Can You Refill Vape Pods?

November 02, 2023

In short: yes, you can refill some pods. But not all vape tanks are refillable.

If you’re a RELX customer, it’s crucial to note that — for quality assurance purposes — RELX pods are not designed to be reused or refilled. Never attempt to open or refill a RELX pod — for safety’s sake. We want to ensure that RELX users always receive the best vaping experience, and that’s not possible with refillable pods.

Having said that, refilling your vape instead of using disposable vapes is generally better for the environment and can save you money. Instead of purchasing a new pod every time, you can reuse the one you have and even try new exciting flavours along the way! You may find the overall quality goes down as you refill your vape pod, but some people don’t mind an inferior vaping experience.

If you want to refill your refillable vape pod with liquid safely without damaging the device, you'll want to keep reading!

This guide will take you through everything you need to know about refilling your vape pod device, including a step-by-step process. Let's get into it.

Are Vape Pods Refillable?

Yes and no. The thing to know is that not all vape devices come with refillable pods, and trying to replace a non-refillable pod can damage your device. Pre-filled pods come with disposable vapes designed for the user to throw out once empty, while refillable ones have a removable tank that lets you add new e-liquid.

Vapes work by a heating element (the atomizer) heating the vape coil. As the liquid passes over the steam passage, it turns into vapour. Trying to replace a tank intended for one-time use can be harmful. You risk installing a tank that isn't the appropriate size or breaking one of the internal electrical connections and making the entire thing unusable.

Unfortunately, there is a limit on how many times you can refill your vape tanks before having to replace them entirely. Still, you can get multiple uses out of your vape. On average, refilling pods four or five times is possible before you will need to replace it. The limit on refills is largely down to wear and tear, as vaping damages the tank and pod. If you are starting to notice leaking e-fluid, it's time to change it up.

How to Fill Empty Pods: Step-by-Step Guide

If it's time to fill up the tank again, follow the steps below:

1. Gather the Equipment

Refilling your pod should be reasonably straightforward, but it could get messy. We advise wearing rubber gloves or, if you want extra protection, wear nitrile gloves. Cotton pads or cotton wool with warm water can be an effective way to remove any excess e-liquid. Just dispose of the used cotton pads once you're finished. Alternatively, you can use paper towels for this purpose.

2. Remove the Pod from the Vape Battery

Pods come in various types. Depending on the build of your pod, you may need to use a flathead screwdriver to gain access to it. Bigger pod systems (such as box mods) may require this, while smaller pods can simply pop out. Once you have opened the pod system, retrieve the pod using a pair of narrow tweezers.

3. Locate and Lift the Rubber Bung

The bung should look like a rubber seal at the top of the pod. The waterproof rubber seal prevents your e-liquid from overflowing, so don't misplace it when installing new pods. It should be pretty simple to lift the rubber bung, though it may be held in place by small plastic tabs (or a similar mechanism). You might need to exert a little force. Still, as sturdy as your vape device may be, you should practice caution. The last thing you want to do is damage the pod or device interior.

4. Place the E-Liquid Bottle at the Fill Hole and Refill

Once you've lifted the rubber seal, begin to refill the pod with e-liquid by putting the e-liquid bottle up to the fill hole.

Remember that different e-liquids behave in different ways. Some possess high concentrations of nicotine and strong viscosity, meaning they move more slowly when poured. If your pod produces thick vapour clouds, it probably has a higher vegetable glycerin (VG) to propylene glycol (PG) ratio [1]. Less VG means a thinner liquid that will come out faster than you expect.

Once you have identified the kind of e-liquid you're working with (thick or thin, etc.), begin to refill your pod. It might take a few sessions before you feel comfortable refilling without spilling. While refilling, you may need to use tightening pressure to squeeze out every drop of the e-liquid, but take our word for it, don't use your teeth. You don't want to swallow this stuff.

When you refill your pod, make sure to stop before the juice reaches the fill line marked on your fill hole. This air bubble will protect your vape tank from overflowing or leaking e-liquid into the rest of your pod system. Refillable pod devices usually have stoppers to prevent e-juice from escaping, but better safe than sorry!

5. Seal the Vape Tank and Clean

Once satisfied that the refilling process is complete, flip the rubber bung back into place. Make sure it is secure to prevent any e-liquid from escaping.

Using the same as before or a replacement cotton pad, dry up any of the e-liquid that didn't quite make it into the tank. The juice can congeal and get quite sticky if you leave it, so keep your device as clean as possible.

If you have completed the refill process and your pod leaks excessively, it may be that you did something wrong or your pod system is compromised. Remember to leave an air bubble at the top of your pod systems to prevent liquid leaks and avoid ruining the vaping experience.

It's also best to clean beneath the tank every two weeks. Paying attention to the small details can prolong the lifespan of your vape.

6. Enjoy!

Your device is officially ready for vapor production! Congratulations, you're ready to get back to vaping and qualified for refilling whenever you need to in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What E-Juice Should I Fill My Pods With?

Honestly, the sky's the limit! There are many e-juice flavours for you to explore. The world's at your fingertips, which is why being able to replace your pods is such a valuable option. You can mix it up as often as you feel like!

At RELX, we supply a wide range of flavours to suit your tastes. If you've used the same pods for a while, why not mix it up a little? Variety is the spice of life, so you should take advantage of what's available to you!

What Are Nicotine Salt E-Liquids?

Nicotine salt liquids (sometimes referred to as nic salts, salt nicotine, and salt nic) are a new form of vape juice that provides strong puffs and a smooth throat hit. They deliver nicotine to your system faster than comparative freebase nicotine and have taken over CBD juice as the latest craze. If you've recently switched to vaping to quit smoking, you'll be interested to know that studies have shown nicotine salts reduce the desire to smoke [2]. It could be worth trying out if you have been vaping for a while.

How Do You Refill a Vape Pod?

To refill a vape pod, first detach the pod from the device and then open it by lifting the rubber seal or silicone tab. Now, carefully pour e-liquid into the fill hole, ensuring not to overfill, and make sure to securely replace the seal to prevent leaks. The specifics of this process may vary slightly with different pod designs.

Discover RELX Vapes Today

Whether you are new to the world of vaping or a seasoned veteran, we are confident you will find something to love from RELX. From the RELX Pod Pro, compatible with the Infinity and Essential devices, to the RELX Pod, available in over 20 flavours, we have something to satisfy every taste. Browse our full collection and see why we remain one of the most popular providers of vape products.

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