How To Refill A Vape: An Overview

Let’s be real — if you’re new to vaping, figuring out how to refill a vape can feel like cracking a secret code. You’ve just picked up your shiny new refillable vape a couple of days ago, and now you're staring at it like, “How do I feed this thing?”

Don’t worry — we’ve all been there. While filling or refilling a vape might be second nature to long-time vapers, it can be totally foreign territory if you're just getting started. That’s exactly why we created this straightforward (and slightly chill) guide: to walk you through how to refill the most common types of vapes and tanks without making a mess or panicking when your vape juice runs low.

So, if you’ve been Googling “how to refill my vape” at 2 a.m., this one's for you.

💡 New to refillables? Don’t miss our blogs: Refillable Vape Pods Explained, How to Use Refillable Vape?, and Disposable Vapes vs. Refillable Vapes — all super helpful if you're navigating the wild world of vapes.

 

When To Refill Your Vape

So how do you know it’s refill time? Easy signs:

• The flavor’s starting to fade.
• You’re not getting as much vapor.
• You can see your tank’s almost empty.

Some folks like to top up when their tank hits halfway. Others ride it out until it’s nearly bone-dry. Either way, we recommend refilling when you notice the flavor or vapor slipping — no one likes a dry hit.

Prepping for a Refill: What You’ll Need

Before you dive in, let’s make sure you’re set up for a smooth refill:

• Power off your device (safety first).
• Grab a paper towel (just in case of leaks or spills).
• Unscrew or remove the tank or pod if needed.

And most importantly: Know your vape! Refilling methods depend on whether you’re using a closed pod, open pod, bottom-fill tank, top-fill tank, or an RDA. Let’s break them down.

How To Fill a Closed System Vape Pod

Let’s clear this up: closed pod = not actually refillable.

With closed system vapes, like the kind that use pre-filled pods, you don’t refill them manually. When it’s empty, you just swap in a fresh pod. Easy peasy.

These pods often snap or magnetically click into place. So just pop out the empty one, click in a new one, and you’re good to go.

How To Fill an Open System Vape Pod

Now we’re talking refillable vapes.

Open pod systems are designed for reuse, so yes — you can refill them. Here’s how:

1. Remove the pod from the device.
2. Find the fill port (it might be sealed with a rubber plug or just a visible opening).
3. Use your vape juice bottle to fill it — we recommend a 50/50 PG/VG ratio or nicotine salt juice.
4. Let it sit for 10–20 minutes so the wick can fully absorb the juice (this is key to avoiding burnt hits).
5. Pop the pod back in, and vape away!

How To Fill a Bottom Fill Tank

Bottom-fill tanks take a little more work, but it’s still totally doable.

1. Turn off your vape.
2. Unscrew the tank from the device.
3. Detach the base and remove the coil.
4. If you’re switching flavors (or it’s been a while), give your tank a quick clean. Here’s how to keep it fresh.
5. Prime your coil by adding a few drops of vape juice into the wick holes.
6. Screw the coil back into the base.
7. Flip the tank upside down and fill it through the side port (not the center chimney!).
8. Reassemble the tank and let it sit for 10–20 minutes before firing it up.

How To Fill a Top Fill Tank

Top-fill tanks are super convenient — no flipping required.

1. Turn off the device.
2. Remove the tank if needed and unscrew the base to access the coil.
3. Prime the coil with a few drops of juice.
4. Unscrew or slide open the top cap or mouthpiece — this reveals the fill ports.
5. Pour in your vape juice up to the fill line (again, avoid that center chimney!).
6. Close everything up, reassemble your tank, and wait a few minutes to let it saturate.

Now you’re ready to puff like a pro.

How To Fill an RDA (Rebuildable Dripping Atomizer)

RDAs are a different breed — no tank, just cotton and coils.

Here’s what you do:

• Drip a few drops of vape juice directly onto the coils and cotton.
• Vape.
• Repeat.

That’s it. It’s super simple but does require frequent dripping — kind of like feeding a very thirsty pet.

Wrapping It Up

At the end of the day, how to refill a vape really depends on what kind of device you’re using. Closed pod? Swap it out. Open pod or tank? Time to get your hands a little sticky (in a good way).

The more you refill your vape, the easier it gets. So don’t stress — with a little practice, you’ll be refilling like a vape wizard in no time.

Happy vaping!