How to refill a vape pod without the mess.
Refilling a pod should take thirty seconds. But if you've ever ended up with sticky fingers, a gurgling pod or e-liquid in your mouth, you'll know it's easy to get wrong.
Here's exactly how to fill top-fill, side-fill and bottom-fill pods, how full to go, and the little habits that keep your pod tasting great right to the last drop.
Short version? Here you go.
Is your pod actually refillable?
Before you reach for a bottle, check which type of pod you've got.
Refillable pods (sometimes called open pods or empty cartridges) have a fill port, usually covered by a little silicone bung. You buy them empty and fill them with your own e-liquid. XROS, OXVA Xlim, Aspire Pixo and SMOK Nord pods all work this way.
Prefilled pods arrive sealed and full of e-liquid. They're designed to be used until empty and then replaced. There's no proper fill port, and prising them open can break the seal, damage the coil and cause leaks.
If you like the convenience of prefilled pods but want the freedom to pick your own flavours, a refillable kit is the easy switch. Have a look at our refillable pods and pod kits.
How to refill a pod in 6 steps.
This works for most refillable pods. Check your kit's manual for anything model-specific.
1. Take the pod out
Pull the pod straight out of the device. Filling it in place risks liquid running onto the battery contacts.
2. Wipe it down
Give the base and contacts a quick wipe with a dry tissue so any old condensation doesn't get trapped under the new fill.
3. Open the fill port
Lift the silicone bung, slide the top cap or pull off the mouthpiece, depending on your pod. Don't pull the bung right off; it's easy to lose or tear.
4. Angle and fill
Tilt the pod slightly and place the bottle nozzle inside the fill port, aiming at the side wall. Squeeze gently so the liquid runs down the inside of the pod. Pouring straight down the centre airflow tube is the quickest way to cause a leak.
5. Stop at the line
Fill to the max line, then close the port firmly. Run a finger round the seal to make sure it's fully pressed home.
6. Give it a minute
Pop the pod back in and wait a minute or two before vaping so the wick can soak up the fresh liquid. A brand-new pod needs longer (more on that below).
Top fill, side fill or bottom fill?
Pods have their fill ports in different places. The method is the same, but each style has its own quirks.
| Fill style | Where the port is | How to fill it | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top fill | Under the mouthpiece or a sliding top cap | Pod upright, nozzle in, fill down the side wall | Overfilling; liquid creeping into the mouthpiece |
| Side fill | A silicone bung on the side of the pod | Lay the pod flat, port facing up, fill slowly | Bung not pushed fully home |
| Bottom fill | A bung on the base of the pod | Turn the pod upside down, fill, close, then flip back | Liquid around the contacts; wipe before refitting |
Most modern refillable pods, including the XROS and OXVA Xlim ranges, are top fill, which is the easiest and tidiest style for beginners.
How full should a vape pod be?
Pods need a small air gap at the top to keep the pressure balanced. Fill right to the brim and the extra liquid has nowhere to go but through the coil and out of the airflow.
In the UK, refillable pods and tanks for nicotine e-liquid hold a maximum of 2ml, so they fill up fast. A few gentle squeezes is usually all it takes.
Fill to the max line on the pod. If there isn't one, stop at about 80–90% full. If you do overfill, tip a little back into the bottle or onto a tissue before closing the port.
Seeing liquid where it shouldn't be? Our guide to why your vape is leaking covers the nine most common causes.
Fill along the side wall, stop at the line, then give it a minute.
Filling a brand-new pod for the first time.
A new pod has a dry cotton wick. If you vape straight after the first fill, the coil heats before the cotton is soaked, and you'll get a harsh, burnt taste that can stick around for the life of the pod.
Fill the new pod, close it up and leave it to stand for 5–10 minutes. Then start with a few gentle puffs, on the lowest power setting if your kit has one. Our step-by-step guide on how to prime a vape coil covers it in detail.
Choosing the right e-liquid for your pod.
Most refillable pod kits use mouth-to-lung (MTL) coils of around 0.6Ω and above. These are made for thinner liquids that wick quickly.
Nic salts and 50/50 PG/VG liquids are the best match. Very thick, high-VG shortfills (70/30 and up) can struggle to soak into a small pod coil, which leads to dry hits and short coil life.
Stick to 10ml nic salts or 50/50 freebase for pods. If you love a particular shortfill flavour, look for it as a nic salt. Find out more in What is PG & VG in e-liquid? and browse our 10ml e-liquids.
Using shortfills in a sub-ohm kit instead? Our shortfill and nic shot guide shows you how to mix them.
Pods and liquid for easy refills.
Fresh refillable pods, a kit with an easy top-fill pod, and a 10ml nic salt that suits MTL coils. Prices correct at the time of writing.
Common refilling mistakes (and quick fixes).
If your pod is misbehaving after a refill, it's usually one of these.
| Mistake | What happens | Quick fix |
|---|---|---|
| Filling down the centre tube | Liquid floods the airflow and leaks | Aim the nozzle at the side wall |
| Filling to the brim | Gurgling, spitback, leaks | Stop at the max line and leave an air gap |
| Vaping a new pod straight away | Burnt taste from a dry wick | Wait 5–10 minutes after the first fill |
| Running the pod bone dry | Dry hits and a scorched coil | Top up at about a quarter full |
| Bung not fully closed | Liquid seeps from the fill port | Press the seal all the way round |
| Thick shortfill in an MTL pod | Slow wicking and dry hits | Use nic salts or 50/50 in pods |
Refilled properly and still getting a burnt or muted taste? The coil may be worn out. Here's how to know when to change your coil.
How many times can you refill a pod?
There's no fixed number. A refillable pod with a built-in coil usually lasts somewhere between 5 and 14 days, which could be anywhere from a handful to a dozen or more refills, depending on how much you vape and what you put in it.
Sweet, dark liquids (desserts, colas, heavy fruits) gunk up coils faster than menthols and lighter flavours.
Swap to a fresh pod when the flavour goes flat, you get a burnt edge on every puff, or the pod starts leaking even when you've filled it properly. If your pod has a replaceable coil, you can keep the pod shell and just swap the coil.
Pop in and we'll show you.
New to refillable pods? Visit your local I Love Vapour store and our team will happily show you how to fill and prime your kit.
Or stock up on pods and e-liquid online, with free UK delivery on orders over £20.
Shop refillable pods →Refilling pods: the questions we get asked.
Can you refill prefilled vape pods?
Prefilled pods are designed to be used once and then replaced. They don't have a proper fill port, and forcing them open can break the seal and cause leaks. If you want to use your own e-liquid, switch to a refillable pod kit.
How do I know when my pod needs refilling?
Most pods have a window so you can see the liquid level. Top up when it gets to about a quarter full. Letting it run completely dry can scorch the wick and leave a burnt taste.
Why does my pod taste burnt after refilling?
Usually the wick didn't have time to soak, or the pod ran dry before you refilled. Give it a few minutes to settle. If the burnt taste stays, the coil is probably worn and it's time for a new pod.
Should I take the pod out to refill it?
Yes. Taking the pod out stops any spills running onto the battery contacts and makes it easier to see the max line.
Can I mix two e-liquids in one pod?
You can, but the flavours will blend for a while as you top up. For the cleanest taste, let the pod run low (not dry) before switching flavours, or use a fresh pod.
How much e-liquid does a pod hold?
In the UK, refillable pods for nicotine e-liquid hold up to 2ml. Check the product details for your specific pod, as some hold less.
18+ only. Our products are only for adults aged 18 and over. Challenge 25 applies in all our stores and to every online order.
Warning: This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance. Vaping products are not suitable for non-smokers, people under 18, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.