How to Refill a Vape: Pods, Tanks & Big Puff Vapes

Learning how to refill a vape is usually very simple, but the exact process depends on which type of device you're using. A refillable pod is normally filled through a small opening covered by a silicone stopper. A vape tank usually has a sliding, twisting or removable top. Big puff disposable vape alternatives work differently again: instead of pouring bottled e-liquid into the device, you replace a pre-filled pod or refill pack.

The good news is that all three systems are easy once you know what you're looking at.

In this guide, we'll explain how to refill all of the most common types of vapes and show you how to avoid the leaks, gurgling and burnt hits that can happen when something goes wrong.

First: What Type of Vape Are You Refilling?

Modern vapes use several different e-liquid systems, so the word "refillable" doesn't always mean exactly the same thing.

Knowing which system you have is important because trying to open a component that isn't designed for manual filling can result in leaks, poor flavour or a damaged pod.

How to Refill a Vape Pod

Refillable pod systems are among the simplest vape kits to fill. Most pods use either side filling or top filling, although the exact mechanism varies between manufacturers.

1. Remove the Pod if Necessary

Some pods can be filled while they're still attached to the device, but many have their filling ports on the side or bottom. In that case, pull the pod out of the battery first.

Keep the pod upright where possible to minimise the chance of spilling the e-liquid that's already inside.

2. Find the Filling Port

Look for a silicone or rubber stopper on the pod. Lift the stopper gently with a fingernail to expose the filling hole.

Some newer pods have top-filling systems instead. You may need to remove the mouthpiece or slide part of the top section aside to reveal the port.

Make sure you've found the actual filling hole before adding e-liquid. If you see a second opening leading directly towards the centre of the coil, that's likely to be the airflow channel.

3. Add the E-Liquid

Insert the tip of your e-liquid bottle into the filling port and squeeze gently.

Don't try to fill the pod completely to the brim. Leaving a small air space helps the pod maintain the internal pressure it needs to keep the e-liquid where it belongs.

4. Close the Filling Port Securely

Push the silicone stopper firmly back into place or replace the mouthpiece if you're using a top-filling pod.

Check that the stopper is sitting flat. A partially open stopper is one of the easiest ways to end up with e-liquid in your pocket, which isn't quite the flavour experience most people have in mind.

5. Let a New Coil Soak Before Vaping

If you're simply topping up a pod you've already been using, you can normally continue vaping straight away.

If the pod or coil is brand new, though, the wick inside it will initially be dry. After filling, give the e-liquid several minutes to soak fully into the wick before taking your first puff.

This process is called priming the coil. Skipping it can cause the dry cotton to burn, potentially ruining a brand-new coil immediately.

How to Refill a Vape Tank

Traditional vape tanks hold more e-liquid than most small pods and usually have removable coils. The majority of modern tanks use top-filling designs.

How to Refill a Top-Filling Vape Tank

1. Find the opening mechanism. The top of the tank may slide sideways, twist off or open after you press a small button.
2. Open the tank. You should see one or more filling ports towards the outer edge.
3. Avoid the centre chimney. The central opening is normally the airflow path leading to the mouthpiece. Don't pour e-liquid into it.
4. Add your vape juice. Place the bottle nozzle into the filling port and squeeze gently.
5. Leave a little air space. Don't force e-liquid into every last bit of the reservoir.
6. Close the tank securely. Slide, twist or click the top back into position.

If you're using the existing coil, the tank is ready to vape. If you've just fitted a new coil, let it saturate before using it.

What About Bottom-Filling Vape Tanks?

Bottom-filling tanks are much less common than they used to be, but you may still own an older device that uses one.

Remove the tank from the vape and turn it upside down before unscrewing the base. Tilt the tank slightly and add e-liquid down the side of the reservoir, taking care to keep it out of the central airflow tube.

Don't fill the tank completely because you'll need enough empty space to reinstall the base without forcing e-liquid out.

Screw the base back on carefully, return the tank to an upright position and wipe away any stray e-liquid before reconnecting it to your vape.

How to Prime a New Vape Coil

If your tank uses a large removable coil, you can give the priming process a head start before filling.

Look at the openings around the side of the coil. You'll normally see white cotton through them. Place a small drop of vape juice onto each exposed section of cotton so that it begins to look damp.

Install the coil, fill the tank normally and leave it to stand for several minutes before vaping.

If your vape has adjustable wattage, it's also sensible to begin towards the lower end of the coil's recommended power range and increase the wattage gradually if necessary.

You don't need to manually drip e-liquid onto tiny integrated pod coils unless the manufacturer specifically tells you to. Filling the pod and allowing it to sit is usually enough.

