Charging the iPad 4 from a power outlet in Germany

Instructions on how to charge your iPad 4 from a German power outlet with the USB Lightning Apple connector with a two pin Europlug Type C power adapter and powering the iPad 4 using a double pinned Type F USB adapter.

German power outlet

Varying complicated frequencies and standards can all be daunting when planning on staying in a different country, especially to the first time traveller. This page was written to help prepare travellers wanting to charge the iPad 4 abroad.This page is a simple guide telling you how to charge your iPad 4 when staying in Germany by using their standard types F or C 230 volt 50Hz plug outlets, please be aware that Type F power outlets are typically used by most Germans. Most power sockets change depending on which region you visiting so please read our WikiConnections global power sockets page where you'll find a full list showing regions and countries. When visiting Germany from another country make sure that the iPad 4 can be used with a 240v supply. If it was purchased from a country which uses a lower voltage such as 110 volts double check your iPad 4 is dual-voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional converter to stop the device from being damaged when powering up. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPad 4.

Charging the iPad 4 in Germany

Can the iPad 4 be used in Germany?

Yes, you can connect the iPad 4 to a German power outlet by using a power adaptor.

What is the best travel charger for recharging the iPad 4 in Germany?

When travelling with more than just your iPad 4 or visiting more than one country then the best travel power adapter for Germany is a multiple USB port adapter which includes swappable plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two different types of wall outlets in Germany (F and C) and using a travel adapter like this ensures that you are covered for type C.

Because these chargers come with interchangeable pins and handle from 100 - 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries around the world simply by changing the included plugs over. If your iPad 4 can support Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much faster charging times by using one of these types of travel adapters and additional support for more power hungry devices.

Having a four port adapter means you can charge more than one device at once without needing to buy multiple power chargers on your German trip. Because you are only bringing a single international USB travel charger will help keep the overall weight and size down, making it perfect to fold up in hand baggage whilst travelling as well as being suitable for recharging your iPad 4 at an airport or on your flight. Because of their versatility these types of power adapters can be used back at home so when you’re not travelling they can be used overnight charging multiple smartphones and tablets using only a single power outlet.

We suggest searching for a multipurpose power adapter like this online; the multipurpose power adapter illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested with multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries around the world with perfect reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Germany

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to recharge devices using USB, however for those also wanting to use their domestic plugs the following power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power converters offer surge protection which can be crucial for visitors of counties with unstable power grids. These power converters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both Germany and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK international travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling compact power converter for travellers originating from North America visiting Germany.
  • 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 originating from the US using type B plugs. This offers the same set of features as the BESTEK with just one less AC outlet at almost half the price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has just 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 most travellers from around the world visiting Germany. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for recharging the iPad 4 in Germany?

Powering the iPad 4 with a German power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

Instructions showing you how to power the iPad 4 with a German power outlet with a Lightning Apple cable and a Europlug Type C USB charger.

  1. If you want to supply power to the iPad 4 using a German power outlet you'll need to buy a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5], this USB cable is usually supplied with the device by Apple.
  2. First you'll need to insert the Type C USB power plug adapter in the power outlet. The wall outlet, sometimes called the Type C power outlet [3], is identified by the two adjacent holes.
  3. Then connect the USB end of the USB to Apple Lightning cable into the USB power adapter and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPad 4. The iPad 4 lightning connector can be found at the bottom of the iPad 4.
  4. Turn on the German power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of the tablet screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the tablet is charging and takes around 1 to 4 hours to recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPad 4 with a German power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

How to use a Type F power charger for recharging your iPad 4 from a German power outlet

Instructions on how to charge your iPad 4 with a German power outlet with the USB Lightning Apple connector with a double pin Type F power adapter.

  1. If you want to charge the iPad 4 using the German power outlet you will need to buy a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] (usually included with the device).
  2. Start by plugging the Type F USB power plug adapter into the German power outlet. This circular power supply can be recognised by the two round holes 19 mm adjacent to each other where the twin plug outlet pins sit and two grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  3. Connect one end of the USB charging cord into the bottom of the power adapter and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPad 4. The iPad 4 lightning connector is found at the base of the iPad 4.
  4. Turn on the German power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right corner of your iPad 4 screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPad 4 is powering up which takes between one to four hours to fully recharge to full capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type F power charger for recharging your iPad 4 from a German power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Germany wikipedia page
  2. Apple - official iPad 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 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..