Pods, Vape Pens, and Disposable Vapes
Refilling a vape sounds easy, but it’s surprisingly easy to mess up.
Spilt vape juice, flooded coils, trying to refill a non-refillable device—these mistakes happen all the time, and they’re usually why your vape tastes burnt or won’t hit.
This guide will show the safest and cleanest way to refill your vape, no matter what type you have.
This guide also covers:
- How to refill a vape pod
- How to refill a vape pen
- How to refill a vape cartridge
- Whether disposable vapes are refillable
- How to open a disposable vape (and why you probably shouldn’t)
Key Takeaways (Quick Answers)
- Most refillable vapes are pod systems and vape pens.
- Many disposables are not designed to be refilled, even if you can physically open them.
- If your vape tastes burnt after refilling, you likely flooded the coil, used the wrong juice, or didn’t let it soak.
- Vape smell after refilling is usually light, but spills can smell strong if not cleaned.
- If you want an easy refill experience, choose a reusable vape instead of trying to refill a disposable.
Are Vapes Refillable? (First Things First)
Many users ask whether vapes are refillable, but the answer depends on the device type.
Usually refillable:
- Vape pod systems (most common)
- Vape pens with refillable tanks
- Some reusable vapes are designed for daily refilling
Usually NOT refillable:
- Most disposable vapes
- Any device labelled “non-refillable.”
- Devices with sealed tanks and no fill port
If you are using a refillable vape, refilling is regular and safe.
If you are trying to refill a disposable vape, you’re basically hacking it.
What You Need to Refill a Vape (Tools + Vape Juice)
Before you refill vapes, get these ready:
✅ E-liquid/vape juice
✅ Paper towel or tissue
✅ Cotton swab (optional, for cleaning)
✅ Small bottle tip or syringe (helpful for tight pods)
✅ Good lighting (small fill ports are easy to miss)
Tip:
If you’re refilling in a car or bedroom, put a tissue under the pod first. Spilt vape juice can leave a smell on fabric.
How to Refill a Vape Pod (Step-by-Step)
This is the most common “how to refill a vape pod” method.
Step 1: Remove the pod
Take the pod out of the vape device.
This helps prevent accidental firing or leaks.
Step 2: Find the fill port
Most pod systems have either:
- a rubber plug on the side, or
- a fill port under the mouthpiece
Step 3: Open the fill plug carefully
Use your fingernail or a small tool.
Don’t rip it.
Step 4: Fill slowly (don’t overfill)
Tilt the pod slightly and add vape juice slowly.
✅ Stop at about 80–90% full
❌ Don’t fill all the way to the top
Overfilling can cause:
- leaking
- gurgling
- spitback
- weak hits
Step 5: Close the pod tightly
Make sure the plug is fully sealed.
A loose seal = leaks.
Step 6: Let it sit (very important)
Wait 5–10 minutes before vaping.
This lets the cotton soak up the liquid.
If you skip this, your vape can taste burnt even though it’s full.
If you encounter this situation, you can read: What Causes a Burnt Taste in Disposable Vapes? Reasons, Fixes, and Safety Tips
How to Refill a Vape Pen (Tank Style)
If you’re searching for how to refill a vape pen, you probably have a tank system.
Step 1: Turn off the device
Not always required, but safer.
Step 2: Open the top cap or slide-fill cap
Many tanks have:
- twist-open top caps
- push/slide fill caps
Step 3: Fill on the side, NOT the centre
The centre hole is the airflow chimney.
✅ Fill along the wall of the tank
❌ If you pour into the middle, it will flood and leak
Step 4: Close the cap and wipe off excess liquid
Any liquid near airflow holes = leaks later.
Step 5: Wait 5–10 minutes
Same rule. Let the coil soak.
How to Refill a Vape Cartridge (Cart)
A lot of users also mean how to refill a vape cartridge when they say refill a vape.
This usually applies to:
- oil cartridges
- thick concentrates
- carts that use a screw-top or press-fit mouthpiece
Step 1: Check if the cart is refillable
Some carts are designed for one-time use.
If it’s refillable:
- unscrew the mouthpiece, or
- Carefully pull the top off
Step 2: Fill slowly with the right oil
Don’t overfill.
Leave a little space for airflow.
Step 3: Close it and let it sit
Thicker oils take longer to settle.
If you’re searching for how to refill a cart without a syringe, a fine-tip bottle can work—fill slowly along the side to avoid flooding the airflow path.
Dab Pen Refill (For Wax Pens and Concentrates)
People also search for ‘dab pen refill’ and ‘how to refill a dab pen’.
A dab pen is usually not “refilled” with liquid vape juice.
It’s loaded with wax or concentrate.
How to refill a dab pen (simple way)
- Open the chamber
- Add a small amount of wax/concentrate.
- Don’t pack it too tightly.
- Close it and heat gently.
If your pen is oil-based, you’re basically dealing with a cartridge system.
Are Disposable Vapes Refillable?
This is one of the biggest questions:
✅ Are disposable vapes refillable?
Usually no.
Disposable vapes are made to be:
- used until empty
- thrown away
Some people still try:
- refill disposable vape
- How to refill a disposable vape
- How to open a disposable vape
But the biggest issue is not “can you open it”.
