How to charge your iPhone 3GS from a power outlet in England

How to connect a British power outlet to the iPhone 3GS

British power outlet

If you are planning a trip it can be useful to know in advance if you can use all your common devices like mobiles or laptop computers at your destination. Without knowing which wall socket to expect you are more likely to bring the wrong power adaptor, leaving you needing to purchase a suitable charger when you arrive. Varying different combinations of voltages and plug types can all be daunting when planning to visit a different country for the first time traveller. These instructions were written to stop you needing to worry if you'll be able to charge your iPhone 3GS when England.This page contains step by step instructions telling you exactly what you'll need to supply power to your iPhone 3GS when you're in England using their 230 volt 50Hz G Type wall outlet, with the Britons using a BS 1363 13 amp plug for charging. Most power sockets will vary from region to region so please read our Wikiconnections global power connections guide where you'll find a complete list showing regions and countries. If you are travelling to England from a different country double check your iPhone 3GS can accept a 240 volt supply. If the iPhone 3GS came from a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) check your device is dual voltage (marked with a 100-240 volt notation) otherwise you may need to use an additional power converter to avoid the device from overloading when charging it. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 6 or greater on the iPhone 3GS.

Charging the iPhone 3GS in England

Can you use the iPhone 3GS in England?

Yes, you can use the iPhone 3GS in England by using the correct power adaptor.

What is the best power charger for recharging the iPhone 3GS in England?

When you are travelling with more than just your iPhone 3GS then the best travel charger for England is a multiple USB adapter which includes compatible plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger.

As these chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and handle 100 volts to 240 volts will mean that you can travel to multiple countries around the world simply by switching the included heads over. If your model of iPhone 3GS supports Fast Charge (not all USB devices will) then you'll benefit from much faster recharging times with one of these power chargers, along with additional compatibility with more power demanding devices. Having a 4 port charger means you can charge more than one device at the same time without needing to bring individual power chargers for your British trip. Because you are only packing a single lightweight USB travel charger will also keep the overall weight and size down, making it perfect to store in hand baggage while travelling. Because of their space saving versatility these types of power chargers can be used when you return home so when you're not on holiday they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple tablets, phones and speakers without using up an additional wall outlet.

We recommend searching for this type of versatile travel adapter online, the power charger illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for recharging multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for England

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 3GS, however for those also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power converters offer surge protection which can be necessary when visiting counties with unreliable power grids. These travel adapters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both England 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 option for travellers originating from America visiting England 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 Orico travel adapter is also aimed at travellers from the US using type B plugs and gives practically the same set of features as the BESTEK with only one less AC outlet for almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has just 2 AC outlets but offers a more generous 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 England. [6] [AD]

Powering the iPhone 3GS with a British power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type G USB adapter

Using an Apple 30 pin cable and a Type G power adapter to charge the iPhone 3GS with a British power outlet.

  1. In order to charge your iPhone 3GS using a British power outlet you will need a Type G USB power adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple will typically supply this cable with your iPhone 3GS).
  2. Start the process by inserting the Type G USB power adapter in the British power outlet. This wall supply, sometimes called the Type G power outlet [3], looks like 3 slots with shutters forming a triangular shape.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the USB power charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3GS. The iPhone 3GS dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3GS.
  4. Turn on the British power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right corner of your cellphone will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone 3GS is charging which takes around 60 to 240 minutes to recharge.

See also


  1. Wikipedia - British Wikipedia page
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3GS user guide
  3. - Type G power outlet
  6. 4 Port USB Wall Charger - A universal USB charger capable of charging up to 4 USB devices with swappable international adapters, costs around $15.