How to charge your iPhone 4 from a power outlet in Spain

Instructions on how to charge the iPhone 4 with a Spanish power outlet with a USB 30-pin cable with a Type C USB adapter and how to recharge the iPhone 4 using a 2 pinned Type F power plug.

Spanish power outlet

If you are organizing a vacation it can be useful to know if you'll be able to use your electronics like cell phones and cameras when you reach your destination. Without knowing which plug socket is being used in Spain you are likely to bring the wrong power adaptor, leaving you needing to buy or borrow a suitable power adaptor on arrival. Varying different standards and voltages can often lead to confusion when planning on staying in a foreign country to the first time traveller. This guide was specifically written to prevent you worrying if you'll be able to charge your iPhone 4 when Spain.This page contains step-by-step instructions which shows exactly how to supply power to your iPhone 4 when you are visiting Spain using their Type F or C Spanish 230 volt 50Hz wall outlets, most Spaniards will typically use the Type F sockets in their plug outlets. When travelling to Spain from another country please check that your iPhone 4 can be used with a 240 volt supply. If the iPhone 4 was purchased from a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) double check the iPhone 4 is dual voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional transformer to avoid the device from being damaged during charging. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPhone 4.

Charging the iPhone 4 in Spain

Can the iPhone 4 be used in Spain?

You can use the iPhone 4 in Spain by using the correct power adaptor.

What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPhone 4 in Spain?

When travelling with more than your iPhone 4 and visiting multiple countries then the best international travel charger for Spain is a multiple USB port adapter which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Spaniards use two different standards of wall outlets (F and C) and bringing this ensures that you are covered for type C. Because these types of chargers come with interchangeable plugs and handle 100 - 240 volts will mean that you can travel to over 100 countries around the world simply by changing the supplied heads. If your iPhone 4 supports Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much faster recharging times with one of these travel adapters, and support for certain power hungry devices like tablets.

Having a 4 port charger will also allow you to recharge multiple devices at once without needing to pack individual travel adapters. Because you are only needing to bring a single lightweight travel charger will help keep the weight and size down, making it ideal to store in hand baggage while travelling and suitable for charging your iPhone 4 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 smartphones and tablets without needing an additional power outlet.

We recommend searching for a multipurpose travel adapter like this at an electronics retailer - the multipurpose power charger illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous countries on a daily basis.

Alternative travel adapter for Spain

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to charge devices via USB, however for those also wishing to use their domestic plugs these power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power converters offer surge protection which can be necessary for visitors of regions with unstable power supplies. These travel converters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Spain and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK international travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular portable power converter for travellers originating from North America going to Spain.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Likewise having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico travel adapter is also aimed at travellers from the US using type B plugs. This is a more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with just 1 less AC outlet at almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has just 2 AC outlets but offers a generous 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 Spain. [8] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPhone 4 in Spain?

Powering the iPhone 4 with a Spanish power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

Instructions on how to charge the iPhone 4 with a Spanish power outlet with a USB 30-pin cable with a Type C USB adapter.

  1. In order to power the iPhone 4 using a Spanish 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 the USB cable when you purchase the iPhone 4.
  2. Insert the Type C USB power plug adapter in the Spanish power outlet. You can identify the plug outlet by 2 circular holes adjacent to each other where the two pins sit.
  3. Then connect one end of the Apple 30 pin USB cord into the USB power charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 4. The iPhone 4 dock connector is found at bottom of the iPhone 4.
  4. Turn on the Spanish power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of the iPhone screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the phone is charging and takes between one to four hours to recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 4 with a Spanish power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

Powering the iPhone 4 with a Spanish power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

Using a USB 30 pin Apple connector with a Type F power charger to recharge the iPhone 4 with a Spanish power outlet.

  1. If you want to supply power to the iPhone 4 from the Spanish power outlet you'll need to buy a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - Apple should typically include the USB cable when you first purchase your iPhone 4.
  2. Start the process by inserting the Type F USB power plug adapter in the Spanish power outlet. You can recognise the power supply by two large circular holes 19 mm next to each other for live and neutral along with thin metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the mains power charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 4. The iPhone 4 dock connector is found at bottom of the iPhone 4.
  4. Turn on the Spanish power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of your phone screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone 4 is recharging which should take around 60-240 minutes to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 4 with a Spanish power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Spanish entry on wikipedia.org
  2. Apple - official iPhone 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..