How to charge your iPad Air 2 from a power outlet in Spain

Using the Lightning Apple cable with a Type C power adapter to charge an iPad Air 2 from a Spanish power outlet and charging an iPad Air 2 using a Schuko Type F USB adapter.

Spanish power outlet

Various region codes and plugs can all cause confusion when planning on travelling to a different country for the first time traveller. If going to Spain this page has instructions showing how to power the iPad Air 2 using their standard types F or C Spanish 230 volt 50Hz plug outlets, most Spaniards will typically use Type F sockets in their plug outlets. Most power sockets are different regionally therefore please read the Wiki Connections global power sockets guide for a full list showing powering devices in different destinations. If you are travelling to Spain from a different country check that the iPad Air 2 can be charged using a 240 volt supply. If it was purchased in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110 volts) ensure that the iPad Air 2 is dual-voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional voltage converter to prevent the device from being damaged whilst powering it up. If you plan on taking a trip to tourist destinations like Madrid refer to the Spanish wikipedia page [1] for more details prior to the area. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on an iPad Air 2.

Charging an iPad Air 2 in Spain

Can the iPad Air 2 be used in Spain?

You can use an iPad Air 2 in Spain.

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

When travelling with more than your iPad Air 2 and visiting more than one country then the best international travel charger for Spain is a multiple USB adapter which includes compatible plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two types of plug sockets that Spaniards use (F and C) and bringing this will ensure that you are covered for type C.

As these chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and can handle from 100 volts - 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa just by switching the plugs over. If your model of iPad Air 2 supports Fast Charge (not all USB devices will) then you'll benefit from much quicker charging times with one of these USB travel adapters plus compatibility with more power hungry devices like tablets. Having a four port charger will also allow you to recharge multiple devices at once without needing to pack individual travel adapters. Because you are only needing a single international USB travel charger will keep the weight down, making it ideal to fold up in hand luggage. Because of their space saving versatility these types of travel adapters can be used when back at home as well as abroad so when you’re not travelling they can be used overnight charging multiple tablets, phones and speakers and using just a single plug socket.

For those travelling frequently we recommend buying a versatile travel charger similar to this online, the power charger illustrated here 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 grids to prevent damage to any connected appliances from voltage spikes. These travel converters come 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 travel converter 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 travel adapter from Orico is also aimed at travellers originating from North America using type B plugs and gives the same set of features as the BESTEK with one less AC outlet for 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 a majority of travellers from around the world visiting Spain. [8] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for recharging an iPad Air 2 in Spain?

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

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

  1. If you want to charge the iPad Air 2 from a Spanish power outlet you will need to buy a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] - Apple will typically include the cable when you first purchase your iPad Air 2.
  2. Insert the Type C USB power plug adapter in the Spanish power outlet. You can identify this power outlet by the 2 adjacent holes.
  3. Connect one end of the Apple Lightning power cord into the USB mains charger and the other end into the Lightning connector on an iPad Air 2. The iPad Air 2 lightning connector is found at the bottom of the iPad Air 2.
  4. Turn on the Spanish power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of the iPad screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPad is charging and takes between one to four hours to recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPad Air 2 from a Spanish power outlet

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

Instructions on how to power your iPad Air 2 from a Spanish power outlet by using the Apple Lightning cable with a Schuko Type F USB adapter.

  1. If you want to supply power to an iPad Air 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] (typically already supplied with the device).
  2. Begin by taking the Type F USB power plug adapter and inserting it into the power outlet. You can recognise the plug supply by two 4.8mm circular holes 19 mm adjacent to each other where the two pins sit, plus a pair of grounding clips above and below.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB to Apple Lightning cable into the bottom of the mains power charger and the other end into the Lightning connector on an iPad Air 2. The iPad Air 2 lightning connector is situated at the bottom of the iPad Air 2.
  4. Switch on the Spanish power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of your tablet will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPad Air 2 is charging which takes around 60-240 minutes to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Powering an iPad Air 2 with a Spanish power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Spanish 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..