How to Refill a Big Puff Vape

This is where the word "refill" can become slightly confusing.

Today's big puff vapes are refillable alternatives to traditional disposable vapes, but most aren't designed for you to pour bottled e-liquid directly into them.

Instead, they use proprietary pre-filled pods, e-liquid containers or combined refill assemblies. When the original supply runs out, you remove the empty component and install a new one.

The precise process depends on the device. Some systems use a 2ml pod connected to a larger refill container. Others use several smaller pods or a single combined cartridge. In all cases, use the refill designed specifically for your device and follow the fitting instructions supplied by the manufacturer.

Big Puff Refill Kits Give You a New Coil Too

There's an important advantage to this type of system that isn't always obvious: the replacement e-liquid assembly includes a fresh coil.

That's different from a conventional refillable tank or pod. With those devices, you might refill the same coil many times before eventually replacing it. During that time, flavourings and sweeteners can gradually leave residue on the heating surface.

As residue builds up, the flavour may become darker, muddier or less accurate. Eventually, you'll need to replace the coil even though the pod or tank itself is still perfectly usable.

With a big puff refill system, the coil doesn't have to survive through bottle after bottle of e-liquid. When the pre-filled supply is finished, you replace the refill assembly and receive fresh e-liquid and a clean coil at the same time.

Can You Open a Big Puff Refill and Add More E-Liquid?

Some pre-filled pods and refill cartridges can probably be forced open if you're determined enough. That doesn't mean it's a good idea.

These components aren't designed to be manually refilled, and even if you manage to open one without cracking it or damaging a seal, you're still using the same coil and wick that have already vaporised the original supply of e-liquid.

By the time a big puff refill is empty, that coil has done the job it was intended to do. Filling the cartridge again may technically produce vapour, but the flavour quality is unlikely to match what you experienced when the refill was new.

You may get dull flavour, burnt or caramelised notes or simply an experience that tastes noticeably less clean. You also introduce the possibility of leaks if the cartridge doesn't seal properly after being opened.

For those reasons, it's better to treat a pre-filled refill kit as the manufacturer intended: when it's empty, replace it.

When Should You Refill Your Vape?

With a refillable tank or pod, it's generally better to top up the e-liquid before the reservoir becomes completely empty.

The coil's wick needs e-liquid to remain saturated. If you continue vaping after the liquid level has fallen too low, the wick can begin to dry out. That can produce a dry or burnt hit and may shorten the life of the coil.

A good habit is to glance at the pod or tank periodically and refill it when the liquid level gets low rather than waiting until you can no longer see any vape juice at all.

If you're using a big puff vape, there's usually nothing to top up manually. Continue using the refill until it's depleted and then install a replacement according to the device instructions.

How Full Should You Fill a Vape?

Don't fill a vape pod or tank absolutely to the top. Leave a small pocket of air in the reservoir.

That empty space helps the reservoir maintain the pressure balance needed to prevent leaking. It also gives the liquid somewhere to move when you close a silicone stopper or replace the top of the tank.

You don't need to leave a huge gap. A little visible air space is enough.

What E-Liquid Should You Use to Refill a Vape?

Use an e-liquid that's appropriate for your device and coil.

Small pod systems and low-powered MTL vapes generally work best with relatively thin e-liquids such as 50/50 blends. Many people use nicotine salts in these devices because they're available in higher nicotine strengths while remaining relatively smooth to inhale.

Large sub-ohm tanks generally work better with thicker, higher-VG e-liquids because their larger coils and wicking openings are designed to handle them.

If you're unsure, check the instructions for your particular device or coil. Using e-liquid that's too thick for a small pod may prevent the wick from absorbing liquid quickly enough, while using a very thin liquid in a large high-powered tank can potentially make leaking more likely.

Big puff vapes are different because their replacement packs already contain the correct e-liquid. You don't need to choose a VG/PG ratio or fill them from a bottle.

Why Is My Vape Gurgling After I Refill It?

A gurgling sound usually means that excess e-liquid has entered the coil or airflow channel.

This can happen if you:

• Accidentally pour e-liquid into the central airflow opening
• Overfill the pod or tank
• Leave a filling stopper partly open
• Use an e-liquid that's too thin for the device
• Allow excess condensation to accumulate

Start by checking that the filling port is fully closed. Wipe away any visible e-liquid from the mouthpiece, contacts and airflow openings.

If liquid has entered the central airflow channel of a tank, a twisted piece of tissue inserted gently through the mouthpiece can sometimes absorb the excess.

