You’ve finally made the decision to make the switch from smoking to vaping. At first, you weren’t exactly sure how to get started or what you needed to buy. You read our lists of the best disposable vapes, best pod vapes and best vape mods, though, and you selected a device that seems perfect for you. It’s finally arrived, and now you’re looking for a simple and straightforward overview that teaches you how to vape.
The good news is that every refillable vaping device includes a printed manual, and the instruction manuals that the vape manufacturers are producing today are much better than they were in the early days. The bad news, though, is that they’re typically written with the assumption that you already have a basic knowledge of how to vape.
Vaping isn’t hard, but it definitely isn’t as self-explanatory as smoking – so we’re going to get you started with this simple guide. You want to know how to vape for the first time? You’re in the right place. We’re going to tell you exactly what you need to do, whether you’re using a disposable vape, a pod vape or a vape mod. Completely new to vaping and have no idea what you’re doing? No problem – you’re exactly who we’re writing for. Let’s jump in!
How to Use a Disposable Vape
Unboxing a Disposable Vape
Tear open the vape’s outer box and remove the vape from its foil pouch. Depending on the device, some of the other things that you’ll find in the box may include a lanyard, an instruction card and a charging cable. After removing the vape from its pouch, remove the plug or cap from the mouthpiece and discard it. You’ll also need to check the device’s bottom airflow vent for a sticker and remove that. Since a disposable vape is charged and filled with vape juice, it’s ready to use immediately after you’ve unboxed it.
Using a Disposable Vape
How do you hit a vape? This is the easy part; just puff on the mouthpiece as if you were smoking a cigarette. The most important thing to remember when you vape for the first time is that a vaping device is filled with liquid, and that means you can’t puff as hard on it as you would puff on a cigarette. If you do, your vape will gurgle or leak. This is one of the most common problems that people experience with disposables; learn more about how to fix a disposable vape that isn’t working.
Recharging a Disposable Vape
All modern disposable vapes have enough e-liquid to last through several days of vaping, and they have rechargeable batteries to ensure that you’ll be able to use all of the vape juice. When your vape’s battery dies, it’ll notify you in one of two ways. If it has an indicator light, the light will start blinking. If you’re using a vape with a screen, the screen will have a battery meter on it. To charge your device, connect it to your computer with a USB cable. Most disposable vapes don’t include charging cables, so you can use any cable of your own that fits. Learn more about how to charge a disposable vape.
Knowing When a Disposable Vape Is Empty
When a disposable vape is out of e-liquid, it’s time to replace it. The definitive way to know when a disposable vape is empty is because it’ll start tasting burnt every time you puff on it. The persistent burnt taste indicates that the device’s wick is completely dry. Learn more about how long a disposable vape lasts. If your device has a screen, it’ll have a meter that shows you the device’s e-liquid supply. Understand, though, that what’s shown on the meter is only an approximation. The meter might show that the device is empty before it actually is.
How to Use a Pod Vape
Unboxing a Pod Vape
With disposable vapes out of the way, it’s time to talk about how to use a refillable vape kit. You’ll start by opening the box and familiarizing yourself with its contents. A pod vape kit usually includes the device itself along with two pods (if the pods have built-in coils) or one pod and two coils (if the pods have replaceable coils). The kit will include a charging cable and instruction manual, and it may also include accessories like a lanyard and a bag of spare parts.
Charging a Pod Vape
Refillable vapes aren’t fully charged when you receive them, so you should always charge the battery before you begin using the device. To charge a pod vape, connect it to your computer using the charging cable included with the kit. As the battery charges, the device’s indicator light will change color, or you’ll see the battery’s status on the screen if the device has one. When the battery is fully charged, disconnect the device from your computer.
Filling and Refilling a Pod Vape
Refillable vapes are always empty when you receive them, so don’t forget to buy some e-liquid when you order your first device. Pod vapes usually work best with nicotine salt vape juice. You can open a vape pod in one of two ways, depending on the device’s design.
- The pod’s filling port may be on the side. In this case, you can open the pod by removing it from the device and lifting the filling port’s silicone cover with your fingernail.
