How to charge your iPhone from a power outlet in Mexico

Instructions showing how to charge the iPhone with a Mexican power outlet with a 30 pin Apple connector with a 3 pinned Type A power charger and recharging the iPhone using a Type B USB adapter.

Mexican power outlet

Various voltages and region codes can all cause confusion when planning on travelling to a different country for the first time traveller. This page is a simple guide showing you what you'll need to charge the iPhone when staying in Mexico by using their B or A type 127 volt 60Hz wall outlets, Type B plug outlets will be typically used by a majority of Mexicans. Type A electrical sockets aren't as commonplace but still used by some hotels in Mexico. If your iPhone charges slowly or does not power up when visiting Mexico from a different region check that it is compatible with a 110 volt power supply. Devices which originate from a country which use a higher voltage such as 220 volts may take longer to charge or won't turn on, check your iPhone is a dual voltage device (normally marked with 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional transformer to ensure proper use.

This page details the iPhone 1st generation, the original iPhone is missing some features which have since been introduced to more recent iPhones. Visit the Apple category page for a full range of Apple iPhones. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 3 or greater on the iPhone.

Charging the iPhone in Mexico

Can you use the iPhone in Mexico?

Yes, you can use the iPhone in Mexico by using the correct power convertor.

What is the best power charger for the iPhone in Mexico?

If you are travelling with more than just your iPhone the best travel adapter for Mexico to buy is a multiple USB port adapter which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Mexicans use two different standards of wall outlets (B and A) and bringing this will ensure that you are covered for type A.

Because these chargers are supplied with interchangeable plugs and can handle from 100 volts - 240 volts it makes them ideal for over 100 countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa just by switching the plugs. If your model of iPhone can support Fast Charge (not all USB devices can) then you'll benefit from much faster recharging times with one of these travel adapters, and support for certain power demanding devices like tablets.

Unlike other travel chargers having a four port charger means you can power more than one device at the same time without needing to bring individual power chargers for your trip. Only needing to pack a single lightweight travel charger will help keep the weight and size down, making it ideal to fold up in hand baggage. Because of their space saving versatility these types of travel adapters can be used when back at home not just abroad so when you’re not travelling they can sit overnight charging multiple phones, tablets and e-readers without needing an additional power outlet.

We recommend searching for this type of versatile travel charger at your preferred electronics retailer. The travel 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 Mexico

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 iPhone, however for those also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power adapters 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 power converters 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 best selling compact option for travellers originating from America visiting Mexico using type B American plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Similarly having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the travel adapter from Orico is also aimed at travellers from America 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 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 a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting Mexico. [8] [AD]
What is the best power charger for the iPhone in Mexico?

Charging the iPhone from a Mexican power outlet by using a two pinned Type A USB adapter

Using a 30 pin cable with a Type A USB adapter to charge the iPhone from a Mexican power outlet.

  1. If you want to supply power to the iPhone using the Mexican power outlet you'll need to use a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], Apple will normally include the cable when you first purchase your iPhone.
  2. Begin the process by plugging the Type A USB power plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify the plug outlet by the 2 adjacent slots. Type A plug outlets in Mexico aren't as commonplace but could still found in some hotels.
  3. Connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the power charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone. The iPhone dock connector is found at bottom of the iPhone.
  4. Turn on the Mexican power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of your phone screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone is recharging and takes roughly one to four hours to recharge. [AD]
Charging the iPhone from a Mexican power outlet by using a two pinned Type A USB adapter

How to use a Type B power charger for charging your iPhone from a Mexican power outlet

Using a USB 30 pin cable with a Type B power adapter to charge the iPhone from a Mexican power outlet.

  1. To supply power to your iPhone from the Mexican power outlet you'll need to buy a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], Apple normally include this cable with your iPhone.
  2. First you'll need to plug in the Type B USB power plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can identify the plug outlet by the 2 slots where the twin plug outlet blades go with a semicircular shaped hole below for the ground pin. The most common sockets found in Mexico are Type B plug sockets.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the power charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone. The iPhone dock connector is found at bottom of the iPhone.
  4. Turn on the Mexican power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of the mobile screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone is recharging and takes between one to four hours to recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type B power charger for charging your iPhone from a Mexican power outlet

See also

  1. Visitmexico - Visit Mexico Web Site
  2. Apple - the original iPhone product manual
  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. 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..