Charging the iPhone 5S when planning a trip to Germany

A page showing how to charge your iPhone 5S with a German power outlet using a USB Lightning Apple cable and a 2 pin Type C USB charger and how to power the iPhone 5S using a 2 pin Type F USB charger.

German power outlet

Varying complicated region codes and voltages can all lead to confusion when planning to travel to a new country, especially if you've never been there before. These instructions have been specifically written to prevent visitors having to worry if they can charge the iPhone 5S abroad.If travelling to Germany this page contains useful instructions showing charging the iPhone 5S by using their standard F or C type German 230 volt 50Hz plug outlets, Type F wall outlets are normally used by a majority of Germans. If you are visiting Germany from another country ensure that your iPhone 5S can be charged using a 240v supply. If it originated in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) make sure your iPhone 5S is dual voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional converter to prevent the device from overheating during charging. If you're planning on visiting a German city like Berlin we recommend referring to the Wikipedia entry about Germany [1] for further details. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPhone 5S.

Charging the iPhone 5S in Germany

Can you use the iPhone 5S in Germany?

You can use the iPhone 5S in Germany by using a power adaptor.

What is the best power adapter for the iPhone 5S in Germany?

When travelling with more than just your iPhone 5S the best international travel adapter for Germany is a multiple USB port charger which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Germans use two different types of power outlets (types F and C) and using a travel adapter like this will ensure that you are covered for type C. As these chargers come with interchangeable pins and can handle from 100 to 240 volts will mean you can travel to multiple countries around the world just by switching the supplied plugs over. If your type of iPhone 5S supports Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much quicker recharging times with one of these types of travel chargers, and additional compatibility with certain power hungry devices.

This means you can charge more than one device at once without needing to bring seperate travel chargers. Only needing a single USB travel charger will help keep the overall weight down, making it ideal to fold up and store in hand baggage and convenient for charging your iPhone 5S at the airport or on your flight. Due to their space saving flexibility these types of power adapters can be used at home not just abroad so when you’re not on holiday they can sit overnight charging multiple smartphones and tablets with just a single wall outlet.

We recommend buying an adaptable travel charger of this nature at your preferred electronics retailer - the travel charger illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for powering multiple USB devices in numerous countries around the world with perfect reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Germany

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 5S, but for those also wanting to use their domestic plugs the following power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power strips offer surge protection which can be crucial for visitors of regions with unreliable power supplies. These power converters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Germany and over 150 destinations:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling portable power adapter for travellers originating from North America visiting Germany.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Similarly having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico is also aimed at travellers from the US using type B plugs. This is a cheaper alternative to the BESTEK with just one less AC outlet at 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 ideal for most travellers from around the world visiting Germany. [8] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for the iPhone 5S in Germany?

How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone 5S from a German power outlet

Using a Lightning connector with a Type C Europlug power adapter to recharge the iPhone 5S with a German power outlet.

  1. In order to supply power to the iPhone 5S using the German power outlet you will need to buy a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5], usually supplied with your iPhone 5S.
  2. Begin the process by plugging the Type C USB power plug adapter into the German power outlet. This unearthed power supply, sometimes called the Type C power outlet [3] or Europlug, can be recognised by 2 circular holes next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB charging cord into the USB power adapter and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPhone 5S. The iPhone 5S Lightning connector is situated at bottom of the iPhone 5S under the home button.
  4. Switch on the German power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right corner of your cellphone screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the phone is recharging, typically taking between 60 to 240 minutes to fully recharge to full capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone 5S from a German power outlet

Powering the iPhone 5S with a German power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

Using a Lightning Apple cable and a 2 pin Type F USB charger to charge your iPhone 5S with a German power outlet.

  1. To charge the iPhone 5S from a German power outlet you'll need a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] (this USB cable is typically supplied with your iPhone 5S).
  2. Begin the process by plugging the Type F USB power plug adapter into the wall supply. You can recognise this plug supply by the two large adjacent holes for live and neutral pins, plus two metal grounding clips above and below.
  3. Connect the USB end of the USB to Apple Lightning cable into the mains power adapter and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPhone 5S. You can find the Lightning connector on the iPhone 5S situated at the bottom of the iPhone 5S.
  4. Turn on the German power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right hand corner of your iPhone 5S screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the mobile is charging which typically takes roughly 1-4 hours to recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 5S with a German power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia entry about Germany
  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 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..