Charging the iPhone 3G from a power outlet in Germany

Instructions showing you how to power your iPhone 3G with a German power outlet with the Apple 30-pin connector with a Type C USB charger and how to charge the iPhone 3G using a Type F USB adapter.

German power outlet

Varying different standards and voltages can often be confusing when planning to visit a new country if you've never been there before. When you're planning a trip to Germany these useful instructions show how to power your iPhone 3G by using their types F or C 230 volt 50Hz power outlets, most Germans will use Type F plugs in their power outlets. If you are travelling to Germany from a different country please make sure your iPhone 3G can accept a 240 volt supply. If your iPhone 3G originated in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) check that the device is dual-voltage (marked with a 100-240 volt notation) otherwise you may need to use an additional transformer to prevent the device from being damaged when charging it. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 4 or greater on the iPhone 3G.

Charging the iPhone 3G in Germany

Can you use the iPhone 3G in Germany?

You can connect the iPhone 3G to a German power outlet by using the correct power adaptor.

What is the best power charger for recharging the iPhone 3G in Germany?

If travelling to multiple countries then the best travel adapter for Germany is a multiple USB adapter which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Germans use two different standards of plug sockets (types F and C) and bringing this will ensure that you are covered for type C. As these types of chargers are supplied with interchangeable plugs and can handle 100 to 240 volts it makes them ideal for over 100 countries around the world just by changing the heads over. If your iPhone 3G can support Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much faster charging times by using one of these types of power adapters and additional support for certain power hungry devices like tablets. This will allow you to charge multiple devices at the same time without needing to buy seperate travel adapters. By only packing a single international travel charger will keep the overall weight down, making it perfect to store in hand baggage whilst travelling. Because of their flexibility these types of power chargers can be used when back at home as well as abroad so when you’re not on holiday they can sit overnight charging multiple tablets, smartphones 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 here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested with multiple USB devices in numerous different countries around the world with perfect reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Germany

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 3G, but for those also wishing to use their domestic plugs these power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power strips offer surge protection which is necessary for visitors of regions with unreliable or unstable power supplies to prevent damage to any connected devices from voltage spikes. These travel adapters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both Germany and over 150 destinations:

  • 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 North America visiting Germany.
  • 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 originating from the US using type B plugs. This is a much more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with just one less AC outlet for almost half the price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 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 perfect for a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting Germany. [8] [AD]
What is the best power charger for recharging the iPhone 3G in Germany?

Powering the iPhone 3G with a German power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

Instructions showing you how to power your iPhone 3G with a German power outlet with the Apple 30-pin connector with a Type C USB charger.

  1. If you want to supply power to your iPhone 3G from a German power outlet you'll need to use a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - the cable is normally already supplied with your device by Apple.
  2. Plug in the Type C USB power plug adapter into the German power outlet. The plug supply (sometimes called a Europlug) can be recognised by the 2 adjacent holes next to each other.
  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 3G. The iPhone 3G dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3G.
  4. Switch on the German power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right hand corner of the phone screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the phone is powering up and takes roughly 1 to 4 hours to completely recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3G with a German power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

How to use a Schuko Type F power charger for charging your iPhone 3G from a German power outlet

Instructions showing how to recharge your iPhone 3G with a German power outlet with a 30 pin cable and a Type F USB adapter.

  1. In order to power the iPhone 3G from the German power outlet you will need to use a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple should typically include this cable when you purchase your iPhone 3G).
  2. Begin the process by taking the Type F USB power plug adapter and plugging it into the German power outlet. You can recognise this power outlet by two large round adjacent holes for live and neutral pins and a pair of two metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  3. Connect one end of the cord into the bottom of the power adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3G. The iPhone 3G dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3G.
  4. Turn on the German 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 3G is powering up which typically takes between one to four hours to fully recharge. [AD]
How to use a Schuko Type F power charger for charging your iPhone 3G from a German power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia web page about Germany
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3G 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 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..