Charging your iPhone 4S from a power outlet in Mexico

Instructions showing how to charge your iPhone 4S from a Mexican power outlet with a 30-pin connector with a 3 pin Type A USB charger and charging the iPhone 4S using a 3 pin Type B USB plug.

Mexican power outlet

Different combinations of standards and voltages can all be confusing when planning on visiting a foreign country, especially for the first time traveller. This page contains useful instructions which shows how to power your iPhone 4S in Mexico by using their standard Type B or A 127 volt 60Hz wall outlets, most Mexicans typically use Type B power outlets. Type A electrical sockets aren't as commonplace but still used by some hotels in Mexico. You will find most power sources vary from country to country therefore we recommend reading the Wikiconnections world power connections guide where you'll find a complete list showing powering devices in different regions and countries. If the iPhone 4S does not power up or charges slowly when travelling to Mexico from a different country please check that it is compatible with a 110 volt power supply. Typically electrical devices which come from a different country which use a higher voltage such as 220 volts sometimes take longer to charge or won't power up, so check the iPhone 4S is dual-voltage (normally marked with 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional power converter to ensure proper use. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPhone 4S.

Charging the iPhone 4S in Mexico

Can you use the iPhone 4S in Mexico?

You can connect the iPhone 4S to a Mexican power outlet by using the correct power convertor.

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

If you are travelling to more than one country or bringing more than your iPhone 4S the best international travel charger for Mexico to buy is a multiple USB charger which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two standards of plug sockets that Mexicans use (types B and A) and bringing this ensures that you are covered for type A.

As these chargers come with interchangeable plugs and handle from 100 volts - 240 volts will mean that you can travel to multiple countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa simply by changing the included plugs over. If your iPhone 4S can support Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much quicker charging times by using one of these travel chargers along with compatibility with more power demanding devices like tablets.

Unlike other adapters this will allow you to charge multiple devices at the same time without needing to buy seperate travel chargers or occupying additional wall sockets. Only bringing a single lightweight USB travel charger will help keep the size and weight down, making it perfect to fold up and store in hand baggage whilst travelling as well as being convenient for recharging your iPhone 4S at an airport or on your flight. Because of their versatility these types of travel adapters can be used at home so when you’re not travelling they can be used under your bedside table charging multiple smartphones, tablets and speakers without needing an additional plug socket.

We recommend buying this type of flexible travel charger online. The multipurpose travel charger illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully for charging multiple USB devices in numerous countries around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for Mexico

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to charge devices using USB, but for those also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power strips offer surge protection which can be crucial for visitors of counties with unstable power grids. These power converters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both Mexico 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 compact option for travellers originating from North America visiting Mexico using 3 pinned type B plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Likewise having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico is also aimed at travellers originating from America using type B plugs and is a cheaper alternative to the BESTEK with 1 less AC outlet for almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 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 perfect for a majority of travellers from around the world visiting Mexico. [8] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPhone 4S in Mexico?

How to use a Type A power charger for recharging your iPhone 4S from a Mexican power outlet

Instructions showing how to charge your iPhone 4S from a Mexican power outlet with a 30-pin connector with a 3 pin Type A USB charger.

  1. If you want to charge the iPhone 4S from the Mexican power outlet you will need to use a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - usually included with the device.
  2. Start the process by taking the Type A USB power plug adapter and inserting it in the Mexican power outlet. This unearthed plug supply (sometimes known as a Type A power outlet [3]) is identified by two adjacent slots next to each other where the live and neutral plug outlet blades go. Type A plug sockets in Mexico aren't as common but could still used in some hotels.
  3. Connect one end of the cord into the bottom of the power adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 4S. The iPhone 4S dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 4S.
  4. Switch on the Mexican power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of your mobile will display a charge icon to indicate that the mobile is recharging which takes roughly 60 to 240 minutes to fully recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type A power charger for recharging your iPhone 4S from a Mexican power outlet

How to use a Type B power charger for recharging your iPhone 4S from a Mexican power outlet

A step by step guide showing how to recharge your iPhone 4S with a Mexican power outlet with the 30-pin Apple connector with a three pin Type B power charger.

  1. In order to power the iPhone 4S from a Mexican power outlet you will need to use a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], Apple will normally supply this USB cable with the iPhone 4S.
  2. Start by plugging the Type B USB power plug adapter in the Mexican power outlet. You can recognise the wall outlet by the two thin slots next to each other with a single semicircular hole below for the long ground pin. The most commonly found outlets in Mexico are Type B power outlets.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the USB power adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 4S. The iPhone 4S dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 4S.
  4. Switch on the Mexican power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of your iPhone will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone 4S is charging, typically taking between one to four hours to fully recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type B power charger for recharging your iPhone 4S from a Mexican power outlet

See also

  1. Visitmexico - Visit Mexico Web Site
  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. 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..