Charging any mobile phone from a power outlet in The United Kingdom

How to connect a UK power outlet to any mobile phone

UK power outlet

Varying different frequencies and standards can all be daunting when planning on staying in another country, especially to the first time traveller. If you're visiting The United Kingdom the following instructions show how to power your mobile phone by using a 230 volt 50Hz Type G power outlet, with the British using BS 1363 13 amp plugs for wall outlets. When travelling to The United Kingdom from a different country ensure that your mobile phone can accept a 240 volt supply. If it originated in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) make sure that the device is dual voltage (marked with a 100-240 volt notation) else you may need to use an additional power transformer to prevent the device from overheating whilst powering it up.

This how-to guide is for a generic mobile phone and assume the phone has a standard micro USB port, Bluetooth connectivity and a headphone socket. For all the latest phones visit the Mobile phones page for a full list of makes and models.

Charging any mobile phone in The United Kingdom

Can the mobile phone be used in The United Kingdom?

Yes, you can connect any mobile phone to a UK power outlet by using a power adaptor.

What is the best power adapter for any mobile phone in The United Kingdom?

If you are travelling to more than one country or bringing more than your mobile phone the best international travel charger for The United Kingdom to buy is a multiple USB charger which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. As these chargers are supplied with interchangeable plugs and handle 100 volts - 240 volts will mean you can travel to multiple countries in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa simply by switching the supplied plugs. If your mobile phone supports Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much faster charging times by using one of these types of travel adapters and additional support for more power hungry devices.

Unlike other travel chargers having a 4 port adapter means you can charge more than one device at once without needing to buy multiple power adapters on your trip. By only needing a single lightweight travel charger will also keep the overall weight down, making it ideal to store in hand luggage and convenient for charging your mobile phone at the airport or on the plane. Due to their space saving versatility these types of chargers can be used back at home not just abroad so when you're not travelling they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple tablets, smartphones and speakers with just a single plug socket.

If you travel to The United Kingdom we suggest buying a versatile power charger of this nature online. The multipurpose power charger illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested with multiple USB devices in numerous countries around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for The United Kingdom

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to charge devices using USB, but for those also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power converters offer surge protection which can be crucial for visitors of counties with unstable power grids. These power converters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both The United Kingdom and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK international travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling compact power converter for travellers originating from North America visiting The United Kingdom.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 2 AC outlets but offers a more 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 a majority of travellers from around the world visiting The United Kingdom. [5] [AD]

How to use a Type G power charger for charging your mobile phone from a UK power outlet

Instructions showing how to power your mobile phone with a UK power outlet with type B USB micro connector with a three pin Type G power charger.

  1. In order to supply power to your mobile phone from a UK power outlet you will need to use a Type G USB power adapter [3] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [4].
  2. Plug the Type G USB power adapter into the power supply. The plug supply, technically known as a Type G power outlet [2], can be recognised by three rectangular holes with shutters in a triangular pattern for live, neutral and ground pins.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable into the USB mains adapter and the other end into the USB charging port on any mobile phone. These instructions assume your phone uses a Micro USB type B port. Please refer to the instructions supplied with your mobile to check this is correct and visit the Mobile phones page to see if your model is listed (please note that you can usually connect the cable supplied with your mobile phone to charge with any USB charger).
  4. The USB charging port can normally be found either on the bottom or side of the mobile phone.
  5. Switch on the UK power outlet.
  6. The battery indicator on your mobile phone should indicate that the device is charging, refer to your phone`s instruction manual to find out how long it will typically take.

See also


  1. Wikipedia - entry about The United Kingdom
  2. - Type G power outlet
  3. Type G USB power adapter - A Type G USB charger has three thick rectangular blades in a triangular shape with the longer top blade acting as the earthing pin, priced at around £30.
  4. USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable - Used to connect USB devices which have a USB Mini-B port to computers, power supplies and other devices, £5-£10.
  5. 4 Port USB Wall Charger - A universal USB charger capable of charging up to 4 USB devices with swappable international adapters, priced at £10-£15.