How to charge the iPhone when planning a trip to Iran

A guide on how to power the iPhone with an Iranian power outlet with a USB 30-pin cable and a two pinned Type C USB charger and powering the iPhone using a Type F power charger.

Iranian power outlet

Differing voltages and plugs can all be confusing when planning to travel to 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 in Iran. This page has step by step instructions telling you what you'll need to supply power to the iPhone when staying in Iran by using their Type F or C Iranian 220 volt 50Hz wall outlets. When you are travelling to Iran from another country please make sure that your iPhone can be used with a 240 volt supply. If the iPhone was purchased in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) ensure the iPhone is dual-voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional power converter to avoid the device from overheating when charging it.

This page details the iPhone 1st generation, the original iPhone is missing some features which have since been introduced to more recent iPhones. Visit the Apple category page for the full range of Apple iPhones. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 3 or greater on the iPhone.

Charging the iPhone in Iran

Can you use the iPhone in Iran?

Yes, you can connect the iPhone to an Iranian power outlet.

What is the best travel adapter for the iPhone in Iran?

If travelling to more than one country then the best international travel charger for Iran is a multiple USB port adapter which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two standards of power outlets in Iran (types F and C) and using a power charger like this will ensure that you are covered for type C.

As these chargers are supplied with interchangeable plugs and can handle from 100 - 240 volts will mean you can travel to over 100 countries around the world simply by changing the supplied plugs. If your type of iPhone can support Fast Charge (not all USB devices do) 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 hungry devices like tablets.

Unlike other chargers this means you can power multiple devices at the same time without needing to bring individual power chargers or using up additional power outlets. Because you are only needing to bring a single lightweight travel charger will help keep the overall size and weight down, making it ideal to store in hand luggage whilst travelling. Because of their space saving flexibility these types of adapters 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 and using just a single plug socket.

We suggest searching for an adaptable travel adapter of this nature at an electronics retailer, the power charger illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for Iran

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world wanting to recharge devices using USB, but for those also wishing to use their domestic plugs the following power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power converters offer surge protection which can be useful for travellers to regions with unreliable power supplies. These power adapters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering Europe, North America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China 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 power converter for travellers originating from America going to Iran.
  • 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 from America using type B plugs. This offers the same functionality as the BESTEK with one less AC outlet at almost half the price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 2 AC outlets but offers a flexible 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 most travellers from around the world visiting Iran. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for the iPhone in Iran?

How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone from an Iranian power outlet

Using a USB 30 pin Apple connector with a Type C power adapter to charge the iPhone from an Iranian power outlet.

  1. To power the iPhone from an Iranian power outlet you will need to buy a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - Apple typically supply this USB cable when you purchase the iPhone.
  2. Begin the process by inserting the Type C USB power plug adapter in the Iranian power outlet. The wall supply can be recognised by the 2 holes next to each other where the live and neutral pins sit.
  3. Connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the mains power charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone. The iPhone dock connector is found at bottom of the iPhone.
  4. Switch on the Iranian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of your iPhone will display a charge icon to indicate that the phone is powering up taking between one to four hours to recharge to full capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone from an Iranian power outlet

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

Instructions showing how to power your iPhone with an Iranian power outlet with an Apple USB 30-pin cable with a two pin Type F USB adapter.

  1. To supply power to your iPhone from the Iranian power outlet you will need a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - the cable is typically included with the iPhone by Apple.
  2. Begin by plugging the Type F USB power plug adapter in the power outlet. The recessed circular wall supply can be identified by the two 4.8mm holes 19 mm apart from each other along with thin metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the USB mains charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone. The iPhone dock connector is found at bottom of the iPhone.
  4. Switch on the Iranian 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 iPhone is recharging taking around 60-240 minutes to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone with an Iranian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Iranian country page on wikipedia
  2. Apple - the original iPhone product manual
  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 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..