How to charge the iPhone 5C when staying in Germany

A step-by-step guide showing you how to charge the iPhone 5C with a German power outlet by using a USB Lightning cable with a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter and powering the iPhone 5C using a two pinned Schuko Type F USB charger.

German power outlet

Varying complicated combinations of standards and plugs can all cause confusion when planning on staying in another country, especially for the first time traveller. 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 article tells you exactly what to purchase in advance to charge your iPhone 5C in Germany. This guide will show you what you'll need to supply power to your iPhone 5C when you are travelling to Germany by using the standard types F or C German 230 volt 50Hz wall outlets, you'll discover most Germans will typically use the Type F wall outlets. When you are visiting Germany from a different country check your iPhone 5C can be used with a 240v supply. If it was purchased in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) check your device is dual-voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional converter to stop the device from overheating when powering up. If you intend on staying in a tourist destination like Berlin please read the Wikipedia entry about Germany [1] for more information on visiting the area. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPhone 5C.

Charging the iPhone 5C in Germany

Can the iPhone 5C be used in Germany?

You can connect the iPhone 5C to a German power outlet by using a power convertor.

What is the best travel adapter for recharging the iPhone 5C in Germany?

When you are travelling with more than just your iPhone 5C or visiting multiple countries then the best international travel power adapter for Germany to buy is a multiple USB port adapter which includes compatible plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two different standards of power outlets in Germany (types F and C) and bringing this will ensure that you are covered for type C.

As these types of chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and handle 100 - 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries around the world simply by switching the plugs. If your iPhone 5C is compatible with Fast Charge then you'll benefit from quicker charging times with one of these power chargers plus support for certain power demanding devices. Having a four port charger means you can charge multiple devices simultaneously without needing to buy individual travel adapters on your trip to Germany or occupying additional power outlets. By only needing to pack a single international USB travel charger will also keep the overall size and weight down, making it ideal to fold up in hand luggage whilst travelling and suitable for recharging your iPhone 5C at the airport or on the plane. Because of their space saving versatility these types of power chargers can be used at home as well as abroad so when you’re not travelling they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple tablets and smartphones with only a single wall outlet.

We suggest buying an adaptable power charger similar to this at an electronics retailer. The power charger illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested with multiple USB devices in numerous countries.

Alternative travel adapter for Germany

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world wanting to charge devices via USB, but for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power converters offer surge protection which is useful for visitors of regions with unreliable power grids to prevent damage to any connected devices from voltage spikes. These power adapters come 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 most popular compact option for travellers originating from North America going to Germany using 3 pinned 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 North America using type B plugs. This offers almost the same set of features 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 a more 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 suitable for a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting Germany. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for recharging the iPhone 5C in Germany?

How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone 5C from a German power outlet

Using the Lightning Apple connector and a Type C power charger to power your iPhone 5C from a German power outlet.

  1. To supply power to the iPhone 5C using a German power outlet you will need a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] (Apple normally include the USB cable with your iPhone 5C).
  2. Start the process by taking the Type C USB power plug adapter and plugging it into the German power outlet. You can recognise the power supply by 2 round adjacent holes.
  3. Plug in the USB end of the cord into the USB power charger and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPhone 5C. You can find the Lightning connector on the iPhone 5C situated at the bottom of your iPhone 5C.
  4. Switch on the German power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of the iPhone will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone is charging which typically takes roughly one-four hours to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone 5C from a German power outlet

Powering the iPhone 5C with a German power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

A step-by-step guide showing you how to charge the iPhone 5C with a German power outlet by using a USB Lightning cable with a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter.

  1. In order to charge the iPhone 5C from the German 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 typically supply this cable with your iPhone 5C.
  2. Begin by inserting the Type F USB power plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify this power supply by two 4.8mm round holes 19 mm next to each other where the twin plug outlet pins slide into, plus a pair of two thin metal grounding clips above and below.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB to Apple Lightning cable into the bottom of the mains USB adapter and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPhone 5C. The iPhone 5C Lightning connector is situated at bottom of the iPhone 5C under the home button.
  4. Turn on the German power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right corner of your cell screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the mobile is charging which typically takes roughly one-four hours to completely recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 5C with a German power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia entry about Germany
  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 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..