Charging the iPad when visiting Germany

Using the Apple 30-pin cable with a two pin Type C USB charger to power the iPad with a German power outlet and how to charge the iPad using a two pinned Type F power plug.

German power outlet

If you are packing for a holiday it's helpful to know in advance if you can power all your indispensable electronics like cell phones and laptop computers when you arrive at your hotel. Without knowing which power socket is used in Germany you could end up either weighing your luggage down with too many spare adaptors or bring the wrong power adaptor, meaning having to buy or borrow a potentially overpriced adaptor when you're there. Differing voltages and plugs can often be daunting when planning on staying in a foreign country especially if you've never been there before. These guidelines have been written to help prepare travellers wanting to charge the iPad when they are going to Germany.When visiting Germany this page has useful instructions showing how to charge your iPad by using the F or C type German 230 volt 50Hz wall outlets, you'll find a majority of Germans will use Type F plug outlets. Most power will vary depending on which area you are travelling to so we suggest reading the Europe page for a full list of countries. If you are visiting Germany from a different country please ensure that your iPad can be used with a 240 volt supply. If the iPad was purchased in a country which uses a lower voltage such as 120v ensure that the device is dual-voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional converter to stop the device from over-heating during charging. 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 Germany

Can you use the iPad in Germany?

Yes, you can connect the iPad to a German power outlet.

What is the best power charger for recharging the iPad in Germany?

When travelling to more than one country then the best international travel charger for Germany is a multiple USB port adapter which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two different standards of wall outlets that Germans use (F and C) and bringing this ensures that you are covered for type C. As these types of chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and handle from 100 volts - 240 volts will mean you can travel to over 100 countries around the world just by changing the included plugs. If your model of iPad is compatible with Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much faster charging times with one of these USB travel chargers along with additional support for certain power hungry devices like tablets.

This will allow you to recharge more than one device at once without needing to buy multiple travel chargers or using up additional power outlets. Because you are only needing to bring a single travel charger will keep the overall size down, making it perfect to fold up and store in hand luggage. Due to their space saving versatility these types of adapters can be used at home so when you’re not on holiday they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple phones and tablets without using up an additional wall outlet.

For those travelling frequently we suggest buying an adaptable travel adapter like this online. The travel adapter illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for charging multiple USB devices in numerous countries on a daily basis.

Alternative travel adapter for Germany

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world wanting to recharge devices using USB, 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 can be crucial for travellers to counties with unreliable or unstable power grids to prevent damage to any connected devices. These power converters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover Europe, America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China and over 150 destinations:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK international travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling compact power adapter for travellers originating from America going to Germany using type B plug sockets.
  • 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 from North America using type B plugs and is a more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with just 1 less AC outlet for almost half 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 most travellers from around the world visiting Germany. [8] [AD]
What is the best power charger for recharging the iPad in Germany?

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

Using a USB 30 pin connector and a Type C power adapter to charge the iPad from a German power outlet.

  1. In order to power the iPad from the German power outlet you'll need a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], Apple will normally supply this cable when you buy the iPad.
  2. Start the process by taking the Type C USB power plug adapter and inserting it into the power outlet. You can identify the plug supply by two round holes next to each other.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the USB mains 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. Switch on the German power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of the iPad screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPad is recharging taking around one-four hours to fully recharge. [AD]
Charging the iPad from a German power outlet by using a two pinned Europlug Type C USB adapter

How to use a Type F power charger for recharging your iPad from a German power outlet

Using an Apple USB 30-pin cable and a two pinned Type F power charger to recharge the iPad with a German power outlet.

  1. If you want to charge your iPad using the German power outlet you'll need to buy a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], typically already supplied with your device by Apple.
  2. Begin the process by inserting the Type F USB power plug adapter into the power supply. This recessed circular wall supply, sometimes known as a Type F power outlet [6], can be identified by two large round adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral pins and a pair of two thin grounding clips above and below.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the USB mains adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad. The iPad dock connector is found at the bottom of the iPad.
  4. Turn on the German power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of your iPad will display a charging icon to indicate that the tablet is charging and takes between 60-240 minutes to completely recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type F power charger for recharging your iPad from a German power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Germany country Wiki page
  2. Apple - official iPad 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..