How to charge your iPhone 5C from a power outlet in Japan

Instructions on how to power your iPhone 5C from a Japanese power outlet by using the Apple Lightning cable and a double pin Type A USB adapter and charging the iPhone 5C using a Type B power charger.

Japanese power outlet

Varying different combinations of voltages and plug types can often be confusing when planning on travelling to another country especially if you've never visited before. When staying in Japan this page contains instructions showing how to supply power to your iPhone 5C by using the standard Type B or A 100 volt 60Hz power outlets, Type B plug outlets will be typically used by a majority of Japanese. If your iPhone 5C charges slowly or does not power up when you are travelling to Japan from a different country check that it is compatible with a 110 volt power supply. Normally electrical devices which originated from a country which use a higher voltage such as 240 volts sometimes take longer to charge or won't turn on, check that the iPhone 5C is dual voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional power converter to ensure proper use. If you intend on taking a trip to places such as Tokyo please refer to the Japan National Tourism Organization Web Site [1] for more information prior to the location. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPhone 5C.

Charging the iPhone 5C in Japan

Can the iPhone 5C be used in Japan?

You can use the iPhone 5C in Japan by using the correct power adaptor.

What is the best power charger for the iPhone 5C in Japan?

When you are travelling to multiple countries the best international travel power adapter for Japan is a multiple USB charger which includes compatible plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two different types of plug sockets that Japanese use (types B and A) and using a travel charger like this will ensure that you are covered for type A.

As these chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and can handle from 100 volts - 240 volts it makes them ideal for over 100 countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa just by switching the plugs over. If your model of iPhone 5C is compatible with Fast Charge (note not all USB devices do) then you'll benefit from quicker charging times by using one of these types of USB travel chargers and additional compatibility with more power demanding devices. Unlike other travel adapters having a 4 port charger means you can power multiple devices at the same time without needing to bring individual power chargers for your trip to Japan or using up additional wall sockets. By only bringing a single travel charger will also keep the overall weight and size down, making it perfect to store in hand luggage whilst travelling. Due to their versatility these types of power chargers can be used when you return home so when you’re not travelling they can sit overnight charging multiple tablets, smartphones and e-readers without needing an additional wall outlet.

For those travelling regularly we recommend buying a versatile travel adapter similar to this online, the power charger illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous countries on a daily basis.

Alternative travel adapter for Japan

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 5C, however for those also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters offer surge protection which can be useful for travellers to regions with unreliable power supplies. These travel converters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Japan and over 150 destinations:

  • 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 converter for travellers originating from North America going to Japan.
  • 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 the US using type B plugs. This is a more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with just 1 less AC outlet at almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has just 2 AC outlets but offers a generous 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 Japan. [8] [AD]
What is the best power charger for the iPhone 5C in Japan?

How to use a Type A power charger for charging your iPhone 5C from a Japanese power outlet

Instructions on how to power your iPhone 5C from a Japanese power outlet by using the Apple Lightning cable and a double pin Type A USB adapter.

  1. In order to charge your iPhone 5C using a Japanese power outlet you will need to use a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] (normally supplied with the iPhone 5C).
  2. Begin by taking the Type A USB power plug adapter and inserting it into the wall outlet. The plug supply (technically known as the Type A power outlet [3]) can be identified by the two thin adjacent slots where the twin plug outlet pins go.
  3. Plug in one end of the Apple Lightning power cord into the USB power charger and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPhone 5C. The iPhone 5C Lightning connector is situated at bottom of the iPhone 5C under the home button.
  4. Turn on the Japanese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of your phone screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone 5C is recharging which takes around 60-240 minutes to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type A power charger for charging your iPhone 5C from a Japanese power outlet

How to use a Type B power charger for recharging your iPhone 5C from a Japanese power outlet

Using a Lightning cable with a Type B USB adapter to charge your iPhone 5C from a Japanese power outlet.

  1. If you want to charge the iPhone 5C using a Japanese power outlet you will need to buy a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] (Apple will normally include this cable with your iPhone 5C).
  2. Start by taking the Type B USB power plug adapter and inserting it into the power outlet. You can identify the plug outlet by 2 thin slots adjacent to each other where the short twin blades sit with a single hole below for the longer earth pin.
  3. Plug in the USB end of the Lightning charging cable into the USB mains charger and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPhone 5C. The iPhone 5C Lightning connector is situated at bottom of the iPhone 5C under the home button.
  4. Turn on the Japanese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of the phone screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone 5C is recharging taking roughly 60-240 minutes to recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type B power charger for recharging your iPhone 5C from a Japanese power outlet

See also

  1. Japan - Japan National Tourism Organization Web Site
  2. Apple - official iPhone user guide
  3. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  4. Type A USB power plug adapter - With its two-blade, ungrounded design, the Type A USB power plug adapter offers a straightforward way to convert electrical outlets in countries like the United States and Canada into USB ports for easy device charging..
  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 B power outlet
  7. Type B USB power plug adapter - A Type B USB power plug adapter conforms to the NEMA 5-15 specifications, featuring 2 parallel flat blades and an extended grounding pin. Rated at 15A and 125 volts, suitable for use in the United States and Canada for converting domestic outlets to USB..
  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..