The issue is that it wasn’t built for safe refilling.
How to Refill a Disposable Vape (What People Do)
If you are still trying to refill a disposable vape, here’s the typical process people follow.
⚠️ Warning: This is not recommended and can be messy.
If you refill a non-refillable vape, leaks and coil damage are common.
Some guides describe refilling a disposable vape step-by-step using basic tools like a syringe and letting the device sit before use.
Step 1: Identify how it opens
Some disposables open from:
- the mouthpiece
- the bottom cap
Step 2: Open it carefully
This is basically how to open a disposable vape safely:
- Use gentle pressure
- Don’t stab the battery area
- avoid bending parts
Step 3: Locate the cotton or tank
Most disposables have cotton inside.
Step 4: Add a small amount of vape juice
Don’t pour a lot.
Too much juice causes:
- flooding
- leaking
- no airflow
- weak hits
If you encounter this situation, you can read: Why Does My Vape Leak?
Step 5: Close it and wait
Give it time to soak.
Can You Refill a Vape? (Yes—If It’s Designed For It)
So the clean answer is:
✅ Can you refill a vape?
Yes, if it’s a refillable vape.
✅ Can you refill vapes in general?
Yes, but only when the device is built for it.
❌ Can disposable vapes be refilled?
Sometimes physically, but it’s not the intended design.
If you want the easiest option, choose:
- a reusable vape
- a refillable vape pod
- a vape pen refill tank setup
Why Your Vape Leaks After You Refill It
Leaking is the #1 problem after people refill vapes.
Common reasons:
- You overfilled the pod or tank
- You didn’t close the fill plug correctly
- liquid entered the airflow chimney
- The pod seals are worn out
- You used a thin liquid in a device made for thicker juice
Quick fix:
- wipe the pod
- remove it and blow gently through the mouthpiece
- Refill less next time
Why Your Vape Tastes Burnt After Refilling
A burnt hit usually means the cotton is dry or damaged.
This happens when:
- You didn’t wait after refilling
- The coil is already burnt
- The wattage is too high (on adjustable devices)
- You chain vape too fast
Fix:
- Wait 10 minutes
- Take gentle puffs
- Replace the pod/coil if it still tastes burnt
Does a Refilled Vape Smell Strong?
People also worry about smell.
A refillable vape usually smells like:
- light flavour scent
- mild vapour smell
But spilt vape juice can smell stronger, especially on fabric.
If odour matters to you:
- refill near a window
- Wipe the pod after filling
- avoid overfilling
Refillable vs Disposable: Which Is Better?
If you refill often, a refillable vape setup is better in the long run.
Refillable vape (best for daily use)
- cheaper over time
- less waste
- easier flavour changes
Disposable vape (best for convenience)
- no refilling
- no maintenance
- easy to travel
But trying to refill disposables usually creates more problems than it solves.
For a simple explanation of how refillable vapes work (pod + e-liquid + refill cycle), user discussions can be a good reference: “How Refillable Vapes Work.“
Practical Tips to Refill Vapes Cleanly (No Mess)
If you want a smooth refill every time:
- Fill slowly
- Don’t overfill
- Keep liquid out of the centre airflow hole.
- Let the pod sit 5–10 minutes.
- Wipe everything before vaping.
- Replace pods/coils when the flavour drops.
Conclusion: How to Refill a Vape the Right Way
Refilling a vape is simple once you know what type of device you have.
Using a refillable vape pod or vape pen makes refilling safe and easy.
But if you’re trying to refill a disposable vape, expect leaks, weak hits, and coil issues.
For the best experience, use reusable vapes designed for refilling—and you’ll get better flavour, less mess, and more control.
For more general filling methods (especially for basic pod/tank refills), here’s a simple reference guide: how to fill a vape.
FAQ (PAA-Optimised)
Are vapes refillable?
Some are. Most pod systems and vape pens are refillable, but most disposable vapes are not.
Can you refill a vape?
Yes, if it’s a refillable vape. If the device is sealed, refilling is not recommended.
How to refill a vape pod?
Open the fill port, fill slowly to 80–90%, close tightly, and wait 5–10 minutes before vaping.
Can you refill a vape pod?
Yes. Most refillable pod systems are designed to be filled through a side plug or top-fill port, then reused until the pod or coil wears out.
How to refill a vape pen?
Open the tank top-fill cap, fill along the sides (not the centre tube), close it, and let the coil soak.
Are disposable vapes refillable?
Usually no. Some can be opened, but they are not designed for safe refilling.
How to open a disposable vape?
Most open from the mouthpiece or the bottom cap, depending on the model. Be careful not to damage the battery area.
How to refill a disposable vape?
If you can access the cotton/tank area, add only a small amount of vape juice and let it soak. Leaks are common.
Why does my vape leak after refilling?
Overfilling, rotten seals, or liquid entering the airflow chimney are the most common causes.
Why does my vape taste burnt after refilling?
You may not have waited long enough for the cotton to soak, or the coil is already burnt.
You Can Read More
Disposable Vape vs Cigarette Smell
What Should I Do if an Electronic Cigarette Leaks Oil? Common Causes and Practical Solutions