Charging the iPhone when staying in Brazil

Instructions showing how to power the iPhone with a Brazilian power outlet with the Apple 30-pin connector with a Type C USB charger and powering the iPhone using a three pinned 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.

Different combinations of voltages and region codes can often cause confusion when planning to travel to another country if you've never been there before. This guide has been specifically written to stop visitors worrying if they'll be able to power their iPhone when they're staying in Brazil.This page has instructions demonstrating exactly what you'll need to charge the iPhone when you're visiting Brazil using their standard Type N or C 60Hz plug outlets, Type N wall outlets are used by a majority of Brazilians. If your iPhone charges slowly or does not power up when you are visiting Brazil from a different region then check that it is compatible with a Brazilian power supply. Electrical devices which come from a country which use a higher voltage (for example 220 volts) sometimes take longer to charge or won't power up, so check the iPhone is dual-voltage (you'll find these are usually marked with a 100-240 volt notation) else you may need to use an additional transformer to ensure proper use.

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 a full range of Apple iPhones. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 3 or greater on the iPhone.

Charging the iPhone in Brazil

Can the iPhone be used in Brazil?

Yes, you can use the iPhone in Brazil.

What is the best power charger for recharging the iPhone in Brazil?

If travelling to multiple countries then the best international travel adapter for Brazil to buy is a multiple USB charger which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Brazilians use two different standards of power outlets (types N and C) and using a power charger like this will ensure that you are covered for type C. Because these types of chargers come with interchangeable pins and can handle from 100 - 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa simply by changing the supplied plugs. If your iPhone is compatible with Fast Charge (not all USB devices do) then you'll benefit from faster recharging times with one of these USB power chargers, and compatibility with more power demanding devices.

Unlike other chargers having a 4 port adapter means you can charge more than one device simultaneously without needing to pack multiple travel chargers or occupying additional wall sockets. Only needing to bring a single travel charger will also keep the weight down, making it ideal to store in hand luggage and suitable for charging your iPhone at an airport or on the flight. Because of their versatility these types of power adapters can be used when you return home so when you’re not on holiday they can sit overnight charging multiple phones, tablets and e-readers without using up an additional plug socket.

We recommend buying an adaptable travel adapter similar to this at your preferred electronics retailer; the power adapter illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested with multiple USB devices in numerous different countries around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for Brazil

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country who only have USB devices such as the iPhone, but for visitors also wishing to use their domestic plugs these power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power converters offer surge protection which is necessary when visiting regions with unreliable power supplies to prevent damage to any connected devices. These travel converters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both Brazil 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 adapter for travellers originating from North 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 from North America using type B plugs and is a cheaper alternative to the BESTEK with 1 less AC outlet at 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 suitable for most travellers from around the world visiting Brazil. [8] [AD]
What is the best power charger for recharging the iPhone in Brazil?

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

Using the Apple 30-pin connector and a Type C USB adapter to power the iPhone with a Brazilian power outlet.

  1. In order to power the iPhone from the Brazilian 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 should typically include this cable when you buy your iPhone).
  2. Firstly plug the Type C USB power plug adapter in the power outlet. You can recognise the wall supply by the 2 circular holes adjacent to each other where the live and neutral plug outlet pins sit. Prior to 2010 older buildings use this power outlet.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the USB adapter 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 Brazilian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right hand corner of the mobile screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the mobile is powering up and takes roughly 1 to 4 hours to completely recharge to full capacity. [AD]
How to use a Europlug Type C power charger for charging your iPhone from a Brazilian power outlet

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

Instructions showing how to power the iPhone with a Brazilian power outlet with the Apple 30-pin connector and a Type N USB charger.

  1. If you want to supply power to your iPhone from a Brazilian power outlet you will need to use a Type N USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (the USB cable is typically supplied with the device).
  2. Begin by inserting the Type N USB power plug adapter into the Brazilian power outlet. The hexagon shaped plug supply (known as the Type N power outlet [6]) looks like three circular holes forming a triangle pattern for live, neutral and earth. You will find that since 2010 all buildings will use this power outlet.
  3. Plug in one end of the Apple cable into the bottom of 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. Turn on the Brazilian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right corner of your iPhone will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone is recharging, typically taking roughly 60 to 240 minutes to completely recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone with a Brazilian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type N USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Brazilian country Wiki page
  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 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..