Charge a vape with the supplied or manufacturer-recommended equipment, on a clean and flat surface, while you are present.
Most vapes contain a lithium-ion battery. Damage, incorrect charging, or extreme temperatures can make this battery unsafe.
The safest instructions come from the device manufacturer. Read the manual before you charge a new device. If the manual is missing, contact the manufacturer.
The short answer
Use the cable and power adapter that came with the vape. If you replace either part, use a replacement that the manufacturer approves.
Put the vape on a clean, flat, non-flammable surface. Keep it away from beds, sofas, paper, direct sunlight, and other heat sources. Stay close enough to see the device.
Disconnect the vape when the manual or charge indicator shows that charging is complete. Do not leave it charging overnight.
These steps follow the FDA guidance for vape battery safety.
Check the device before you charge it
Examine the device, charging port, cable, and battery before each charge.
Do not charge the vape if you find one of these conditions:
- The device is wet.
- The case is cracked, bent, or swollen.
- The charging port is loose or damaged.
- The cable is split, frayed, or bent at the connector.
- A removable battery has a dent or torn wrap.
- The device has become unusually hot during normal use.
Do not test a damaged battery by charging it again. Contact the manufacturer for instructions.
If the device only needs routine cleaning, follow our guide to cleaning a vape. Keep liquid and metal tools out of the charging port.
How to charge each type of vape
The charging method depends on the battery design. First, identify whether the battery is built in or removable.
Devices with a built-in battery
Many disposable vapes, pod systems, and pen-style 510 batteries have a built-in battery. You charge these devices through a USB port.
Use this procedure:
- Read the charging section in the manual.
- Check the device, port, and cable for damage.
- Connect the approved cable to the approved power source.
- Put the device on a clean, flat surface.
- Watch the charge indicator.
- Disconnect the device when charging is complete.
Do not use a phone or tablet charger unless the vape manufacturer approves it. Connector shape alone does not confirm electrical compatibility.
Some rechargeable disposables use a USB-C port. The port only charges the battery. It does not replace the liquid. See our Elf Bar BC5000 charging guide for a device-specific example.
Devices with removable batteries
Some 510 box mods and larger vape mods use removable 18650 or 21700 cells. Use only the battery type that the device manufacturer specifies.
If the manufacturer requires an external charger, use a compatible charger from a reputable supplier. Follow the charger instructions and observe each cell during charging.
Apply these rules to removable batteries:
- Keep the plastic wrap and top insulator intact.
- Replace or professionally rewrap a cell with damaged insulation.
- Keep loose cells in a protective plastic case.
- Keep cells away from keys, coins, and other metal objects.
- Do not mix battery brands, models, ages, or charge levels in one device.
- Replace matched cells together when the device uses more than one cell.
The FDA advises users not to mix different battery brands, charge levels, or old and new cells. It also advises keeping loose cells away from metal objects.
If you use a regulated or mechanical mod, confirm that the battery can supply the required current. Our Ohm's law calculator and battery safety calculator can help with the calculation. They do not replace the limits stated by the battery manufacturer.
Charging rules that matter
Use the same safety routine every time.
Use approved charging equipment
A cable that fits can still be unsuitable. Use the equipment supplied with the vape or recommended by its manufacturer.
Use a safe charging surface
Charge on a clean, flat surface where you can see the device. Keep the vape away from anything that can burn easily.
Do not charge on a bed, sofa, pillow, or carpet. Soft material can trap heat and hide a developing problem.
Stay near the device
Remain present while the vape charges. Stop charging if you see swelling, smoke, leaking, or unusual heat.
Do not touch a smoking or burning device. Move away and call emergency services if there is a fire.
Avoid extreme temperatures
Do not charge a vape in very hot or very cold conditions. Let the device return to normal room temperature first.
Do not leave a vape in direct sunlight or a parked vehicle. The FDA warns that extreme temperatures can damage vape batteries.
Disconnect after charging
Use the charge indicator and manual to identify a complete charge. Disconnect the device at that point.
Indicator colors are not universal. A green light can mean one thing on one device and something different on another.
What not to do
| Do not | Reason |
|---|---|
| Use an unapproved cable or power adapter | It might not meet the device requirements |
| Charge on a bed, sofa, or pillow | Soft material can trap heat and burn |
| Charge overnight or while away | You cannot respond to warning signs |
| Charge a wet or damaged device | Internal damage can cause a short circuit |
| Use a swollen or unusually hot battery | These signs can indicate battery failure |
| Mix removable battery types or charge levels | Unequal cells can create unsafe operating conditions |
| Carry a loose cell with metal objects | Metal can connect the terminals and cause a short circuit |
| Charge in extreme heat or cold | Extreme temperature can damage the battery |
Do not modify a battery, charger, or protection circuit. Modifications can remove safety features or change the electrical load.
For air travel, follow current airline and government rules. Our guide to traveling with your vape explains how to pack devices and spare batteries.
Signs of a damaged battery
Stop using and charging the device if you notice:
- Swelling or a change in shape
- A cracked, bent, or leaking case
- Unusual heat during use or charging
- A strong unusual odor
- Hissing, popping, or smoke
- A removable cell with a dent or damaged wrap
A short runtime can indicate normal battery aging. It can also indicate a fault when it appears suddenly with heat, swelling, or damage.
Do not put a vape or lithium-ion battery in household trash or curbside recycling. The EPA says to use a separate battery recycling or household hazardous waste collection point.
For a removable cell, protect the terminals with nonconductive tape or place the cell in a separate plastic bag. Ask the recycling location about its acceptance requirements before you travel.
Match the instructions to the device
The manufacturer manual is the main source for charging voltage, current, cable type, and indicator behavior.
Different types of vape products can use different batteries and charge controls. Do not copy instructions from a similar-looking device.
If a charged device still does not work, identify the failed part before you replace anything. Our guide to vape coils helps separate a coil problem from a battery problem.
Charge the device with approved equipment. Keep it visible. Stop if you find heat, swelling, smoke, or physical damage.