How to charge the iPhone 4 when planning a trip to France

Instructions on how to charge the iPhone 4 from a French power outlet with a USB 30-pin Apple connector with a Type C power adapter and charging the iPhone 4 using a Type E USB adapter.

French power outlet

If you are packing for a trip it can often be helpful to know if you can charge your common gadgets like mobiles and tablets when you get there. But, without knowing which power supply to expect you are more likely to bring the wrong power charger, therefore leaving you having to buy a potentially overpriced charger when you're there. Different region codes and plugs can all be confusing when planning on travelling to another country to the first time traveller. These instructions have been written to stop you worrying if you'll be able to charge the iPhone 4 when you are going to France.The following step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to charge your iPhone 4 when you're in France by using their Type E or C French 230 volt 50Hz wall outlets, you will find most French will use Type E plug outlets. Most power sources will vary regionally therefore please read our Wikiconnections world power sockets guide for a full list of regions and countries. If you are visiting France from a different country please ensure that your iPhone 4 can be used with a 240v supply. If the iPhone 4 was purchased in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) make sure that the iPhone 4 is dual-voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional power converter to avoid the device from overheating when powering up. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPhone 4.

Charging the iPhone 4 in France

Can the iPhone 4 be used in France?

You can use the iPhone 4 in France by using the correct power convertor.

What is the best travel charger for the iPhone 4 in France?

When you are travelling with more than just your iPhone 4 and visiting more than one country the best travel power adapter for France to buy is a multiple USB charger which includes compatible plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. French use two different standards of plug sockets (types E and C) and using a power adapter like this ensures that you are covered for type C.

As these chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and can handle from 100 - 240 volts will mean that you can travel to over 100 countries around the world just by changing the included plugs. If your model of iPhone 4 supports Fast Charge then you'll benefit from faster recharging times by using one of these travel adapters plus compatibility with more power demanding devices.

Having a 4 port charger will also allow you to power multiple devices simultaneously without needing to bring individual power chargers. Because you are only packing a single travel charger will also keep the overall size down, making it perfect to fold up and store in hand luggage. Due to their versatility these types of power adapters can be used when back at home not just abroad so when you’re not travelling they can be used under your bedside table charging multiple phones, tablets and speakers using just a single plug socket.

We suggest searching for a multipurpose travel adapter similar to this online. The travel adapter illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for charging multiple USB devices in numerous countries on a daily basis.

Alternative travel adapter for France

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country who only have USB devices such as the iPhone 4, but for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs the following power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power strips offer surge protection which can be necessary for visitors of regions with unstable power supplies. These travel adapters come 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 compact power converter for travellers originating from North America going to France using type B American plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Similarly 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 is a more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with just 1 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 a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting France. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for the iPhone 4 in France?

How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone 4 from a French power outlet

Instructions on how to charge the iPhone 4 from a French power outlet with a USB 30-pin Apple connector with a Type C power adapter.

  1. To charge the iPhone 4 using a French power outlet you will need to use a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], the USB cable is usually already included with your iPhone 4 by Apple.
  2. Firstly you'll need to insert the Type C USB power plug adapter in the French power outlet. This power outlet, sometimes called a Europlug, is identified by two round holes next to each other.
  3. Connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of 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 French power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right corner of the iPhone screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone is recharging which typically takes around one-four hours to fully recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone 4 from a French power outlet

Charging the iPhone 4 from a French power outlet by using a two pinned Type E USB adapter

Using the USB 30-pin Apple connector and a Type E power adapter to charge the iPhone 4 from a French power outlet.

  1. To supply power to the iPhone 4 from a French power outlet you will need to buy a Type E USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], usually already included with your device by Apple.
  2. Firstly you'll need to insert the Type E USB power plug adapter into the French power outlet. The round power outlet (known as the CEE 7/7 outlet) can be identified by two large holes 19mm apart from each other and a long metal earth pin protruding the top forming a triangle shape.
  3. Then connect one end of the Apple cord into the bottom of the mains USB 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. Switch on the French power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of your iPhone will display a charge icon to indicate that the phone is charging and takes between 60 to 240 minutes to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Charging the iPhone 4 from a French power outlet by using a two pinned Type E USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - France 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 E power outlet
  7. Type E USB power plug adapter - Meeting CEE 7/5 and CEE 7/6 standards, the Type E USB power plug adapter uses the Schuko standard with two round pins and an earthing hole. It adapts European outlets such as Germany to USB-standard ports for USB device charging..
  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..