How to Change and Prime a Vape Coil: Step-by-Step Guide

The coil is the part of your vape that heats the e-liquid. Over time it wears out, and the flavour fades or tastes burnt. Changing and priming your coil properly gives you the best flavour and helps each new coil last longer. This guide works for most pod kits and tanks.

When should you change your coil?

• A burnt or dry taste, even when the tank or pod is full
• Flavour that is weaker than usual
• Gurgling or leaking that does not stop after cleaning
• Dark, sticky residue around the coil

How long a coil lasts depends on how much you vape and the liquid you use. Sweeter e-liquids usually wear coils out faster.

How to change a coil in a pod kit

1. Remove the pod from the device.
2. Empty any remaining e-liquid and pull out the old coil (if your pod has a replaceable coil). If your kit uses pods with built-in coils, simply replace the whole pod.
3. Push the new coil firmly into place.
4. Fill the pod with e-liquid and close it.
5. Prime the coil (see below) before vaping.

How to change a coil in a tank

1. Remove the tank from the device and empty it.
2. Unscrew the base and remove the old coil.
3. Screw in the new coil, then reassemble the tank.
4. Fill the tank and prime the coil before use.

How to prime a new coil

Priming means letting the cotton inside the coil fully soak up e-liquid before you heat it. Skipping this step is the most common cause of a burnt first puff.

1. Add a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the cotton through the coil's side holes and top.
2. Fill the pod or tank and wait 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Take two or three gentle puffs without firing the device, if your kit allows it.
4. Start on a lower power setting and increase slowly if your device is adjustable.

Tips to make coils last longer

• Do not let the pod or tank run completely dry.
• Use the right liquid for your coil: higher-resistance coils for nic salts, lower-resistance coils for high-VG liquids.
• Take short pauses between puffs so the cotton can re-soak.
• Stay within the wattage range printed on the coil.

Find the right part for your device in our replacement coils and replacement pods collections, with leading brands at trade prices and fast UK dispatch.

Related guides

• Which coil fits my vape kit?
• Caliburn G4 vs XROS 4 Mini vs Xlim Pro 3

Frequently asked questions

How long should I wait after filling a new coil?

Wait at least 5 to 10 minutes so the cotton is fully soaked before your first puff.

Can I clean and reuse an old coil?

Rinsing can sometimes help a little, but most coils are designed to be replaced. A new coil gives the best flavour.

Why does my new coil taste burnt?

Usually because it was not primed long enough, or the power is set too high for that coil.

Vapes Direct Wholesale sells to adults aged 18 and over only. Vaping products containing nicotine are not for use by non-smokers.