How to charge your iPhone from a power outlet in Germany

Instructions showing how to charge the iPhone with a German power outlet with a 30 pin Apple connector with a 2 pinned Type C power charger and recharging the iPhone using a Type F USB adapter.

German power outlet

Various region codes and plugs can often cause confusion when planning on staying in a foreign country to the first time traveller. With only a handful of different types of common standards used throughout the world this article tells you exactly what you'll need in advance to power your iPhone in Germany. This guide was specifically written to stop you worrying if you'll be able to charge the iPhone abroad.If you are visiting Germany these useful instructions show powering your iPhone by using the standard Type F or C 230 volt 50Hz power outlets, you will find most Germans will normally use Type F sockets in their plug outlets. Power supplies will vary regionally so we recommend that you read our Wiki Connections global power supplies page where you'll find a complete list of regions and countries. When you are visiting Germany from a different country make sure the iPhone can be charged using a 240 volt supply. If it was purchased in a country which uses a lower voltage such as 110v ensure the iPhone is dual-voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional converter to avoid the device from being damaged during charging.

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

Charging the iPhone in Germany

Can the iPhone be used in Germany?

You can connect the iPhone to a German power outlet.

What is the best travel adapter for the iPhone in Germany?

If travelling with more than your iPhone or visiting multiple countries then the best international travel charger for Germany is a multiple USB adapter which includes compatible plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two different types of plug sockets that Germans use (types F and C) and using a travel charger like this ensures that you are covered for type C.

As these types of chargers come with interchangeable pins and handle 100 volts to 240 volts will mean that you can travel to multiple countries around the world simply by changing the supplied heads. If your iPhone is compatible with Fast Charge then you'll benefit from quicker charging times by using one of these types of USB power chargers plus additional compatibility with more power hungry devices. Having a four port charger will also allow you to recharge more than one device at once without needing to pack seperate power adapters or using up additional wall outlets. By only bringing a single travel charger will also keep the overall size and weight down, making it perfect to store in hand baggage whilst travelling and convenient for charging your iPhone at an airport or on a plane. Because of their flexibility these types of adapters can be used back at home as well as abroad so when you’re not travelling they can be used overnight charging multiple tablets, phones and speakers without needing an additional plug socket.

For those travelling regularly we recommend searching for this type of flexible power charger at an electronics retailer; the multipurpose travel adapter illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for powering multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for Germany

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world who only have USB devices such as the iPhone, however 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 useful for travellers to regions with unstable power supplies to prevent damage to any connected appliances from voltage spikes. These travel converters come 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 most popular compact option for travellers originating from America visiting Germany using type B US plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Similarly 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 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 flexible 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 a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting Germany. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for the iPhone in Germany?

How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone from a German power outlet

Using a USB 30-pin cable with a Type C power charger to charge the iPhone with a German power outlet.

  1. If you want to power the iPhone from the German power outlet you will need a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (the USB cable is usually already included with your device).
  2. Firstly you'll need to plug in the Type C USB power plug adapter into the German power outlet. You can recognise the power supply by two circular adjacent holes next to each other.
  3. Then connect one end of the cable into the power 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 German 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 is recharging taking roughly 60 to 240 minutes to recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone from a German power outlet

Charging the iPhone from a German power outlet by using a two pinned Schuko Type F USB adapter

Instructions showing how to charge your iPhone from a German power outlet with the 30 pin Apple cable with a Type F power charger.

  1. In order to charge your iPhone using a German power outlet you will need to buy a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple should typically include the USB cable when you purchase the iPhone).
  2. Start the process by plugging the Type F USB power plug adapter in the German power outlet. The sunken round wall supply (known as the Type F power outlet [6] or Schuko outlet) can be recognised by the two large circular holes 19 mm adjacent to each other where the two pins slide into, plus a pair of two grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  3. Connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the power 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 German power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of your phone screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone is recharging taking roughly one to four hours to recharge. [AD]
Charging the iPhone from a German power outlet by using a two pinned Schuko Type F USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Germany country Wikipedia 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 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..