How to charge the iPhone when staying in The Philippines

Instructions showing how to charge the iPhone with a Filipino power outlet by using a USB 30-pin Apple connector and a Type A power charger, how to recharge the iPhone using a Type B power plug and charging the iPhone using a 2 pinned Type C USB charger

Filipino power outlet

Various frequencies and region codes can all cause confusion when planning on staying in another country, especially for the first time traveller. This page has been specifically written to stop travellers worrying if they can power the iPhone when going to The Philippines.If you are going to travel to The Philippines these useful instructions show how to supply power to your iPhone using their C, A or B type 220 volt 60Hz power outlets, please note that Type C wall outlets will be typically used by a majority of Filipinos. Power sources will change from country to country so please read the WikiConnections global power sockets guide where you'll find a complete list of powering devices in different destinations. If travelling to The Philippines from another country please ensure the iPhone can accept a 240 volt supply. If it was purchased in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) check your device is dual-voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional converter to avoid the device from overloading whilst powering it up.

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 The Philippines

Can the iPhone be used in The Philippines?

You can connect the iPhone to a Filipino power outlet by using a power convertor.

What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPhone in The Philippines?

When you are travelling with more than just your iPhone or visiting multiple countries the best travel charger for The Philippines is a multiple USB charger which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are three types of plug sockets that Filipinas use (types C, A and B) and bringing this will ensure that you are covered for both types A and C.

As these types of chargers come with interchangeable plugs and handle 100 - 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries around the world simply by switching the included plugs. If your model of iPhone can support Fast Charge (please note that not all USB devices do) then you'll benefit from much faster recharging times by using one of these types of USB power chargers plus support for certain power demanding devices. Unlike other chargers this will also allow you to recharge more than one device at the same time without needing to bring individual travel chargers. Because you are only packing a single lightweight USB travel charger will keep the overall size and weight down, making it ideal to fold up in hand luggage whilst travelling. Due to their 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 and tablets without using up an additional wall outlet.

We suggest buying this type of flexible power charger online, the multipurpose travel adapter illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully for recharging multiple USB devices in numerous different countries.

Alternative travel adapter for The Philippines

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world wanting to charge devices via USB, but for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power converters offer surge protection which can be necessary when visiting counties with unreliable or unstable power supplies to prevent damage to any connected appliances from voltage spikes. These power adapters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both The Philippines 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 power converter for travellers originating from America visiting The Philippines using 3 pin type B American plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Similarly having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico travel adapter is also aimed at travellers originating from North 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 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 perfect for most travellers from around the world visiting The Philippines. [10] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPhone in The Philippines?

Powering the iPhone with a Filipino power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

Instructions showing how to recharge the iPhone with a Filipino power outlet by using a USB 30-pin connector and a Type A power charger.

  1. If you want to power your iPhone using a Filipino power outlet you will need a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (normally included with your device).
  2. Begin by inserting the Type A USB power plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can recognise the power supply by 2 slots next to each other. Please note that power cords used with type A plugs which are rated at less that 240 V shouldn't be used in The Philippines so please check prior to proceeding.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB cord into the power charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone. The iPhone dock connector is found at bottom of the iPhone.
  4. Turn on the Filipino power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right corner of your phone screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the mobile is charging which should take roughly 60-240 minutes to recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone with a Filipino power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

Powering the iPhone with a Filipino power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

Using an Apple 30 pin cable with a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter to charge the iPhone with a Filipino power outlet.

  1. In order to charge the iPhone from the Filipino power outlet you'll need to buy a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], Apple normally include the USB cable with your iPhone.
  2. Plug in the Type B USB power plug adapter in the wall outlet. This wall supply, sometimes called a Type B power outlet [6], is recognised by the two slots where the blades sit with a single semicircle shaped hole below for the slightly longer earthed pin. Please note that power cords used with type B sockets which are rated at 125 volts shouldn't be used in The Philippines so please check prior to proceeding.
  3. Plug in one end of the power cord into the mains USB adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone. The iPhone dock connector is found at bottom of the iPhone.
  4. Turn on the Filipino power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right corner of your mobile screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone is charging taking between 60-240 minutes to recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone with a Filipino power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

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

A page on how to power your iPhone from a Filipino power outlet with a USB 30-pin cable with a 2 pinned Type C USB charger.

  1. To supply power to the iPhone using a Filipino power outlet you will need to buy a Type C USB power plug adapter [9] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple should usually supply this cable with your iPhone).
  2. Start the process by inserting the Type C USB power plug adapter in the Filipino power outlet. You can identify this wall supply by 2 round holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins.
  3. Connect one end of the charging cord into the USB power charger 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 Filipino power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of your mobile screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the phone is powering up, typically taking around one to four hours to completely recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone from a Filipino power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia entry about The Philippines
  2. Apple - the original iPhone product manual
  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 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. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  9. 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..
  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..