How to charge your iPad Mini from a power outlet in America

Instructions showing how to recharge your iPad Mini from an American power outlet using the Lightning Apple cable with a Type A power charger and powering the iPad Mini using a Type B power adapter.

American power outlet

Complicated combinations of voltages and region codes can all be daunting when planning to travel to a different country especially for the first time traveller. These instructions were written to stop you needing to worry if you'll be able to charge the iPad Mini abroad.This page has instructions showing exactly what you'll need to supply power to your iPad Mini in America by using the B or A type 120 volt 60Hz plug outlets, Type B plug outlets will be typically used by most Americans. If the iPad Mini slowly recharges or doesn't turn on when you are visiting America from another region then check that it is compatible with a 120 volt power supply. Typically devices which originate from another country which use a higher voltage (for example 240 volts) sometimes take longer to charge or won't power up, so check that the device is dual-voltage (you'll find these are usually marked with 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional power converter to ensure proper use. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPad Mini.

Charging the iPad Mini in America

Can the iPad Mini be used in America?

You can connect the iPad Mini to an American power outlet.

What is the best travel charger for the iPad Mini in America?

If you are travelling with more than just your iPad Mini the best travel adapter for America to buy is a multiple USB port adapter which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Americans use two different types of plug sockets (B and A) and bringing this ensures that you are covered for type A. Because these chargers come with interchangeable plugs and can handle 100 - 240 volts will mean you can travel to over 100 countries around the world simply by switching the included heads over. If your iPad Mini is compatible with Fast Charge (note not all USB devices do) then you'll benefit from quicker charging times with one of these types of USB travel chargers plus additional compatibility with more power hungry devices. Unlike other adapters this will also allow you to charge multiple devices at once without needing to pack individual travel adapters or occupying additional power outlets. Because you are only packing a single international USB travel charger will keep the weight down, making it perfect to fold up in hand luggage. Due to their space saving versatility these types of power adapters can be used when back at home so when you’re not travelling they can sit overnight charging multiple phones, tablets and e-readers without needing an additional power outlet.

We recommend searching for this type of versatile power charger at an electronics retailer; the multipurpose travel adapter illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for charging multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for America

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 iPad Mini, but for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs the following power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power converters offer surge protection which is crucial for travellers to counties with unreliable or unstable power supplies. These travel adapters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both America 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 America.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Likewise having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico travel adapter is also aimed at travellers originating from the US using type B plugs and is a much more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with one less AC outlet at almost half the price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 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 a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting America. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for the iPad Mini in America?

How to use a Type A power charger for charging your iPad Mini from an American power outlet

Using a Lightning cable with a Type A power adapter to charge the iPad Mini with an American power outlet.

  1. In order to charge the iPad Mini using an American power outlet you will need to buy a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] - Apple should typically include the USB cable when you first purchase the iPad Mini.
  2. Begin the process by taking the Type A USB power plug adapter and plugging it in the wall outlet. You can recognise the plug supply by 2 thin slots adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins.
  3. Then connect the USB end of the USB to Apple Lightning cable into the bottom of the mains power charger and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPad Mini. The iPad Mini lightning connector is situated at the bottom of the iPad Mini.
  4. Switch on the American power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of your tablet screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPad Mini is recharging which should take around 60-240 minutes to recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type A power charger for charging your iPad Mini from an American power outlet

How to use a Type B power charger for recharging your iPad Mini from an American power outlet

Instructions showing how to recharge your iPad Mini from an American power outlet using the Lightning Apple cable with a Type B power charger.

  1. If you want to charge the iPad Mini from an American power outlet you will need a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] - the cable is usually already included with your device by Apple.
  2. Begin by taking the Type B USB power plug adapter and plugging it into the wall outlet. You can identify this plug outlet by the 2 slots where the live and neutral plug outlet blades go with a semicircular shaped hole below for the grounded pin.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB Apple Lightning cord into the bottom of the USB power charger and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPad Mini. The iPad Mini lightning connector is found at the bottom of the iPad Mini.
  4. Turn on the American power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of the iPad screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPad is recharging and takes between one to four hours to recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type B power charger for recharging your iPad Mini from an American power outlet

See also

  1. Visittheusa - Visit The USA
  2. Apple - official iPad 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..