How to charge the iPad Mini 4 in Germany

A guide showing how to recharge the iPad Mini 4 from a German power outlet using a Lightning Apple cable with a double pin Europlug Type C power adapter and how to charge the iPad Mini 4 using a Type F USB adapter.

German power outlet

When packing for a trip it's useful to know in advance if you'll be able to use any vital devices such as mobiles and tablets when you arrive. However, by not knowing which plug socket to expect you may end up either bringing unnecessary adaptors or pack the wrong power adaptor, meaning having to buy a suitable charger on arrival that might not be compatible. Varying different standards and voltages can often be daunting when planning to travel to another country especially to the first time traveller. With only a handful of different types of common standards being used throughout the world this guide shows exactly what to purchase in advance to charge the iPad Mini 4 . These step by step instructions shows you how to power your iPad Mini 4 when you're visiting Germany by using their types F or C German 230 volt 50Hz power outlets, please be aware that Type F power outlets are typically used by most Germans. If you are travelling to Germany from a different country please ensure your iPad Mini 4 can accept a 240 volt supply. If it came from a country which uses a lower voltage such as 110 volts double check your iPad Mini 4 is dual voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional power converter to stop the device from overheating during charging. If you plan on travelling to a place such as Berlin or Hamburg read the wikipedia page about Germany [1] for further details. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 9 or greater on the iPad Mini 4.

Charging the iPad Mini 4 in Germany

Can the iPad Mini 4 be used in Germany?

Yes, you can use the iPad Mini 4 in Germany.

What is the best travel charger for the iPad Mini 4 in Germany?

When travelling with more than your iPad Mini 4 the best travel power adapter for Germany is a multiple USB port adapter which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Germans use two different standards of wall outlets (types F and C) and using a power charger like this will ensure that you are covered for type C. Because these types of chargers come with interchangeable pins and handle from 100 volts - 240 volts will mean that you can travel to multiple countries in Asia, North America, Europe and Africa just by switching the included heads. If your type of iPad Mini 4 can support Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much faster charging times with one of these types of USB power adapters, plus compatibility with more power demanding devices like tablets.

Having a four port adapter will also allow you to power multiple devices at the same time without needing to buy seperate travel adapters for your trip. Because you are only bringing a single lightweight USB travel charger will keep the size and weight down, making it ideal to store in hand luggage and suitable for charging your iPad Mini 4 at an airport or on the flight. Because of their flexibility these types of power chargers can be used when back at home not just abroad so when you’re not on holiday they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple phones and tablets using just a single wall outlet.

If you travel to Germany we recommend buying an adaptable travel adapter similar to this at your preferred electronics retailer; the multipurpose power charger illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully for charging multiple USB devices in numerous countries with good reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Germany

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world wanting to recharge devices via USB, however for those also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power strips offer surge protection which can be necessary for travellers to regions with unreliable or unstable power supplies to prevent damage to any connected devices from voltage spikes. These travel converters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both Germany and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK international travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling portable power adapter for travellers originating from America going to Germany using type B American plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Likewise 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 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 a flexible 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 suitable for most travellers from around the world visiting Germany. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for the iPad Mini 4 in Germany?

Powering the iPad Mini 4 with a German power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

A guide showing how to recharge the iPad Mini 4 from a German power outlet using a Lightning Apple cable with a double pin Europlug Type C power adapter.

  1. To power the iPad Mini 4 using a German power outlet you'll need to use a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] - usually already included with your iPad Mini 4 by Apple.
  2. First plug in the Type C USB power plug adapter in the power supply. You can identify this power outlet by two round holes next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  3. Then connect the USB end of the USB charging cable into the bottom of the USB mains adapter and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPad Mini 4. The iPad Mini 4 lightning connector is found at the bottom of the iPad Mini 4.
  4. Switch on the German power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of the iPad screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPad Mini 4 is powering up, typically taking between 60 to 300 minutes to completely recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPad Mini 4 with a German power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

How to use a Type F power charger for recharging your iPad Mini 4 from a German power outlet

A guide showing how to recharge the iPad Mini 4 from a German power outlet using a Lightning Apple cable with a double pin Schuko Type F power adapter.

  1. In order to charge the iPad Mini 4 using the German power outlet you will need a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] (normally already supplied with your iPad Mini 4 by Apple).
  2. Start by taking the Type F USB power plug adapter and inserting it in the German power outlet. The circular plug supply can be recognised by the two large round holes 19 mm apart from each other for live and neutral pins along with two thin grounding clips above and below.
  3. Connect the USB end of the USB charging cord into the bottom of the USB mains charger and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPad Mini 4. The iPad Mini 4 lightning connector is found at the bottom of the iPad Mini 4.
  4. Switch on the German power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of the iPad screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPad Mini 4 is powering up which takes between 60-300 minutes to fully recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type F power charger for recharging your iPad Mini 4 from a German power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia page about Germany
  2. Apple - iPad Mini 4 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..