How to charge the iPhone 3GS in India

Instructions showing you how to recharge your iPhone 3GS with an Indian power outlet with a USB 30 pin Apple cable and a three pinned Type D power charger, charging the iPhone 3GS using a two pin Type C USB plug and powering the iPhone 3GS using a three pinned Type M power plug

Indian power outlet

Varying different voltages and region codes can often cause confusion when planning to visit another country especially to the first time traveller. This isn't as complex as it first appears, with only a handful of different types of common standards used throughout the world this guide shows exactly what you'll need in advance to charge the iPhone 3GS . This page is a step by step guide demonstrating how to power your iPhone 3GS when you are travelling to India by using their standard types D, C or M 230 volt 50Hz power outlets, Type D power outlets will be typically used by most Indians. You will discover power sockets will vary depending on which region you are visiting therefore we suggest reading the travel power supplies page for a full list of countries. If you are visiting India from another region please double check your iPhone 3GS can be charged using a 240 volt supply. If your iPhone 3GS originated in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) double check the iPhone 3GS is dual-voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional converter to stop the device from being damaged whilst powering it. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 6 or greater on the iPhone 3GS.

Charging the iPhone 3GS in India

Can the iPhone 3GS be used in India?

Yes, you can use the iPhone 3GS in India.

What is the best travel charger for recharging the iPhone 3GS in India?

When travelling with more than your iPhone 3GS the best travel charger for India is a multiple USB port adapter which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Indians use three different standards of plug sockets (types D, C and M) and bringing this will ensure that you are covered for type C. Because these types of chargers come with interchangeable pins and can handle from 100 - 240 volts will mean that you can travel to multiple countries in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa simply by switching the supplied heads. If your type of iPhone 3GS supports Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much quicker charging times by using one of these types of power adapters, plus additional compatibility with certain power demanding devices like tablets.

Unlike other adapters having a 4 port charger means you can power more than one device simultaneously without needing to pack individual travel chargers. By only packing a single international travel charger will help keep the overall size and weight down, making it perfect to fold up and store in hand luggage while travelling and on hand for charging your iPhone 3GS at the airport or on the plane. Due to their versatility these types of travel adapters can be used back at home so when you’re not on holiday they can sit overnight charging multiple tablets, smartphones and e-readers without needing an additional power outlet.

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

Alternative travel adapter for India

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 3GS, but for visitors also wishing to use their domestic plugs the following power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power adapters offer surge protection which is crucial for visitors of counties with unstable power grids. These power adapters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover Continental Europe, America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China 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 India.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Likewise having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the travel adapter from Orico is also aimed at travellers from North America using type B plugs and gives almost the same functionality as the BESTEK with one less AC outlet at 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 India. [10] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for recharging the iPhone 3GS in India?

Charging the iPhone 3GS from an Indian power outlet by using a two pinned Europlug Type C USB adapter

Using the USB 30 pin Apple cable with a two pin Type C power charger to charge the iPhone 3GS from an Indian power outlet.

  1. In order to power the iPhone 3GS from the Indian power outlet you will need to buy a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (usually already included with your iPhone 3GS).
  2. Firstly plug the Type C USB power plug adapter into the wall supply. You can recognise this wall outlet by the 2 circular adjacent holes next to each other.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the power adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3GS. The iPhone 3GS dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3GS.
  4. Turn on the Indian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of your iPhone 3GS screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone 3GS is recharging, typically taking roughly one to four hours to recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Charging the iPhone 3GS from an Indian power outlet by using a two pinned Europlug Type C USB adapter

Charging the iPhone 3GS from an Indian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type D USB adapter

Using the Apple USB 30-pin connector and a Type D USB adapter to power your iPhone 3GS with an Indian power outlet.

  1. To power the iPhone 3GS using an Indian power outlet you'll need to use a Type D USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], usually already included with the iPhone 3GS.
  2. Begin the process by taking the Type D USB power plug adapter and inserting it into the power outlet. The power supply (known as the Type D power outlet [6]) looks like 3 holes forming a triangular configuration.
  3. Plug in one end of the Apple cable into the USB mains adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3GS. The iPhone 3GS dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3GS.
  4. Switch on the Indian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of your phone will display a charging icon to indicate that the phone is charging and takes roughly 1 to 4 hours to completely recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Charging the iPhone 3GS from an Indian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type D USB adapter

How to use a Type M power charger for recharging your iPhone 3GS from an Indian power outlet

Instructions showing you how to recharge your iPhone 3GS from an Indian power outlet with the USB 30 pin Apple cable with a three pin Type M power charger.

  1. If you want to charge the iPhone 3GS using the Indian power outlet you'll need a Type M USB power plug adapter [9] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (normally already supplied with your iPhone 3GS by Apple).
  2. Start by taking the Type M USB power plug adapter and inserting it in the Indian power outlet. You can recognise the wall outlet by the 3 large circular holes in a triangular pattern for live, neutral and ground.
  3. Connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the USB adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3GS. The iPhone 3GS dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3GS.
  4. Switch on the Indian 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 3GS is powering up, typically taking between 60-240 minutes to completely recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type M power charger for recharging your iPhone 3GS from an Indian power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Indian Wikipedia web page
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3GS 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 D power outlet
  7. Type D USB power plug adapter - Designed for usage in South Asian countries such as India and Nepal, the Type D USB power plug adapter offers a practical solution for converting local 3-prong grounded outlets into USB ports, providing reliable charging for a range of USB devices..
  8. iec.ch - Type M power outlet
  9. Type M USB power plug adapter - South African Type M USB chargers have three large circular pins in a triangular shape with the top earthed pin longer and larger in diameter.
  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..