How to charge the iPad when visiting Spain

Instructions on how to charge the iPad from a Spanish power outlet using the Apple 30-pin cable and a two pinned Type C power charger and charging the iPad using a Type F USB adapter.

Spanish power outlet

Varying different combinations of voltages and standards can all be confusing when planning on travelling to a new country for the first time traveller. If you're staying in Spain the following instructions show how to power the iPad using the standard Type F or C 230 volt 50Hz plug outlets, most Spaniards will normally use Type F plug outlets. When travelling to Spain from another country double check the iPad can be charged using a 240v supply. If your iPad originated in a country which uses a lower voltage such as 120v check the iPad is dual-voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional power converter to avoid the device from overheating when powering up. This page details the original iPad first generation, visit the Apple category page for the latest range of Apple iPads. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 5 or greater on the iPad.

Charging the iPad in Spain

Can the iPad be used in Spain?

Yes, you can use the iPad in Spain by using a power convertor.

What is the best travel adapter for recharging the iPad in Spain?

If travelling with more than just your iPad the best travel power adapter for Spain is a multiple USB adapter which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two standards of power outlets in Spain (types F and C) and bringing this will ensure that you are covered for type C. Because these types of chargers come with interchangeable pins and handle from 100 volts - 240 volts will mean you can travel to over 100 countries around the world just by changing the included plugs. If your model of iPad is compatible with Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much faster charging times with one of these types of USB power chargers, along with support for more power hungry devices like tablets. Having a 4 port adapter will also allow you to power multiple devices at the same time without needing to bring individual power adapters on your Spanish trip. By only packing a single international USB travel charger will help keep the size and weight down, making it ideal to store in hand luggage. Due to their versatility these types of travel adapters can be used when you return home as well as abroad so when you’re not on holiday they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple tablets and phones without using up an additional wall outlet.

For those travelling frequently we suggest buying an adaptable travel adapter similar to this online. The multipurpose travel charger illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous different countries around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for Spain

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world wanting to recharge devices via USB, however for those also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power strips offer surge protection which is useful when visiting regions with unstable power supplies. These travel adapters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both Spain 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 best selling portable option for travellers originating from America visiting Spain.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Likewise 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 is a much more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with just 1 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 ideal for most travellers from around the world visiting Spain. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for recharging the iPad in Spain?

How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPad from a Spanish power outlet

Instructions on how to charge the iPad from a Spanish power outlet using the Apple 30-pin cable and a two pinned Type C USB charger.

  1. In order to charge the iPad using the Spanish power outlet you'll need to buy a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (the cable is typically supplied with the device).
  2. First you'll need to insert the Type C USB power plug adapter in the Spanish power outlet. You can identify this power outlet by 2 circular holes adjacent to each other.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the USB power charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad. The iPad dock connector can be found at the bottom of the iPad.
  4. Switch on the Spanish power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of the iPad screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPad is recharging, typically taking around 1-4 hours to completely recharge to full capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPad from a Spanish power outlet

Powering the iPad with a Spanish power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

Using the Apple 30-pin cable with a two pin Type F USB charger to recharge the iPad with a Spanish power outlet.

  1. In order to supply power to the iPad from the Spanish power outlet you will need a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (normally already supplied with the device).
  2. Plug in the Type F USB power plug adapter in the power supply. This recessed circular wall supply (known as the Schuko outlet) can be identified by two holes 19 mm adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins, plus metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  3. Connect one end of the cable into the mains USB charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad. The iPad dock connector is found at the base of the iPad.
  4. Turn on the Spanish power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of your tablet will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPad is powering up which should take between 60 to 240 minutes to recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPad with a Spanish power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Spanish country Wiki 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 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..