Why Is My Vape Leaking After Refilling?

A little condensation is normal around many pods, but a substantial amount of e-liquid shouldn't be escaping from your vape.

If a leak starts immediately after refilling, check the simple things first:

• Make sure you haven't overfilled the reservoir.
• Check that the silicone filling plug is completely closed.
• Make sure the pod isn't cracked.
• Check that a removable coil is pushed or screwed fully into position.
• If you're using a tank, check its rubber O-rings for damage.
• Make sure the tank hasn't been cross-threaded or overtightened.

If an older pod suddenly starts leaking despite being filled correctly, the coil or pod itself may simply be approaching the end of its useful life.

Common Vape Refilling Mistakes

Filling the Airflow Hole

This is probably the classic beginner mistake. The central opening in a tank or pod is often an air channel rather than a filling port. E-liquid poured into it can end up in the mouthpiece or flood the coil.

Overfilling the Reservoir

More e-liquid isn't always better. Leave a little room for air rather than squeezing in every possible drop.

Vaping a New Coil Immediately

A new wick needs time to absorb e-liquid. Using it while the cotton is still dry can scorch the wick before you've even properly started using the coil.

Letting the Vape Run Completely Dry

Refill before the wick is left without enough e-liquid. Repeated dry hits are hard on coils and aren't especially pleasant for you either.

Trying to Refill a Pre-Filled Cartridge

If the manufacturer designed a big puff cartridge or refill pack to be replaced, replace it. Opening it yourself means reusing a coil that has already vaporised its intended supply of e-liquid, and the result is unlikely to taste nearly as good as a fresh refill.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you refill a vape?

Open the designated filling port on a refillable pod or tank, add the appropriate e-liquid and leave a small pocket of air at the top. Close the port securely and, if you're using a new coil, allow several minutes for the wick to absorb the e-liquid before vaping.

Can you refill any vape?

No. Some vapes are intended for bottled e-liquid, while others use proprietary pre-filled replacements. Don't try to open and refill a cartridge unless its manufacturer specifically designed it for that purpose.

Where do you put vape juice in a pod?

Look for a filling hole covered by a silicone stopper or hidden beneath the mouthpiece. Don't put e-liquid into the central airflow opening. The exact location varies between pod systems, so check the device instructions if the correct port isn't obvious.

How often should I refill my vape?

Refill whenever the e-liquid level becomes low enough that the coil's wick may no longer stay fully saturated. Some people need to refill once or several times per day, while lighter vapers may go longer. It depends on the reservoir size and how much you vape.

Do I need to wait after refilling a vape?

Not if you're topping up a coil that's already saturated. If you've installed a new coil or filled a new pod for the first time, though, wait several minutes before vaping so the wick can absorb the e-liquid fully.

Can I change flavours when I refill my vape?

Yes. You can put a different flavour into the same refillable tank or pod, although you'll probably taste a mixture of the two liquids for the first few puffs. Particularly strong flavours such as menthol may linger for longer.

Do I need a new coil every time I refill my vape?

Not with a conventional refillable tank or pod. You normally use the same coil through several refills and replace it when the flavour or performance deteriorates.

Big puff refill systems are different. Their proprietary replacement assemblies contain fresh coils, so changing the refill also gives you a clean new heating element and wick.

Can you refill a big puff vape with normal e-liquid?

Big puff replacement pods and cartridges are generally supplied pre-filled and aren't designed to be opened and topped up with bottled e-liquid. Even if a particular cartridge can physically be opened, reusing its old coil is unlikely to provide the same flavour quality as installing a fresh refill.

Why does my vape taste burnt after I refill it?

If the coil is new, the wick may not have had enough time to absorb the e-liquid before you started vaping. If the coil is older, it may have reached the end of its life. Also check that there's enough e-liquid in the reservoir and that an adjustable device isn't operating above the coil's recommended wattage.

The Bottom Line

Once you've learned how to refill a vape, it quickly becomes second nature. With a refillable pod or tank, find the correct filling port, keep e-liquid out of the airflow channel, leave a little space in the reservoir and make sure a new coil is properly saturated before you vape.

Big puff disposable alternatives make things even simpler. Instead of measuring or pouring e-liquid, you replace the device's pre-filled pod or refill pack. Because the replacement also contains a fresh coil, you start each refill with a clean wick and heating surface rather than continuing to build residue on the old one.

However your vape stores its e-liquid, the basic rule is the same: use the device in the way its manufacturer intended. Fill components that are designed to be filled, replace components that are designed to be replaced, and you'll get better flavour with far less mess.