- The pod’s filling port may be on the top. In this case, you can open the pod by wiggling the mouthpiece until it comes off.
Add e-liquid until the pod is almost full and close the filling port. If you’re filling a new pod for the first time or have just installed a new coil, wait at least five minutes before vaping. When you fill a vape pod, always leave a little empty space at the top to minimize the chance of leaking. Learn more about how to fix problems with your pod vape.
Using a Pod Vape
When it’s time to hit your pod vape for the first time, you’ll do it in one of two ways depending on the device’s design. Learn more about how to inhale when vaping.
- If your vape doesn’t have a fire button, inhale gently through the mouthpiece to vape. The device turns on automatically in response to the air pressure.
- If your vape has a fire button, inhale gently through the mouthpiece while holding the button. Note also that some vapes support dual activation. If your device has this feature, it’ll work with or without the fire button.
Replacing the Pod or Coil
When your vape tastes burnt, it’s time to replace the pod or coil. You’ll know that your device is getting close to this point because the flavor will begin to change before it actually starts to taste burnt. At first, you’ll taste a slightly smoky and caramelized flavor. That’s the residue from your e-liquid, which builds up over time. When the residue becomes very thick, it’ll start to taste burnt. That’s when it’s time for a coil.
- If your device has a pod with a built-in coil, you can get a new coil by replacing the entire pod. Simply throw the current pod away and start using a new one.
- If your device has a pod with a replaceable coil, pull the old coil out of the bottom of the pod and push the new coil in. Learn more about how to install a vape coil.
How to Use a Vape Mod
Unboxing a Vape Mod
Unboxing a vape mod is much the same as unboxing a pod vape, which we described above. In addition to the mod itself, the package will typically include a tank, two spare coils, a charging cable, an instruction manual, a replacement glass enclosure for the tank and a bag of replacement gaskets.
Charging a Vape Mod
Before you can charge your vape mod, you’ll need to install at least one battery if the device doesn’t have a built-in battery. Open the battery door and check the markings on the door to confirm the correct orientation for the battery or batteries. When a vape mod has one battery, the positive terminal usually faces the top of the device. When a vape mod has two batteries, they usually face in opposite directions. Connect the mod to your computer to charge the battery. The screen will indicate when the charging cycle is complete.
Filling a Vape Mod
After you finish charging your vape mod, you’ll fill the tank. If the tank isn’t already installed, screw it into the threading at the top of the device. Depending on the tank’s design, you can open it in one of three ways.
- If the top of the tank has a release button, press the button, and the lid will pop open.
- If the top of the tank has an arrow or other indicator, push the tank’s top hardware in the direction of the indicator.
- If the top of the tank doesn’t have either of those things, unscrew the entire top metal part of the tank.
After opening the tank, add e-liquid through the filling hole and wait at least five minutes before vaping. Remember that with every vape tank, the filling hole is offset from the center air channel. Don’t put e-liquid down the hole in the middle; that hole leads to the atomizer coil, and the e-liquid will leak out of the tank.
Using a Vape Mod
Vape mods are typically more complicated than other types of vapes, so it’s a good idea to read the instruction manual and familiarize yourself with the device before you start using it. Here is some general advice, though, that will help you get started.
- Press the fire button five times to lock and unlock the device.
- Before you start vaping, check the screen to see the device’s wattage. When you’re using a new coil, set the device to a lower power level at first and increase it slowly as you use the coil. A vape mod usually has “+” and “-“ buttons under the screen that let you change the wattage.
- To vape, inhale through the tank’s mouthpiece while holding the fire button.
Replacing the Coil
As we described above, it’s time to replace the coil in your vape tank when the current coil begins to produce a burnt flavor. Start by making sure that the tank is empty and removing it from the device. Turn the tank upside down and unscrew its metal base.
- If the coil is connected to the tank’s base, unscrew it from the base and screw a new coil in.
- If the coil is pushed into the tank’s chimney, pull it out and push in a new coil.
After replacing the coil, reassemble and refill the tank. Wait at least five minutes before vaping.