How to charge your iPhone 4 from a power outlet in Brazil

Instructions showing how to recharge the iPhone 4 with a Brazilian power outlet with a USB 30 pin Apple connector with a 2 pinned Type C power charger and charging the iPhone 4 using a Type N power plug.

Brazilian power outlet

Brazil uses 2 different types of voltage depending on the location - both 127 volts and 240 volts. Always ensure that you familiarise yourself with the voltage of the outlet prior to using any electrical appliance in a Brazilian power outlet. Instructions on this page assume that you understand which voltage you will be using, however the safest option is always to use a dual voltage device or appliance.

Different combinations of standards and sockets can all be daunting when planning to travel to a different country, especially if you've never been there before. These guidelines have been written to prepare people wanting to charge their iPhone 4 abroad.When you're travelling to Brazil this page contains instructions showing how to supply power to your iPhone 4 using the standard types N or C Brazilian 60Hz power outlets, you will find most Brazilians will normally use Type N sockets in their plug outlets. If the iPhone 4 doesn't power up or recharges slowly when travelling to Brazil from another country then check that it is compatible with a Brazilian power supply. Normally electrical devices which come from another country which use a higher voltage (for example 220 volts) may take longer to charge or won't power up, so check your device is dual voltage (usually marked with a 100-240 volt notation) otherwise you may need to use an additional power transformer to ensure proper use. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPhone 4.

Charging the iPhone 4 in Brazil

Can you use the iPhone 4 in Brazil?

Yes, you can use the iPhone 4 in Brazil by using a power convertor.

What is the best travel adapter for the iPhone 4 in Brazil?

If travelling with more than just your iPhone 4 or visiting multiple countries then the best travel charger for Brazil is a multiple USB port adapter which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Brazilians use two different standards of power outlets (N 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 to 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa just by changing the plugs. If your model of iPhone 4 can support Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much faster recharging times with one of these power adapters, along with support for certain power demanding devices like tablets.

Unlike other travel adapters 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 to Brazil. Only needing to pack a single lightweight travel charger will help keep the size and weight down, making it ideal to store in hand baggage and suitable for recharging your iPhone 4 at the airport or on a flight. Because of their space saving versatility these types of 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, smartphones and speakers without needing an additional wall outlet.

For those travelling often we recommend searching for this type of flexible power charger at an electronics retailer; the multipurpose travel adapter illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for charging multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for Brazil

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 4, but for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters offer surge protection which is crucial for travellers to regions with unreliable or unstable power supplies. These travel converters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Brazil and over 150 countries around the world:

  • 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 power converter for travellers originating from America going to Brazil.
  • 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 functionality as the BESTEK with only one less AC outlet for almost half 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 most travellers from around the world visiting Brazil. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for the iPhone 4 in Brazil?

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

Instructions showing how to recharge the iPhone 4 with a Brazilian power outlet with a USB 30 pin Apple connector with a 2 pinned Type C power charger.

  1. To supply power to the iPhone 4 from the Brazilian power outlet you'll need to buy a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (typically already supplied with the device).
  2. Firstly you'll need to plug in the Type C USB power plug adapter in the Brazilian power outlet. The power supply is recognised by the two round holes next to each other for live and neutral. Prior to 2010 buildings may be installed with this power supply.
  3. Then connect one end of the Apple cord into the USB mains 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 Brazilian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of your cell will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone 4 is charging, typically taking around 60-240 minutes to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Charging the iPhone 4 from a Brazilian power outlet by using a two pinned Europlug Type C USB adapter

Powering the iPhone 4 with a Brazilian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type N USB adapter

Using the Apple 30 pin connector and a three pin Type N USB adapter to recharge your iPhone 4 from a Brazilian power outlet.

  1. If you want to supply power to the iPhone 4 using the Brazilian power outlet you'll need to use a Type N USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], Apple will normally include the cable when you first purchase your iPhone 4.
  2. First plug in the Type N USB power plug adapter into the wall outlet. The flattened hexagon shaped power supply (technically known as the Type N power outlet [6]) can be identified by three large circular holes in a triangle pattern. Since 2010 all new buildings will be installed using this power outlet.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the mains power charger 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 Brazilian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of the cell screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the mobile is charging and takes between 1 - 4 hours to completely recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 4 with a Brazilian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type N USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Brazilian Wikipedia page
  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 30 pin cable - This connects compatible iPhones, iPods and iPads to a USB port for charging, syncing and playing music.
  6. iec.ch - Type N power outlet
  7. Type N USB power plug adapter - The three 4mm rounded pins on a grounded Brazilian Type N USB charger form a flattened triangular pattern.
  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..