How to charge your mobile phone from a power outlet in Germany

Instructions on how to recharge your mobile phone from a German power outlet with Type B USB cord and a three pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter and how to recharge any mobile phone using a two pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter.

German power outlet

When packing for a vacation it can be useful to know if you'll be able to use all your common gadgets like mobiles or laptop computers that you are bringing along. But without knowing which power socket is used in Germany you could end up either bringing too many spare adaptors or bring the wrong charger, meaning having to buy or borrow a suitable charger when you're there. Varying different combinations of region codes and plugs can often cause confusion when planning on staying in another country especially if you've never visited before. This page has been written to assist travellers wanting to charge the mobile phone when abroad.When going to Germany these useful instructions show charging your mobile phone using their standard types F or C German 230 volt 50Hz wall outlets, please note that Type F plug outlets are used by most Germans. When you are visiting Germany from a different country make sure that the mobile phone can be charged using a 240 volt supply. If the mobile phone came from a country which uses a lower voltage such as 120v double check your device is dual-voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional voltage converter to prevent the device from being damaged during charging.

This how-to guide is for a generic mobile phone and assume the phone has a standard micro USB port, Bluetooth connectivity and a headphone socket. For all the latest phones please visit the Mobile phones page for a full list of makes and models.

Charging any mobile phone in Germany

Can you use any mobile phone in Germany?

Yes, you can use any mobile phone in Germany.

What is the best travel charger for any mobile phone in Germany?

If travelling to multiple countries or bringing along more than just your mobile phone the best travel charger for Germany is a multiple USB port adapter which includes compatible plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. Germans use two different types of plug sockets (F and C) and bringing this will ensure that you are covered for type C.

As these chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and handle 100 to 240 volts will mean that you can travel to over 100 countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa just by switching the plugs. If your mobile phone supports Fast Charge (please note that not all USB devices do) then you'll benefit from quicker charging times with one of these travel adapters, along with additional compatibility with certain power demanding devices. Unlike other chargers this means you can power multiple devices at once without needing to buy individual travel adapters. Only needing to pack a single international USB travel charger will keep the weight down, making it perfect to store in hand baggage while travelling. Due to their flexibility these types of travel chargers can be used at home as well as abroad so when you’re not travelling they can be used overnight charging multiple phones and tablets with only a single plug socket.

For those travelling often we recommend searching for a multipurpose power charger similar to this online, the multipurpose travel 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 on a daily basis.

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 via USB, but for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters offer surge protection which can be necessary when visiting counties with unreliable power grids. These travel adapters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Germany and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling portable option for travellers originating from North America going to Germany.
  • 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 America using type B plugs. This is a much more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with one less AC outlet for almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 2 AC outlets but offers a more 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 Germany. [7] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for any mobile phone in Germany?

How to use a Europlug Type C power charger for charging your mobile phone from a German power outlet

Instructions on how to power your mobile phone from a German power outlet with Type B USB connector with a 3 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter.

  1. To supply power to any mobile phone using a German power outlet you'll need to use a Type C USB power plug adapter [3] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [4].
  2. Plug the Type C USB power plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can recognise the power supply by 2 adjacent holes next to each other.
  3. Connect one end of the USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable into the bottom of the USB mains charger and the other end into the USB charging port on any mobile phone. These instructions assume your phone uses a Micro USB type B port. Please refer to the instructions supplied with your mobile to check this is correct and visit the Mobile phones page to see if your model is listed (note you can usually connect the cable supplied with your mobile phone for charging with any USB charger).
  4. The USB charging port is typically located either on the bottom or side of the mobile phone.
  5. Turn on the German power outlet.
  6. The battery indicator on your mobile phone will indicate that the device is charging, refer to the phone`s instruction manual to find out how long it will take. [AD]
How to use a Europlug Type C power charger for charging your mobile phone from a German power outlet

How to use a Schuko Type F power charger for charging your mobile phone from a German power outlet

Using Type B USB connector with a 3 pinned Type F Schuko USB charger to power your mobile phone from a German power outlet.

  1. If you want to charge the mobile phone from the German power outlet you'll need to buy a Type F USB power plug adapter [6] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [4].
  2. Begin by inserting the Type F USB power plug adapter into the German power outlet. You can recognise the plug outlet by the two adjacent holes next to each other and two thin metal grounding clips above and below.
  3. Connect the USB end of the USB type B connector into the power charger and the other end into the USB charging port on any mobile phone. These instructions assume your phone uses a Micro USB type B port. Please refer to the instructions supplied with your mobile to check this is correct and visit the Mobile phones page to see if your model is listed (please note that you can usually connect the cable which came with your mobile phone to charge with any USB adapter).
  4. The USB charging port can normally be found either on along one side or on the bottom of the mobile.
  5. Switch on the German power outlet.
  6. The battery indicator on the mobile phone should indicate that the phone is charging, refer to your phone`s instruction manual to find out how long it will typically take. [AD]
How to use a Schuko Type F power charger for charging your mobile phone from a German power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - German Wiki page
  2. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  3. 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..
  4. USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable - Used to connect USB devices which have a USB Mini-B port to computers, power supplies and other devices.
  5. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  6. 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..
  7. 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..