How to charge the iPad Air when staying in China

A step-by-step guide showing you how to charge the iPad Air with a Chinese power outlet by using a USB Lightning Apple connector and a Type C power charger, recharging the iPad Air using a Type A USB charger and how to recharge the iPad Air using a Type I power plug

Chinese power outlet

Various region codes and plugs can often be confusing when planning to travel to a different country especially if you've never visited before. However this isn't as complicated as it first appears, with only a handful of different types of sockets being used throughout the world this article tells you exactly what to purchase in advance to charge your iPad Air in China. These instructions were written to prevent you worrying if you'll be able to charge the iPad Air when you're visiting abroad.If you're travelling to China the following instructions show charging your iPad Air using their I, A or C type 220 volt 50Hz power outlets, a majority of Chinese normally use Type I plug outlets. When travelling anywhere you'll find that most power sockets will vary from region to region therefore we suggest that you read our Wikiconnections travel power sockets guide where you'll find a complete list of powering devices in different regions. If travelling to China from another country please ensure that the iPad Air can be charged using a 240 volt supply. If the iPad Air originated in a country which uses a lower voltage such as 110 volts ensure the iPad Air is dual voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional power transformer to avoid the device from overloading when powering up. If you plan on visiting tourist destinations such as Shanghai or Beijing refer to the China country Wikipedia page [1] for further information on visiting the area. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPad Air.

Charging the iPad Air in China

Can the iPad Air be used in China?

You can connect the iPad Air to a Chinese power outlet by using a power convertor.

What is the best travel adapter for recharging the iPad Air in China?

When you are travelling with more than just your iPad Air or visiting multiple countries then the best international travel power adapter for China to buy is a multiple USB port adapter which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Chinese use three different types of plug sockets (I, A and C) and using a travel charger like this ensures that you are covered for both types A and C. Because these chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and handle 100 - 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa just by changing the supplied heads over. If your model of iPad Air can support Fast Charge (please note that not all USB devices do) then you'll benefit from much faster recharging times by using one of these types of USB travel adapters, and support for certain power demanding devices. Having a four port charger means you can power multiple devices at once without needing to pack individual power chargers for your trip to China or occupying additional power outlets. By only needing to pack a single international USB travel charger will also keep the overall size and weight down, making it ideal to fold up in hand luggage whilst travelling. Due to their flexibility these types of adapters can be used when back at home so when you’re not on holiday they can be used overnight charging multiple phones, tablets and speakers without needing an additional wall outlet.

If you travel frequently we recommend searching for this type of versatile travel adapter online, the multipurpose travel adapter illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested with multiple USB devices in numerous countries.

Alternative travel adapter for China

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world wanting to charge devices via USB, but for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power strips offer surge protection which is useful for visitors of regions with unreliable power supplies to prevent damage to any connected appliances from voltage spikes. These power adapters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover Continental Europe, North America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China and over 150 destinations:

  • 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 option for travellers originating from North America going to China using 3 pinned type B American plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Likewise having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the travel adapter from Orico is also aimed at travellers from the US using type B plugs and is a more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with one less AC outlet for 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 ideal for most travellers from around the world visiting China. [10] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for recharging the iPad Air in China?

Powering the iPad Air with a Chinese power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

Using the Lightning Apple connector and a Type A power charger to power your iPad Air from a Chinese power outlet.

  1. In order to charge the iPad Air from the Chinese power outlet you'll need to use a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] (Apple will typically include the USB cable with your iPad Air).
  2. Start the process by taking the Type A USB power plug adapter and plugging it into the power supply. You can identify this wall supply by 2 slots next to each other for live and neutral blades.
  3. Then connect one end of the Apple USB Lightning charging cable into the USB power charger and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPad Air. The iPad Air lightning connector can be found at the base of the iPad Air.
  4. Switch on the Chinese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of the iPad Air will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPad Air is recharging taking roughly one-four hours to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPad Air with a Chinese power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

Powering the iPad Air with a Chinese power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

A step-by-step guide showing you how to charge the iPad Air with a Chinese power outlet by using a USB Lightning Apple connector and a Type C power charger.

  1. In order to charge the iPad Air from the Chinese power outlet you'll need to use a Type C USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] (Apple will typically include the USB cable with your iPad Air).
  2. Start the process by taking the Type C USB power plug adapter and plugging it into the wall outlet. You can identify this power supply by two round holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins.
  3. Then connect one end of the Apple USB Lightning charging cable into the USB power charger and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPad Air. The iPad Air lightning connector can be found at the base of the iPad Air.
  4. Switch on the Chinese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of the iPad Air will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPad Air is recharging taking roughly one-four hours to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPad Air with a Chinese power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

How to use a Type I power charger for recharging your iPad Air from a Chinese power outlet

Using the Lightning Apple connector and a Type I power charger to power your iPad Air from a Chinese power outlet.

  1. To power your iPad Air using a Chinese power outlet you'll need to buy a Type I USB power plug adapter [9] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5], Apple normally include the USB cable with your iPad Air.
  2. Begin by inserting the Type I USB power plug adapter in the Chinese power outlet. You can identify this power supply by 3 slots for the live, neutral and ground. Please be aware that the neutral and live blades are configured reversed compared to Argentinian power outlets so please check that your Type I power adaptor is compatible with a Chinese power supply.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB to Apple Lightning cable into the bottom of the USB mains adapter and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPad Air. The iPad Air lightning connector is found at the base of the iPad Air.
  4. Switch on the Chinese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of the iPad Air will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPad Air is recharging and takes between 60-240 minutes to recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type I power charger for recharging your iPad Air from a Chinese power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - China country Wikipedia page
  2. Apple - official iPad 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 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 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..