How to charge your iPhone 3GS from a power outlet in Germany

Instructions on how to power your iPhone 3GS from a German power outlet with a USB 30-pin connector and a Type C power charger and charging the iPhone 3GS using a 2 pinned Type F USB charger.

German power outlet

Various region codes and plug types can all be daunting when planning to stay in a different country if you've never visited before. However this isn't as complicated as it first appears, with only a handful of different types of plug sockets being used throughout the world this guide shows exactly what you'll need in advance to power your iPhone 3GS in Germany. This useful guide shows what you'll need to charge the iPhone 3GS when visiting Germany by using the standard Type F or C 230 volt 50Hz power outlets, Type F plug outlets are used by most Germans. You will find that most power sockets differ depending on which region you're taking a trip to therefore please read the WikiConnections travel power connections list for a full list showing regions. If travelling to Germany from another country please make sure that your iPhone 3GS can be used with a 240v supply. If it was purchased from a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110 volts) make sure the iPhone 3GS is dual voltage (marked with a 100-240 volt notation) otherwise you may need to use an additional power transformer to avoid the device from overheating when charging it. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 6 or greater on the iPhone 3GS.

Charging the iPhone 3GS in Germany

Can you use the iPhone 3GS in Germany?

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

What is the best travel adapter for the iPhone 3GS in Germany?

If travelling with more than your iPhone 3GS then the best travel charger for Germany is a multiple USB charger which includes swappable plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. Germans use two different standards of wall outlets (F and C) and using a travel charger like this ensures that you are covered for type C. As these types of chargers come with interchangeable plugs and can handle from 100 volts - 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries around the world simply by changing the supplied heads over. If your model of iPhone 3GS supports Fast Charge then you'll benefit from quicker recharging times by using one of these types of USB travel adapters, and support for certain power demanding devices. This means you can power multiple devices at once without needing to buy individual travel adapters on your trip to Germany. Because you are only packing a single international USB travel charger will also keep the overall size and weight down, making it ideal to store in hand baggage as well as being convenient for recharging your iPhone 3GS at the airport or on the plane. Because of their flexibility these types of adapters can be used when back at home so when you’re not travelling they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple tablets, phones and speakers without needing an additional power outlet.

If you travel frequently we recommend buying this type of flexible power charger online, the multipurpose power charger illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested with multiple USB devices in numerous different countries around the world on a daily basis.

Alternative travel adapter for Germany

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to recharge devices via USB, but for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters offer surge protection which can be necessary when visiting counties with unreliable power grids. These travel converters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover Continental Europe, North America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China 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 America visiting Germany using 3 pin type B US 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 the US using type B plugs and gives the same functionality as the BESTEK with just 1 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 perfect for most travellers from around the world visiting Germany. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for the iPhone 3GS in Germany?

How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone 3GS from a German power outlet

Instructions on how to power your iPhone 3GS from a German power outlet with a USB 30-pin connector and a Type C power charger.

  1. To supply power to the iPhone 3GS using a German power outlet you'll need to use a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - Apple should usually supply this cable with your iPhone 3GS.
  2. Begin the process by taking the Type C USB power plug adapter and plugging it into the German power outlet. This unearthed wall supply, also called a Type C power outlet [3], is identified by two circular holes 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 iPhone 3GS. The iPhone 3GS dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3GS.
  4. Switch on the German power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of your phone screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the mobile is charging taking between one-four hours to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone 3GS from a German power outlet

Powering the iPhone 3GS with a German power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

Using an Apple 30 pin cable with a Type F power charger to power your iPhone 3GS from a German power outlet.

  1. If you want to power the iPhone 3GS using a German power outlet you will need a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], Apple will typically supply this cable when you first purchase your iPhone 3GS.
  2. Begin by taking the Type F USB power plug adapter and inserting it into the German power outlet. The recessed circular power supply can be identified by two large circular holes 19 mm adjacent to each other, plus a pair of two grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  3. Plug in 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 iPhone 3GS. The iPhone 3GS dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3GS.
  4. Switch on the German power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of the cellphone screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the phone is powering up, typically taking around 60-240 minutes to recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3GS with a German power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Germany country entry on wikipedia.org
  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 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..