How to charge your iPhone 5C from a power outlet in Brazil

A guide on how to power the iPhone 5C with a Brazilian power outlet with a USB Lightning Apple connector with a Type C power adapter and charging the iPhone 5C using a Type N power adapter.

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.

If you are organizing a vacation it can be useful to know if you'll be able to power any gadgets such as cell phones or laptop computers when you're there. But without knowing which power supply to expect you may end up either over packing with too many spare adaptors or bring the wrong power adaptor, meaning needing to borrow a suitable adaptor on arrival. Varying complicated region codes and plugs can all cause confusion when planning to visit a different country, especially if you've never been there before. These instructions have been written to prevent you needing to worry if you'll be able to charge your iPhone 5C abroad.The following step-by-step guide will show you how to power your iPhone 5C when you're travelling to Brazil using their types N or C Brazilian 60Hz plug outlets, Type N plug outlets will be typically used by most Brazilians. Power changes depending on which area you are in so please read the World power supplies page for a complete list of countries. If your iPhone 5C does not power up or charges slowly when you are visiting Brazil from a different country please check that it is compatible with a Brazilian power supply. Typically devices which originated from a different country which use a higher voltage (for example 240 volts) sometimes take longer to charge or won't power up, so check that your device is dual voltage (usually marked with a 100-240 volt notation) otherwise you may need to use an additional transformer to ensure proper use. If you intend on staying somewhere such as Rio de Janeiro or Belo please read the Brazil country entry on Wikipedia.org [1] for more information prior to the area. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPhone 5C.

Charging the iPhone 5C in Brazil

Can the iPhone 5C be used in Brazil?

You can use the iPhone 5C in Brazil by using the correct power adaptor.

What is the best travel charger for the iPhone 5C in Brazil?

When you are travelling to multiple countries then the best international 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 plug sockets (types N and C) and using a power adapter like this ensures that you are covered for type C. As these types of chargers come with interchangeable pins and handle 100 volts to 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa just by switching the plugs over. If your model of iPhone 5C is compatible with Fast Charge then you'll benefit from quicker recharging times by using one of these types of power chargers, along with support for certain power hungry devices like tablets.

Unlike other chargers this will also allow you to charge multiple devices simultaneously without needing to bring multiple travel chargers for your trip to Brazil or using up additional wall sockets. By only bringing a single lightweight USB travel charger will also keep the weight down, making it perfect to fold up in hand luggage as well as being suitable for recharging your iPhone 5C at the airport or on a plane. Because of their flexibility these types of chargers can be used at home so when you’re not on holiday they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple tablets, smartphones and e-readers without needing an additional plug socket.

For those travelling frequently we suggest buying this type of flexible travel adapter at your preferred 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 different countries with perfect reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Brazil

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 wishing to use their domestic plugs these power strips 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. These travel adapters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering Europe, North America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China 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 best selling compact option for travellers originating from America visiting Brazil.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Also having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico is also aimed at travellers originating from the US using type B plugs and is a more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with only 1 less AC outlet at almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has just 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 ideal for most travellers from around the world visiting Brazil. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for the iPhone 5C in Brazil?

Powering the iPhone 5C with a Brazilian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

A guide on how to power the iPhone 5C with a Brazilian power outlet with a USB Lightning Apple connector with a Type C power adapter.

  1. If you want to supply power to the iPhone 5C using the Brazilian power outlet you'll need to buy a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5], normally supplied with the device.
  2. Begin the process by plugging the Type C USB power plug adapter in the power supply. You can identify this power outlet by the 2 holes adjacent to each other where the live and neutral pins sit. Prior to 2010 buildings may use this power supply.
  3. Connect the USB end of the Lightning charging cable into the USB mains charger 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. Switch on the Brazilian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of your cell will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone is powering up, typically taking roughly 1-4 hours to completely recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 5C with a Brazilian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

Charging the iPhone 5C from a Brazilian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type N USB adapter

Using the Lightning Apple cable with a Type N power adapter to charge your iPhone 5C from a Brazilian power outlet.

  1. In order to charge the iPhone 5C using a Brazilian power outlet you'll need to use a Type N USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] (Apple should usually supply the USB cable when you purchase your iPhone 5C).
  2. Insert the Type N USB power plug adapter in the Brazilian power outlet. You can recognise the hexagon shaped power outlet by the 3 circular holes forming a flattened triangle configuration for live, neutral and ground pins. Please note that since 2010 all new buildings will be installed using this power outlet.
  3. Plug in one end of the Apple USB cord into the bottom of the mains power charger and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPhone 5C. You can find the Lightning connector on the iPhone 5C situated at the bottom of your iPhone 5C.
  4. Turn on the Brazilian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of the iPhone screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the mobile is recharging and takes roughly 60-240 minutes to recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Charging the iPhone 5C from a Brazilian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type N USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Brazil country entry on Wikipedia.org
  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 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..