter for the iPhone 3G in Brazil?

If travelling with more than just your iPhone 3G or visiting multiple countries then the best travel charger for Brazil is a multiple USB port adapter which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Brazilians use two different standards of power outlets (N and C) and bringing this will ensure that you are covered for type C.

As these chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and can handle from 100 volts to 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa just by changing the plugs. If your model of iPhone 3G can support Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much faster recharging times with one of these power adapters, along with support for certain power demanding devices like tablets.

Unlike other travel adapters having a four port charger means you can power more than one device at the same time without needing to bring individual power chargers for your trip to Brazil. Only needing to pack a single lightweight travel charger will help keep the size and weight down, making it ideal to store in hand baggage and suitable for recharging your iPhone 3G at the airport or on a flight. Because of their space saving versatility these types of adapters can be used when back at home as well as abroad so when you’re not travelling they can be used overnight charging multiple tablets, smartphones and speakers without needing an additional wall outlet.

For those travelling often we recommend searching for this type of flexible power charger at an electronics retailer; the multipurpose travel adapter illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for charging multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for Brazil

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 3G, but for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters offer surge protection which is crucial for travellers to regions with unreliable or unstable power supplies. These travel converters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Brazil and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK international 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 Brazil.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Also having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the travel adapter from Orico is also aimed at travellers originating from North America using type B plugs and gives the same functionality as the BESTEK with only one less AC outlet for almost half 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 Brazil. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for the iPhone 3G in Brazil?

How to use a Europlug Type C power charger for charging your iPhone 3G from a Brazilian power outlet

Instructions showing how to charge the iPhone 3G with a Brazilian power outlet with a 30 pin Apple connector with a 2 pinned Type C power charger.

  1. To supply power to your iPhone 3G from the Brazilian power outlet you'll need to buy a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (typically already supplied with the device).
  2. Insert the Type C USB power plug adapter in the Brazilian power outlet. The power supply (sometimes called a Type C power outlet [3] or Europlug) is recognised by the two round holes next to each other for live and neutral. Prior to 2010 buildings may be installed with this power supply.
  3. Then connect one end of the 30 pin cord into the USB mains charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3G. The iPhone 3G dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3G.
  4. Switch on the Brazilian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of your cellphone will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone is charging, typically taking around 60-240 minutes to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Europlug Type C power charger for charging your iPhone 3G from a Brazilian power outlet

Powering the iPhone 3G with a Brazilian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type N USB adapter

Using the Apple 30 pin connector and a three pin Type N USB adapter to recharge your iPhone 3G from a Brazilian power outlet.

  1. If you want to supply power to the iPhone 3G using the Brazilian power outlet you'll need to use a Type N USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], Apple will normally include the cable when you first purchase your iPhone 3G.
  2. First you'll need to plug in the Type N USB power plug adapter into the wall outlet. The flattened hexagon shaped power supply (technically known as a Type N power outlet [6]) can be identified by three large holes in a triangular pattern. Since 2010 all new buildings will be installed using this power outlet.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the power charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3G. The iPhone 3G dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3G.
  4. Turn on the Brazilian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of the mobile screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the mobile is recharging and takes between one to four hours to recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3G with a Brazilian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type N USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Brazilian entry on wikipedia.org
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3G 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 N power outlet
  7. Type N USB power plug adapter - The three 4mm rounded pins on a grounded Brazilian Type N USB charger form a flattened triangular pattern.
  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..