How to Recharge a Disposable Vape

Disposable vapes have evolved over time as the market has changed and the perception of these devices shifted from convenient entry-level kits to environmentally dangerous and expensive. Now we’re seeing a mixture of devices that redefine what was once an intentional single-use kit to a new swathe of rechargeable disposable vapes with greater puff capacity.

This guide explains which devices can be recharged, how to do so safely and what to avoid for health and safety reasons.

Can You Recharge a Disposable Vape?

It’s important to know that not all disposables are designed to be recharged. Despite various YouTube tutorials demonstrating how to open a single-use kit with a pair of pliers and connect USB-stripped wires to the battery connector, this is not a safe way to vape.

If you don’t see a micro-USB or type-c charge port (often located at the bottom of a disposable), it’s much safer and less time-consuming to avoid this method.

It’s understandable why a vaper would do all in their power to extend the life of their disposable vape. Single-use kits work out as more expensive and don’t always provide value for money. Sometimes the battery runs out before the prefilled e-liquid does or vice versa!

So, it’s only natural you want to prolong the life of your disposable vape. However, there are a couple of clear indications whether you have a rechargeable disposable vape:

• You have a type-c or micro-USB port attached to the device
• The disposable vape has an LED battery indicator, which often highlights the battery level for charging purposes
• The packaging or product description states that the device offers multiple recharges
• The disposable vape has a large battery capacity, which can imply that it’s a rechargeable device

How to Recharge a Disposable Vape: Step by Step Instructions

So, your disposable vape looks like it can be recharged safely – fantastic! Even though it’s a device with prefilled e-liquid that's not possible to refill, a rechargeable vape ensures you can maximise the 2ml capacity of your disposable vape. Follow these steps to maintain the life of the battery until your juice runs out:

1. Get a USB cable and safely connect to the device port.
2. Check for an indication that it is safely charging.
3. Let the device complete a full charge and then disconnect when it is ok to do so.

How Long Does it Take to Charge a Disposable Vape?

The amount of time it should take to charge a disposable vape depends on factors such as its battery capacity and the type of connection used. Typically, for a disposable vape, it should take between 1-4 hours. Below are a few examples that highlight contrasting charge times:

• Any device with a battery above 500mAh should take between 2-3 hours.
• If the battery capacity is more than 1500mAh, it’s generally not classed as a disposable vape
• Any disposable vape below 500mAh should take between 1-2 hours for a full charge

Please note that if you overcharge your device, this can lead to short-circuit issues, overheating or even explosion. The best advice we can give is to follow the battery advice which can often be found with the packaging or instruction manual, and to apply common sense.

Can You Save a Disposable Vape With No Life Left?

If the disposable vape has completely come to a stop and is no longer working, consider this question first. Does it have a USB port? If it does, try to reconnect and see if it charges.

If it still doesn’t charge, it’s best to move on and replace it with another disposable vape or upgrade to a more sustainable and reusable vape kit.

Should the disposable vape not have a USB port, and suddenly stop working, this could mean that the battery has run out before the vape juice has emptied, or it’s simply run out of puffs.

As a disposable vape is made up of internal hardware wired professionally by the manufacturer, approach with caution. If you dismantle the device to try and solve the issues yourself, chances are that the device will not work even if you spot the issue.

A dead disposable vape provides a clear next step – to replace it and cut your losses.

Top Tips for Safe Disposable Vape Use

1. Keep an eye on the device and do not leave it unattended.
2. Don’t try to resolve a dying battery by recharging it where it’s not possible. With no USB port, dispose safely and swap for one that works.
3. If the device is damaged, i.e. leaks or signs of wear and tear, do not try to charge.
4. Only charge during the day. Don’t fall asleep with it left charging. This can cause unnecessary overheating and pose a risk to your safety. This rule applies to all types of devices, not just single use.
5. Disposable vapes very rarely offer pass-through vaping, meaning that you cannot vape and charge simultaneously. So, avoid puffing while connected to a USB!

Recharge Disposable Vapes or Recycle?

Even with the negative media attention towards disposable vapes, they still clearly serve a purpose for adults aiming to quit smoking.

While they should not fall into the hands of underage vapers, as a single-use device, a disposable vape is perfect to test whether vaping is right for you as a short-term measure. Recharging a disposable vape only applies where there is a charge port, and the kit is designed to safely support multiple uses and get every drop of e-liquid from the tank.

Now manufacturers are promoting legal big puff devices which contain sometimes thousands of puffs and can be recharged. Essentially, it’s a non-refillable all-in-one kit with a fixed coil. This is a good thing for the market. It means less battery disposal but still creates an entry for beginners or advanced vapers seeking an easy-to-use device. It reduces waste and at a higher price point should deter anyone under the legal age of 18 from buying vapes that never smoked.

If the UK Labour government continues with the bill to pass the ban on disposable vapes, higher puff count rechargeable disposable vapes could provide a useful replacement for single-use non-rechargeable kits.

Most importantly, whatever way the market goes, disposable vapes should always be recycled responsibly by taking them to a local recycling centre and only recharged if the manufacturer has provided the capacity to carry out this function.

We’re Here to Help

At Pure E-Liquids, we love to help anyone find the right product or guidance regarding the latest news regarding regulations. If you need further help or information on recharging disposable vapes or understanding whether your device supports this function, feel free to contact the team.