Charging the iPhone 4 from a power outlet in The Philippines

A guide showing how to power the iPhone 4 with a Filipino power outlet using a 30-pin Apple connector with a Type B power adapter, charging the iPhone 4 using a Type A power adapter and charging the iPhone 4 using a Type C power adapter

Filipino power outlet

Varying different frequencies and standards can often be confusing when planning on staying in a foreign country, especially if you've never been there before. These instructions have been written to stop you having to worry if you'll be able to charge the iPhone 4 when staying in The Philippines.This page contains instructions telling you how to charge your iPhone 4 when travelling to The Philippines using the Type C, A or B Filipino 220 volt 60Hz power outlets, most Filipinas will use the Type C sockets in their wall outlets. You'll discover power sockets will vary depending on which area you are travelling to so we recommend reading the power supplies list for a complete list of regions and countries. When you are travelling to The Philippines from another country ensure that your iPhone 4 can accept a 240 volt supply. If your iPhone 4 was purchased in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110 volts) make sure your iPhone 4 is dual-voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional converter to prevent the device from overheating whilst powering it. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPhone 4.

Charging the iPhone 4 in The Philippines

Can you use the iPhone 4 in The Philippines?

You can use the iPhone 4 in The Philippines.

What is the best power adapter for the iPhone 4 in The Philippines?

When travelling to more than one country or bringing along more than your iPhone 4 then the best international travel adapter for The Philippines is a multiple USB port charger which includes swappable plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. Filipinas use three different standards of wall outlets (types C, A and B) and using a travel adapter like this will ensure that you are covered for both types A and C.

Because these types of chargers are supplied with interchangeable plugs and can handle 100 volts - 240 volts will mean that you can travel to multiple countries around the world just by switching the included heads. If your iPhone 4 supports Fast Charge (please note not all USB devices can) then you'll benefit from much quicker recharging times with one of these types of USB power adapters and additional support for more power demanding devices like tablets. Unlike other adapters having a four port adapter will allow you to recharge multiple devices at the same time without needing to pack individual travel chargers on your trip or using up additional power sockets. Only bringing a single international travel charger will keep the overall weight down, making it ideal to store in hand luggage while travelling as well as being convenient for recharging your iPhone 4 at an airport or on the plane. Due to their space saving flexibility these types of power adapters can be used when back at home so when you’re not travelling they can be used under your bedside table charging multiple phones and tablets without needing an additional plug socket.

If you travel to The Philippines we suggest searching for this type of versatile power adapter online. The multipurpose power adapter illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully for powering multiple USB devices in numerous countries around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for The Philippines

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to recharge devices using USB, however for visitors also wishing to use their domestic plugs these power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power strips offer surge protection which can be useful for visitors of counties with unstable power supplies to prevent damage to any connected devices. These travel adapters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both The Philippines 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 most popular portable power adapter for travellers originating from America going to The Philippines.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Similarly having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico is also aimed at travellers from America using type B plugs and offers the same set of features as the BESTEK with 1 less AC outlet at almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 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 perfect for most travellers from around the world visiting The Philippines. [10] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for the iPhone 4 in The Philippines?

Powering the iPhone 4 with a Filipino power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

Using the Apple USB 30-pin cable and a 2 pin Type A USB charger to charge your iPhone 4 with a Filipino power outlet.

  1. To charge your iPhone 4 using the Filipino power outlet you will need to use a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple should normally supply this USB cable when you buy your iPhone 4).
  2. Begin the process by plugging the Type A USB power plug adapter in the Filipino power outlet. You can identify this plug supply by the 2 thin slots next to each other for live and neutral pins. Please be aware that power cables used with type A sockets which are rated at less that 240 volts should not be used in The Philippines so we recommend checking first.
  3. Plug in one end of the Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the USB power adapter 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 Filipino power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right corner of the mobile will display a charging icon to indicate that the phone is recharging, typically taking roughly 1 - 4 hours to recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 4 with a Filipino power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

Charging the iPhone 4 from a Filipino power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

A guide showing how to power the iPhone 4 with a Filipino power outlet using a USB 30 pin connector with a Type B power adapter.

  1. To charge the iPhone 4 from a Filipino power outlet you will need to use a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], typically already included with the device by Apple.
  2. Start the process by plugging the Type B USB power plug adapter into the wall supply. This plug supply (technically called the Type B power outlet [6]) is recognised by 2 thin slots next to each other where the live and neutral blades go with a semicircle hole below for the slightly long grounded pin. Note power cords with type B plugs which are rated at only 125 V shouldn't be used so please check prior to turning the power on.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the mains power adapter 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. Switch on the Filipino power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of your iPhone 4 screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone 4 is powering up and takes around 60 to 240 minutes to fully recharge. [AD]
Charging the iPhone 4 from a Filipino power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

Charging the iPhone 4 from a Filipino power outlet by using a two pinned Europlug Type C USB adapter

Using the Apple USB 30-pin cable and a 2 pin Type C USB charger to charge your iPhone 4 with a Filipino power outlet.

  1. If you want to supply power to the iPhone 4 using the Filipino power outlet you'll need a Type C USB power plug adapter [9] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple will usually include this USB cable with the iPhone 4).
  2. Firstly you'll need to plug the Type C USB power plug adapter in the Filipino power outlet. This unearthed plug supply (known as a Type C power outlet [8]) can be recognised by 2 holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral.
  3. Plug in one end of the Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the USB power adapter 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 Filipino power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right corner of the phone will display a charging icon to indicate that the phone is recharging, typically taking roughly 1 - 4 hours to recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Charging the iPhone 4 from a Filipino power outlet by using a two pinned Europlug Type C USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia.org entry about The Philippines
  2. Apple - official iPhone user guide
  3. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  4. Type A USB power plug adapter - With its two-blade, ungrounded design, the Type A USB power plug adapter offers a straightforward way to convert electrical outlets in countries like the United States and Canada into USB ports for easy device charging..
  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 B power outlet
  7. Type B USB power plug adapter - A Type B USB power plug adapter conforms to the NEMA 5-15 specifications, featuring 2 parallel flat blades and an extended grounding pin. Rated at 15A and 125 volts, suitable for use in the United States and Canada for converting domestic outlets to USB..
  8. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  9. 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..
  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..