Charging the iPhone 5S when staying in Brazil

Instructions showing you how to recharge your iPhone 5S with a Brazilian power outlet with the USB Lightning Apple connector with a two pin Type C Europlug power charger and how to charge the iPhone 5S using a Type N USB 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.

Various combinations of standards and plug types can all be daunting when planning on staying in a different country, especially to the first time traveller. However this isn't as complex as it first appears, with only a handful of different types of common standards used throughout the world this guide shows exactly what to purchase in advance to charge the iPhone 5S . This page was written to prevent you needing to worry if you'll be able to charge the iPhone 5S abroad.These step-by-step instructions tells you how to power your iPhone 5S when you are travelling to Brazil using their standard N or C type 60Hz wall outlets, please note Type N wall outlets are normally used by a majority of Brazilians. If the iPhone 5S charges slowly or does not power up when visiting Brazil from a different country then check that it is compatible with a Brazilian power supply. Typically electrical devices which come from a different country which use a higher voltage such as 220 volts sometimes take longer to charge or won't turn on, so check that your iPhone 5S is a dual voltage device (marked with 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional converter to ensure proper use. If you're planning to stay in a Brazilian place such as Rio de Janeiro or Belo refer to the Brazilian country entry on wikipedia [1] for more details. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPhone 5S.

Charging the iPhone 5S in Brazil

Can you use the iPhone 5S in Brazil?

You can connect the iPhone 5S to a Brazilian power outlet by using the correct power adaptor.

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

When travelling to multiple countries or bringing more than just your iPhone 5S the best international travel charger for Brazil to buy is a multiple USB port charger which includes compatible plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two types of power outlets that Brazilians use (N and C) and using a power adapter like this ensures that you are covered for type C.

Because these chargers come with interchangeable plugs and handle from 100 volts - 240 volts will mean you can travel to multiple countries in Asia, North America, Europe and Africa just by switching the included heads. If your type of iPhone 5S supports Fast Charge (note that not all USB devices can) then you'll benefit from much quicker charging times by using one of these travel adapters and additional support for certain power hungry devices like tablets. Unlike other travel adapters this will allow you to recharge multiple devices simultaneously without needing to bring individual power adapters on your trip. Because you are only bringing a single lightweight USB travel charger will help keep the size and weight down, making it perfect to fold up and store in hand luggage while travelling and on hand for charging your iPhone 5S at the airport or on a plane. Due to their space saving versatility these types of adapters can be used at home so when you’re not travelling they can be used under your bedside table charging multiple smartphones and tablets with just a single plug socket.

If you travel to Brazil we recommend buying this type of flexible travel charger at your preferred electronics retailer - the power adapter illustrated here 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 5S, 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 useful when visiting regions with unreliable power supplies to prevent damage to any connected devices. These power 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 converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling portable power adapter for travellers originating from America going to Brazil using type B US plug sockets.
  • 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 from America using type B plugs. This gives practically the same set of features as the BESTEK with only 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 Brazil. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for recharging the iPhone 5S in Brazil?

How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone 5S from a Brazilian power outlet

Instructions on how to charge your iPhone 5S from a Brazilian power outlet with a USB Lightning connector and a Type C Europlug USB charger.

  1. In order to power the iPhone 5S from the Brazilian power outlet you will need to buy a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] - Apple will usually include the cable when you buy the iPhone 5S.
  2. Plug in the Type C USB power plug adapter into the Brazilian power outlet. The plug supply, also known as a Type C power outlet [3] or Europlug, can be identified by the two adjacent holes for live and neutral pins. Prior to January 2010 older buildings may be installed with this power supply.
  3. Plug in the USB end of the USB to Apple Lightning cable into the bottom of the USB adapter and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPhone 5S. The iPhone 5S Lightning connector is situated at bottom of the iPhone 5S under the home button.
  4. Turn on the Brazilian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of the cellphone screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone 5S is powering up which should take between one to four hours to fully recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone 5S from a Brazilian power outlet

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

A guide showing how to recharge the iPhone 5S from a Brazilian power outlet using an Apple USB Lightning cable and a Type N power adapter.

  1. In order to supply power to your iPhone 5S from a Brazilian power outlet you will need to use a Type N USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] (Apple should typically include this cable when you buy your iPhone 5S).
  2. Firstly you'll need to plug the Type N USB power plug adapter into the power supply. You can recognise this squashed hexagon shaped wall supply by the 3 large circular holes in a flattened triangular configuration. Since 1st January 2010 new buildings use this power outlet.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB charging cable into the bottom of the USB mains charger and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPhone 5S. You can find the Lightning connector on the iPhone 5S situated at the bottom of the iPhone 5S.
  4. Turn on the Brazilian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of your iPhone will display a charge icon to indicate that the mobile is recharging which should take around one-four hours to recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Charging the iPhone 5S from a Brazilian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type N USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Brazilian country entry on wikipedia
  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..