Charging your Kindle Fire from a power outlet in China

A guide showing how to charge a Kindle Fire from a Chinese power outlet with Micro USB type B cord with a 3 pin Type I USB charger, charging a Kindle Fire using a double pinned Type A power charger and how to power a Kindle Fire using a Europlug Type C USB plug

Chinese power outlet

Varying different voltages and plugs can all lead to confusion when planning on travelling to another country especially if you've never been there before. These instructions have been specifically written to stop you having to worry if you'll be able to charge your Kindle Fire abroad.If you're visiting China these useful instructions show how to power your Kindle Fire by using their standard types I, A or C 220 volt 50Hz plug outlets, most Chinese typically use the Type I plug outlets. When travelling to China from a different region ensure that your Kindle Fire can accept a 240 volt supply. If it originated in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) make sure that the device is dual voltage (marked with a 100-240 volt notation) else you may need to use an additional voltage converter to avoid the device from overheating whilst powering it. If you plan on taking a trip to a tourist destination like Shanghai or Macau we recommend reading the Chinese Wikipedia web page [1] for more information.

These instructions show how to connect the Chinese power outlet to your Kindle Fire. These instructions assume you have installed the most recent version of the Fire operating system for the Kindle, however if you don't we recommend installing the most recent Kindle Fire OS update to ensure you have the most up to date set of features for your device. Visit Amazon for the Kindle Fire device support [2] for further information.

Charging a Kindle Fire in China

Can you use a Kindle Fire in China?

You can connect a Kindle Fire to a Chinese power outlet.

What is the best power adapter for recharging a Kindle Fire in China?

If you are travelling to more than one country or bringing more than your Kindle Fire the best international travel adapter for China to buy is a multiple USB adapter which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are three different standards of plug sockets in China (I, A and C) and using a travel adapter like this ensures that you are covered for both types A and C.

Because these chargers come with interchangeable pins and handle from 100 to 240 volts it makes them ideal for over 100 countries around the world just by changing the heads over. If your type of Kindle Fire supports Fast Charge (not all USB devices can) then you'll benefit from quicker recharging times with one of these USB power adapters, plus additional compatibility with certain power hungry devices like tablets. Having a four port adapter means you can power more than one device at once without needing to buy multiple power chargers on your trip. By only needing a single lightweight travel charger will also keep the weight down, making it ideal to store in hand luggage. Because of their space saving flexibility these types of power chargers can be used when back at home as well as abroad so when you’re not on holiday they can be used overnight charging multiple smartphones and tablets without needing an additional power outlet.

We recommend searching for this type of flexible travel adapter at an electronics retailer. The travel charger illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully for powering multiple USB devices in numerous countries around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for China

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country who only have USB devices such as the Kindle Fire, but for those also wishing to use their domestic plugs these power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power strips offer surge protection which can be useful for travellers to counties with unstable power grids. These power converters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both China 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 America visiting China using type B plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Also having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico is also aimed at travellers from America using type B plugs and is a much cheaper alternative to the BESTEK with just 1 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 most travellers from around the world visiting China. [10] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for recharging a Kindle Fire in China?

How to use a Type A power charger for recharging your Kindle Fire from a Chinese power outlet

Using Type B Micro USB cable and a Type A power adapter to power your Kindle Fire with a Chinese power outlet.

  1. In order to power a Kindle Fire from a Chinese power outlet you will need to use a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [5].
  2. First you'll need to insert the Type A USB power plug adapter in the power outlet. You can recognise the wall outlet by the two thin adjacent slots next to each other for live and neutral.
  3. Connect one end of the USB micro type B connector into the bottom of the power adapter and the other end into the USB charging port on a Kindle Fire.
  4. Switch on the Chinese power outlet.
  5. The battery symbol which is found at the top corner of the Kindle will display a charge icon which indicates that the device is charging.
  6. It takes between approximately 4 hours to 12 hours to fully charge to full capacity however this is likely to be longer depending on the type of Kindle Fire you have, the strength of the power charger and if you are using the device during the recharging process. For further information on charging please read the Kindle Fire device support [2] for more details on battery times and the charging procedure. [AD]
How to use a Type A power charger for recharging your Kindle Fire from a Chinese power outlet

Charging a Kindle Fire from a Chinese power outlet by using a two pinned Europlug Type C USB adapter

Using Type B Micro USB cable with a Type C USB charger to power a Kindle Fire from a Chinese power outlet.

  1. To charge your Kindle Fire using the Chinese power outlet you will need a Type C USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [5].
  2. Start by plugging the Type C USB power plug adapter in the Chinese power outlet. The power supply (called the Type C power outlet [6] or Europlug) is identified by two holes adjacent to each other.
  3. Plug in the USB end of the USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable into the USB mains charger and the other end into the USB charging port on a Kindle Fire.
  4. Turn on the Chinese power outlet.
  5. The battery symbol which appears in the top corner of the Fire screen will show a charging icon to indicate that your device is charging.
  6. It will take between 4 hours to 12 hours to fully recharge, but this may take longer depending on the model of tablet you are using, the charger strength and if you are using the device whilst recharging. For more information please read the Kindle Fire device support [2] for more details on the recharging procedure and battery times. [AD]
Charging a Kindle Fire from a Chinese power outlet by using a two pinned Europlug Type C USB adapter

Powering a Kindle Fire with a Chinese power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type I USB adapter

A guide showing how to charge a Kindle Fire from a Chinese power outlet with Micro USB type B cord with a 3 pin Type I USB charger.

  1. If you want to supply power to the Kindle Fire using a Chinese power outlet you'll need to buy a Type I USB power plug adapter [9] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [5].
  2. Begin the process by taking the Type I USB power plug adapter and inserting it in the Chinese power outlet. You can recognise the wall outlet by the three thin slots for the live, neutral and earth. Note that the neutral and live blades are configured reversed compared to Argentinian plug outlets so please check that your Type I travel adaptor is compatible with a Chinese power supply.
  3. Plug in one end of the Type B Micro USB cable into the USB mains charger and the other end into the USB charging port on a Kindle Fire.
  4. Turn on the Chinese power outlet.
  5. The battery symbol which is found in the top corner of the tablet screen will show a charge icon to indicate that your device is charging.
  6. It will take between 4 hours to 12 hours to fully charge, however this may take longer depending on the type of Kindle you are using, the strength of the power and if you are using the Kindle during recharging. For more information please read the Kindle Fire device support [2] for more details on the charging procedure. [AD]
Powering a Kindle Fire with a Chinese power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type I USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Chinese Wikipedia web page
  2. Amazon - Kindle Fire device support
  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 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable - Used to connect USB devices which have a USB Mini-B port to computers, power supplies and other devices.
  6. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  7. 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..
  8. iec.ch - Type I power outlet
  9. Type I USB power plug adapter - Type I USB chargers use three short flat blades in a V format with the top blade acting as a grounding pin.
  10. 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..