How to charge the iPad when staying in China

Instructions showing how to recharge the iPad with a Chinese power outlet by using the 30 pin Apple connector and a three pinned Type I USB adapter, how to recharge the iPad using a two pin Type A USB adapter and charging the iPad using a 2 pinned Type C USB charger

Chinese power outlet

Various region codes and plug types can all cause confusion when planning on visiting a foreign country if you've never visited before. This guide has been specifically written to prevent people worrying if they can charge their iPad abroad.When travelling to China this page contains useful instructions showing you how to charge the iPad using their I, A or C type 220 volt 50Hz power outlets, you will discover most Chinese will typically use the Type I plug outlets. Most power supplies will change from country to country so please read the Wiki Connections global power connections list for a full list showing regions. If travelling to China from another country please make sure the iPad can accept a 240v supply. If it was purchased in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) check that the iPad is dual voltage (marked with a 100-240 volt notation) otherwise you may need to use an additional power converter to prevent the device from over-heating whilst powering it up. This page details the original iPad first generation, visit the Apple category page for the latest range of Apple iPads. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 5 or greater on the iPad.

Charging the iPad in China

Can the iPad be used in China?

You can connect the iPad to a Chinese power outlet by using a power convertor.

What is the best travel adapter for recharging the iPad in China?

When you are travelling with more than just your iPad then the best international travel power adapter for China to buy is a multiple USB port adapter which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are three types of plug sockets that Chinese use (types I, A and C) and bringing this will ensure that you are covered for both types A and C.

Because these chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and handle 100 - 240 volts will mean that you can travel to over 100 countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa just by changing the included plugs. If your iPad is compatible with Fast Charge (note not all USB devices will) then you'll benefit from much faster recharging times by using one of these types of power chargers plus support for certain power hungry devices like tablets.

Having a four port charger means you can charge more than one device simultaneously without needing to bring multiple travel adapters. Only needing to bring a single international USB travel charger will also keep the overall weight and size down, making it perfect to store in hand baggage as well as being convenient for recharging your iPad at the airport or on the plane. Because of their space saving flexibility these types of adapters can be used when back at home so when you’re not on holiday they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple smartphones, tablets and e-readers with only a single wall outlet.

If you travel frequently we recommend searching for an adaptable power charger similar to this at an electronics retailer - the multipurpose travel adapter illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous countries.

Alternative travel adapter for China

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, however for those also wishing to use their domestic plugs the following power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power strips offer surge protection which is crucial for travellers to regions with unreliable power supplies to prevent damage to any connected appliances from voltage spikes. These power adapters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both China 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 North America going to China.
  • 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 offers almost the same set of features as the BESTEK with only one less AC outlet for almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has just 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 China. [10] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for recharging the iPad in China?

Powering the iPad with a Chinese power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

Using the 30 pin Apple cable with a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter to recharge your iPad from a Chinese power outlet.

  1. In order to charge the iPad from a Chinese power outlet you will need a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple should usually supply this USB cable with your iPad).
  2. Start the process by plugging the Type A USB power plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify this wall supply by two thin slots adjacent to each other where the live and neutral plug outlet pins slide into.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the USB power charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad. The iPad dock connector is found at the base of the iPad.
  4. Switch on the Chinese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right corner of your tablet screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPad is charging taking between one-four hours to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPad with a Chinese power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

Charging the iPad from a Chinese power outlet by using a two pinned Europlug Type C USB adapter

Using an Apple 30 pin cable with a Type C power charger to power your iPad from a Chinese power outlet.

  1. If you want to supply power to the iPad using a Chinese power outlet you will need to buy a Type C USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], this cable is typically included with your device.
  2. Start the process by inserting the Type C USB power plug adapter in the wall outlet. The plug outlet can be identified by two round holes next to each other.
  3. Then connect one end of the Apple 30 pin cord into the power charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad. The iPad dock connector can be found at the bottom of the iPad.
  4. Turn on the Chinese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right corner of the iPad will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPad is recharging taking roughly 1 - 4 hours to fully recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Charging the iPad from a Chinese power outlet by using a two pinned Europlug Type C USB adapter

How to use a Type J power charger for charging your iPad from a Chinese power outlet

Instructions showing how to recharge the iPad with a Chinese power outlet by using the 30 pin Apple connector and a three pinned Type I USB adapter.

  1. To supply power to the iPad using a Chinese power outlet you will need to buy a Type I USB power plug adapter [9] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], Apple will typically supply this cable when you first purchase the iPad.
  2. Start the process by inserting the Type I USB power plug adapter in the Chinese power outlet. The plug outlet (sometimes called a Type I power outlet [8]) can be identified by three thin slots forming a triangle configuration with the top two slots sloping upward for the live, neutral and earth blades. Note that the live and neutral pins are configured reversed compared to Argentinian plug outlets, check that your Type I travel adaptor is compatible in China.
  3. Connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the USB mains charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad. The iPad dock connector is found at the base of the iPad.
  4. Switch on the Chinese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of your tablet screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the tablet is powering up which takes roughly 60-240 minutes to recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type J power charger for charging your iPad from a Chinese power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - China Wikipedia web page
  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 30 pin cable - This connects compatible iPhones, iPods and iPads to a USB port for charging, syncing and playing music.
  6. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  7. 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..
  8. iec.ch - Type I power outlet
  9. Type I USB power plug adapter - Type I USB chargers use three short flat blades in a V format with the top blade acting as a grounding pin.
  10. 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..