To refill a pod vape, take the pod off the battery, open the fill port, tilt the pod and slowly drip e-liquid in until it reaches just below the max line, then close the port and wipe off any drips. If the coil is new, wait five to ten minutes before vaping so the cotton can soak. That's it. The steps below add the small details that stop leaks and burnt first puffs.
This is for refillable pod kits. Prefilled pods are sealed and can't be refilled.
What you need
- your refillable pod kit
- a bottle of e-liquid that suits the coil (nic salts for most pod kits)
- a tissue
Step by step
1. Remove the pod
Pull the pod straight up off the battery. Most clip on magnetically. Check how much liquid is left. Refill before it gets right to the bottom, because vaping on an almost-empty pod is a quick way to burn the coil.
2. Find the fill port
Most pods have a small rubber bung on the side or the top. Some side-fill pods have a slot marked with a drop symbol. Peel the bung back. You don't need to pull it off completely.
3. Tilt the pod
Hold the pod at an angle, roughly 45 degrees, so the liquid runs down the inside wall rather than straight into the central airflow tube. Liquid in that tube is what causes gurgling and leaks.
4. Fill slowly
Put the bottle nozzle into the port and squeeze gently. Watch the level. Stop just below the max line. Leave a little air space, since a completely full pod is more likely to leak.
UK nicotine pods hold no more than 2ml, so it doesn't take much.
5. Close and wipe
Push the bung fully back into place. Wipe the outside of the pod, especially the bottom contacts, with a tissue. Liquid on the contacts can stop the kit firing properly.
6. Prime a new coil
If you've just fitted a new coil or a new pod, leave it standing upright for five to ten minutes. The cotton needs to be fully wet before it's heated. Some people also take a couple of gentle draws without firing (on a button kit, don't press the button) to help pull liquid into the wick.
If you're topping up a coil that's already been in use, a minute is usually plenty.
7. Refit and test
Click the pod back onto the battery. Take a slow, gentle first puff. If it tastes clean, you're done.
Common problems and quick fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Burnt first puff | Coil not primed | Leave it longer next time; if the taste stays, the coil is burnt and needs replacing |
| Gurgling | Liquid in the airflow tube | Remove the pod, wrap in tissue, and flick it gently to clear |
| Leaking at the base | Overfilled or bung not sealed | Fill a little less, press the bung firmly |
| Weak flavour after refill | Coil near the end of its life | Change the coil or pod |
| Pod not firing | Liquid on contacts | Dry the contacts on the pod and battery |
If the burnt taste is persistent, our burnt taste guide runs through every cause.
When to change the coil instead
Refilling won't fix a worn coil. If the flavour has turned flat or harsh even with a full pod, it's time for a new coil or pod. Our guide to how long a vape pod lasts explains the signs and what affects coil life.
Tips that make refilling easier
- Refill at home where you can do it on a flat surface, rather than on the go.
- Keep the pod upright in your pocket or bag if you can.
- Don't leave the kit in hot places such as a car dashboard. Heat thins the liquid and makes leaks more likely.
- Use liquid suited to the coil. Thick high-VG liquid can struggle to soak into small MTL coils. The nic salt vs freebase guide explains why.
- Keep e-liquid bottles closed and away from children and pets. UK nicotine bottles must be child-resistant, but put them out of reach anyway.
Choosing what to fill it with
One of the best things about a refillable kit is choice. If you're not sure where to start, the flavour library sorts flavours by family. Ice fruits like peach ice and mints like spearmint are easy first picks. New to refillable kits altogether? Our refillable pod vape guide covers the basics.
Questions people ask
How long should I wait after refilling a pod?
If the coil is new, wait five to ten minutes so the cotton soaks through. If you're topping up a coil that's already in use, you can usually vape after a minute or so.
Can I refill a prefilled pod?
No. Prefilled pods are sealed and not designed to be refilled. Forcing them open usually causes leaks. Use a refillable pod kit if you want to fill your own.
Why is my pod leaking after I refill it?
Usually overfilling, a fill port bung that isn't pushed fully home, or liquid on the outside of the pod. Fill to just under the max line, close the port firmly and wipe the pod before refitting it.
