How to charge the iPad Mini 2 from a power outlet in Spain

Using a Lightning Apple connector with a Type C power adapter to charge the iPad Mini 2 from a Spanish power outlet and recharging the iPad Mini 2 using a 2 pinned Type F power charger.

Spanish power outlet

If you are packing for a vacation to Spain it's helpful to know in advance if you can charge your common devices when you get to your hotel. By not knowing which wall socket is used you may bring the wrong power adaptor, meaning needing to borrow a suitable adaptor on arrival which might not be compatible. Varying different combinations of standards and voltages can often lead to confusion when planning on staying in a foreign country for the first time traveller. This isn't as complex as it appears, with only a handful of different types of plug sockets being used in the world this guide shows exactly what you'll need to purchase in advance to power the iPad Mini 2 in Spain. The following step-by-step guide will show you how to power the iPad Mini 2 when you're visiting Spain by using the F or C type 230 volt 50Hz wall outlets, a majority of Spaniards will typically use the Type F sockets in their power outlets. Power will vary from country to country so please read the travel power supplies page for a complete list of countries. If visiting Spain from a different country check that the iPad Mini 2 can be charged using a 240 volt supply. If it was purchased from a country which uses a lower voltage such as 120 volts ensure that the device is dual-voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional power converter to avoid the device from overheating when charging it. If you're planning on staying somewhere such as Madrid or Barcelona please read the Spain Wikipedia page [1] for more information prior to the location. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPad Mini 2.

Charging the iPad Mini 2 in Spain

Can you use the iPad Mini 2 in Spain?

Yes, you can use the iPad Mini 2 in Spain by using a power convertor.

What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPad Mini 2 in Spain?

When travelling with more than your iPad Mini 2 and visiting multiple countries then the best travel charger for Spain to buy is a multiple USB port adapter which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Spaniards use two different types of plug sockets (types F and C) and using a power adapter like this ensures that you are covered for type C. As these types of chargers come with interchangeable pins and handle 100 volts to 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa just by changing the plugs. If your model of iPad Mini 2 supports Fast Charge (note not all USB devices do) then you'll benefit from quicker charging times by using one of these types of USB power chargers and additional compatibility with certain power demanding devices.

This means you can charge more than one device at the same time without needing to buy seperate power adapters or using up additional power outlets. Only packing a single international USB travel charger will help keep the size down, making it ideal to fold up in hand baggage and suitable for recharging your iPad Mini 2 at an airport or on a plane. Because of their flexibility these types of travel chargers can be used at home so when you’re not on holiday they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple tablets and phones without needing an additional wall outlet.

For those travelling often we recommend searching for a versatile travel charger similar to this online. The power adapter illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous different countries around the world with good reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Spain

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 Mini 2, but for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs the following power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power converters offer surge protection which is crucial for visitors of counties with unreliable or unstable power grids to prevent damage to any connected devices. These power adapters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering Continental Europe, North America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, 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 power adapter for travellers originating from America visiting Spain.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Also having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico is also aimed at travellers originating from the US using type B plugs and is a much more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with only 1 less AC outlet at almost half the price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has just 2 AC outlets but offers a flexible 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 suitable for most travellers from around the world visiting Spain. [8] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPad Mini 2 in Spain?

How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPad Mini 2 from a Spanish power outlet

Using a Lightning Apple connector with a Type C power adapter to charge the iPad Mini 2 from a Spanish power outlet.

  1. To power the iPad Mini 2 from the Spanish power outlet you will need a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5], normally supplied with the iPad Mini 2.
  2. First plug in the Type C USB power plug adapter in the Spanish power outlet. You can recognise the plug supply by two circular holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral.
  3. Plug in the USB end of the Lightning charging cable into the USB mains charger and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPad Mini 2. The iPad Mini 2 lightning connector is found at the bottom of the iPad Mini 2.
  4. Turn on the Spanish power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of the tablet screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPad Mini 2 is recharging which typically takes around 60-240 minutes to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPad Mini 2 from a Spanish power outlet

Powering the iPad Mini 2 with a Spanish power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

Using a USB Lightning Apple connector and a two pinned Type F power charger to charge the iPad Mini 2 with a Spanish power outlet.

  1. In order to power the iPad Mini 2 using the Spanish power outlet you'll need to use a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] (Apple will usually supply the USB cable when you purchase the iPad Mini 2).
  2. Start the process by inserting the Type F USB power plug adapter into the power outlet. This recessed circular power supply, also called the Type F power outlet [6] or Schuko outlet, can be recognised by the two holes 19 mm next to each other, plus a pair of grounding clips above and below.
  3. Then connect the USB end of the USB to Apple Lightning cable into the USB mains adapter and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPad Mini 2. The iPad Mini 2 lightning connector can be found at the base of the iPad Mini 2.
  4. Turn on the Spanish power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of the iPad Mini 2 screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPad is recharging and takes roughly 60 to 240 minutes to recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPad Mini 2 with a Spanish power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Spain Wikipedia 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 Lightning cable - The Apple Lightning cable is a charging and syncing cable for more recent Apple devices and connects compatible iPhones and iPads to a USB port.
  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..