How to Refill a Vape Pod?

Published May 21, 2025

Updated May 27, 2025

By: Christopher Banks

Refillable vape pods are popular because they’re simple to use, more budget-friendly in the long run, and let you stick with the flavours you like without constantly buying new pods. No stress if you’re using a refillable pod system but aren’t sure how to top it up the right way.

Here's how to do it step-by-step without ruining your coil or making a mess.

What Is a Vape Pod?

What Is a Vape Pod? Vape pods are the part of your devices that hold your e-liquid and the coil that turns it into vapour. It snaps into your vape device and works like a tank, just smaller and easier to manage. There are two types of vape pods: prefilled (closed pods) and refillable (open pods). We're focusing on the refillable ones here..

Refillable vape pods let you choose your own vape juice, which means more flavour options, more control over nicotine levels, and better value over time.

Core Components of Refillable Vape Pods?

Core Components of Refillable Vape Pods? Knowing what’s going on inside your pod makes the refilling process easier. It also helps you avoid ruining the coil or spilling juice everywhere.

  • Pod Cartridge: The little plastic (sometimes glass) container that holds your vape juice. It connects directly to your vape battery and includes all the important parts.
  • Coil: Found inside the pod, this heats your e-liquid and creates vapour. It’s made from a wire coil wrapped in cotton. You need to let the coil soak properly before vaping, or you’ll burn it.
  • Fill Port: This is a tiny hole sealed with a silicone or rubber stopper, usually found on the side or bottom of the pod. This is where you add the juice.

How to Fill a Vape Pod?

How to Fill a Vape Pod? Here’s your step-by-step replacement cartridges refill walkthrough:

1. Take the Pod Out

First, remove the pod from your vape. Most just slide or pop out, but some use magnets to stay in place, so a little pull is all it takes.

2. Open the Fill Hole

Look for a small rubber flap—usually on the side, top or bottom. Gently lift it with your nail or something small. On a few pods, you might need to pull off the mouthpiece first.

3. Add Your E-Liquid

Stick the tip of your juice bottle into the fill hole. Slowly squeeze until the pod is about 80–90% full. Don’t stuff it full—it’ll leak or mess with the coil.
  • Using a low-watt pod? Go with nic salts.
  • Got a more powerful setup? Use freebase e-liquid.

4. Close It Up

Push the rubber seal back in firmly. Make sure it sits flush and snug, or you’ll end up with leaks.

5. Wipe Off Any Spills

If anything dripped while filling, clean it off with a tissue. E-liquid can get sticky and mess with the device if it’s left sitting around.

6. Let It Soak

Don’t rush. Give it 5 to 10 minutes so the cotton inside the coil can soak up the juice. If you vape too soon, you’ll probably burn the coil.

7. Put the Pod Back In

Once it’s soaked and ready, slide or snap the pod back into your vape. That’s it. You’re good to go.

Refill Tips & Warnings

Do’s ✅ Don’ts ❌
Use the correct type of e-liquid (check device specs — nicotine salt for low wattage, freebase for high wattage) Overfill the pod (leak risk)
Refill when the pod is ¼ full to avoid dry hits Vape immediately after refilling without priming
Store pods upright to prevent leaks Use the same pod for too long — replace after 1–2 weeks or if you taste a burnt flavour

When to Replace the Pod

Wondering how long vape pods last? Here’s when you should stop refilling and grab a fresh one:

  • Flavour’s off or tastes burnt, even with new juice.
  • Leaking, especially from the bottom or near the seal.
  • Juice looks dark and thick, especially if it’s been sitting for a while.
  • Less vapour, even when the battery’s fully charged.

If your vape isn’t hitting like it used to, the pod’s probably on its way out.

Conclusion

Once you've done it a few times, filling a pod doesn’t take much effort. Just take your time, don’t overfill, and pay attention to how your pod’s holding up. This will keep your vape working better and save you from replacing parts too often.

That’s all there is to it. For a full breakdown of replacement pods, check out the ultimate guide to vape pods.

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Christopher Banks

Christopher Banks - Vape Expert

Store Assistant & Content Writter

Banks, a key member of our team at VapeGala, is on a mission to simplify the world of vaping through his vaping knowledge. Jamie's expertise isn't theoretical, it's built from years on the front lines in vape retail plus an in-depth understanding of both the technology and the buyers. When he isn't guiding customers, you'll find him diving deep into vape product reviews, dissecting new innovations, and tackling common questions in his writing.