How to charge the iPhone 4S when visiting Italy

Instructions showing you how to charge your iPhone 4S from an Italian power outlet by using an Apple USB 30-pin cable and a three pinned Type L power charger, recharging the iPhone 4S using a two pinned Type C power plug and how to recharge the iPhone 4S using a Type F power adapter

Italian power outlet

Complicated combinations of standards and plugs can all be daunting when planning to travel to another country especially to the first time traveller. However this isn't as complex as it appears, with only a handful of different types of plug sockets used in the world this article tells you exactly what to buy in advance to charge the iPhone 4S . This page was written to prevent travellers worrying if they can charge their iPhone 4S when they are staying in Italy.This page contains instructions which shows what you'll need to charge the iPhone 4S when you are in Italy by using their Type L, C or F Italian 230 volt 50Hz plug outlets, Type L power outlets will be typically used by most Italians. If travelling to Italy from a different country make sure the iPhone 4S can accept a 240v supply. If the iPhone 4S was purchased from a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) make sure that the iPhone 4S is dual-voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional voltage converter to stop the device from overheating whilst powering it. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPhone 4S.

Charging the iPhone 4S in Italy

Can the iPhone 4S be used in Italy?

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

What is the best travel charger for the iPhone 4S in Italy?

When you are travelling to multiple countries and bringing more than just your iPhone 4S the best international travel charger for Italy is a multiple USB port adapter which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are three different standards of wall outlets that Italians use (L, C and F) and bringing this ensures that you are covered for type C. As these types of chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and can handle from 100 - 240 volts will mean that you can travel to multiple countries around the world just by changing the plugs over. If your iPhone 4S is compatible with Fast Charge (not all USB devices can) then you'll benefit from much quicker charging times by using one of these types of USB power chargers, and support for more power hungry devices. Unlike other travel adapters this will also allow you to power multiple devices at the same time without needing to buy seperate power adapters on your Italian trip or occupying additional wall sockets. By only packing a single international USB travel charger will help keep the size and weight down, making it ideal to store in hand luggage as well as being convenient for recharging your iPhone 4S at an airport or on a plane. Due to their versatility these types of travel adapters can be used when you return home as well as abroad so when you’re not on holiday they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple tablets and phones without using up an additional wall outlet.

For those travelling frequently we suggest buying an adaptable travel adapter like this online. The travel adapter illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested with multiple USB devices in numerous countries around the world with good reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Italy

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world wanting to recharge devices via USB, but for those also wishing to use their domestic plugs these power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters offer surge protection which is crucial when visiting counties with unstable power grids. These travel adapters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering Europe, North America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular portable option for travellers originating from North America visiting Italy.
  • 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 originating from the US using type B plugs. This is a much cheaper alternative to the BESTEK with 1 less AC outlet at almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has just 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 a majority of travellers from around the world visiting Italy. [10] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for the iPhone 4S in Italy?

How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone 4S from an Italian power outlet

A guide on how to charge the iPhone 4S from an Italian power outlet using a USB 30 pin Apple cable with a two pin Type C USB charger.

  1. In order to charge your iPhone 4S using the Italian power outlet you'll need to buy a Type C USB power adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (the USB cable is typically included with the iPhone 4S).
  2. Insert the Type C USB power adapter into the Italian power outlet. This unearthed power outlet, sometimes called a Europlug, can be identified by the 2 round holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins.
  3. Then connect one end of the Apple 30 pin cord into the bottom of the USB mains 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 Italian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of the cell screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone 4S is charging, typically taking roughly one-four hours to recharge to full capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone 4S from an Italian power outlet

Powering the iPhone 4S with an Italian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

Instructions showing you how to charge your iPhone 4S from an Italian power outlet by using an Apple USB 30-pin cable and a two pinned Type F power charger.

  1. In order to power the iPhone 4S from the Italian power outlet you will need a Type F USB power adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (the cable is normally supplied with the device).
  2. First you'll need to insert the Type F USB power adapter in the Italian power outlet. This sunken circular plug supply, also known as the Schuko outlet, can be recognised by two large adjacent holes next to each other where the pins go and a pair of two grounding clips above and below.
  3. Connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the USB mains charger 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. Turn on the Italian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of your phone will display a charging icon to indicate that the mobile is powering up taking between 60-240 minutes to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 4S with an Italian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

Powering the iPhone 4S with an Italian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type L USB adapter

Instructions showing you how to charge your iPhone 4S from an Italian power outlet by using an Apple USB 30-pin cable and a three pinned Type L power charger.

  1. In order to supply power to the iPhone 4S from the Italian power outlet you will need a Type L USB power adapter [9] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (normally supplied with the device).
  2. First you'll need to insert the Type L USB power adapter in the power supply. You can recognise this hexagon shaped plug outlet by three large holes forming a line. Note there are two different variations of Type L wall outlet, one rated at 10 amps and one for 16 amps. The 10 amp version has 4mm thick pins which are spaced 5.5mm apart, and a 16 amp version has slightly larger 5mm pins that are spaced 8mm apart.
  3. Connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the USB mains charger 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. Turn on the Italian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of your phone will display a charging icon to indicate that the mobile is powering up which typically takes between 60 to 240 minutes to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 4S with an Italian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type L USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Italian country Wiki page
  2. Apple - official iPhone user guide
  3. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  4. Type C USB power adapter - European Type C USB chargers are unearthed and have two 4mm rounded pins spaced 19mm apart.
  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 F power outlet
  7. Type F USB power adapter - Type F USB chargers are earthed using two clips at the top and bottom with two rounded 4.8mm pins set 19mm apart.
  8. iec.ch - Type L power outlet
  9. Type L USB power adapter - Earthed Type L USB chargers comprise of three 4mm pins placed in parallel 5.5mm apart used in Italy.
  10. 4 Port USB Wall Charger - A universal USB charger capable of charging up to 4 USB devices with swappable international adapters.