Can You Recharge a Disposable Vape? Charging Guide & More

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posted on 1 year ago — updated on 1 second ago

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Do you want to get some extra life out of your disposable vape? Disposable vape pens and e-cigs have become incredibly popular in the last few years for both nicotine and other substances, but most aren't rechargeable. Disposables are meant to be used a limited number of times and then thrown away—no need to replace any parts or refill the tank. If you have a disposable vape with a charging port, recharging it is easy. If your vape or puff bar doesn't have a charging port, you can try to recharge the battery manually, but the process is dangerous and often doesn't work. This wikiHow article will teach you how to recharge any disposable vape device.

Things You Should Know

Not all disposable vapes are rechargeable, although rechargeable disposables are becoming more common.
If your vape is rechargeable, you can usually use a standard micro-USB cable to recharge it.
Recharging a non-rechargeable vape is risky because there is no overcharge protection. The battery could overheat, explode, and cause injury.

Can you recharge a disposable vape?

It depends on the type of vape you have. Some disposable vapes are meant to be recharged, including many models by Naked, SMOK, Bad Drip, Hyde. Rechargeable disposable vapes can usually be recharged at least a few times using a USB cable. If you've already tried to recharge your disposable vape but the battery isn't charging anymore, you've probably used up all of its charges. If your disposable vape does not have a charging port (like Puff Bars), it isn't meant to be recharged.

If your disposable vape isn't rechargeable, trying to recharge it is not recommended. Technically, you may be able to take the vape apart to charge the battery manually. However, this could be extremely dangerous. If your disposable vape wasn't designed to be recharged, it doesn't have safeguards to protect the battery from overcharging, which could lead to overheating, electrical shock, burning, and even explosions. Not only is it dangerous to recharge a disposable vape that isn't rechargeable, but it's also not going to do you much good. Typically, by the time the battery is spent, the disposable vape is out of e-liquid. The risks are not worth the likelihood a few more bad-tasting burnt hits. You should not attempt to recharge your battery if you have no experience working with electronic components and fully understand the risks.

Fortunately, many brands now offer rechargeable disposable vapes. If you like the idea of a disposable e-cig but want to be able to recharge it, head to your local vape store and ask about rechargeable disposable vapes. You may also consider switching to a refillable pod system instead if you want to be able to charge your vape. These vapes are designed to be easy to use, are rechargeable, and you can use any e-liquid or flavored pods you like.

Charging a Rechargeable Vape

Locate the charging port. If your disposable vape is rechargeable, it should have a port that you can plug a charging cable into. This is usually a micro-USB or USB Type-C port on the base of the pen. If your vape didn't come with a charging cable but has a charging port, you can usually use any micro USB cable, including the kind that comes with most Android devices. Some rechargeables might have a USB-C port, but this isn't very common on disposable vape pens. Micro USB ports are 6.85mm x 1.8mm rectangular ports. USB Type C ports are 8.24mm x 2.4mm and are oval-shaped.

Plug the USB cable into a charger. Connect the other end of the USB cable to a standard USB wall charger. Recharging can take anywhere from a half to 4 hours. While the vape is charging, do not leave it unattended, and remove it from the charger as soon as the charging is complete. Allow the vape to charge for at least 30 minutes every couple of days. If the battery doesn't charge, you can try cleaning the USB port on the vape using compressed air or a cotton swab lightly soaked in alcohol. Make sure you let the port dry before plugging a USB cable into it. If the battery still won't charge, the battery may be dead and you will need to get a new vape.

Charging a Non-Rechargeable Vape

Understand the risks involved. A non-rechargeable vape is not meant to be recharged. Attempting to recharge the battery may result in electric shock, overheating, and burning. The battery could also explode. It is also possible that you may permanently damage the vape when you take it apart. Continue at your own risk.

Get the tools you need. There are a couple of tools you will need in order to try to recharge the battery. They are as follows: Pliers. Red and black wires, or a USB cable (to be destroyed). A USB wall charger or a lithium-ion battery charger. Wire cutters. Wire strippers Electrical tape. Alligator clips (optional, but recommended).

Remove the bottom of the vape. To do so, use a pair of pliers to grab the bottom cap of the vape. Gently twist until the bottom cap comes off. The contents of the vape should slide out. If the contents of the vape don't slide out, you may need to remove the mouthpiece on the top of the vape too. You can use your pliers to remove the mouthpiece as well. Be careful removing the insides of the vape. Wires and pieces may easily break.

Locate the battery. The battery will be cylinder-shaped. It will most likely have red and black wires attached to it. You may also want to check how much e-liquid is left in the tank. If there isn't any liquid left in the tank, you may be able to refill it. If not, it may not be worth it to try to recharge the battery.

Prepare your wires. If are using a USB charging cable, you will need to cut the USB plug off the end of the charging cable. Then look for a red and a black wire inside the cable. Strip the black and red wires so that an inch or so of bare wire is exposed. If you are using regular black and red wires, just make sure they are stripped on both ends so that an inch or so of bare wire is exposed. It is recommended you use a lithium-ion charger and wires instead of a USB charger since it is specifically designed to charge lithium-ion batteries. You also won't need to ruin a USB charging cable.

Identify the positive and negative terminals on the battery. The battery may have a plus (+) and negative (-) sign identifying the positive and negative terminal. Usually, the negative terminal is connected to the LED, and the positive terminal is connected to the tank. If it has red and black wires attached, the black wire is attached to the negative terminal, and the red wire is attached to the positive terminal.

Connect the wires to the charger. If you are using a USB cable, just plug it into a standard USB wall charger or charging block. If you are using red and black wires, you will need to use a lithium-ion battery charger. Connect the black wire to the negative terminal on the charger (it usually has a spring or coil). Then connect the red wire to the positive terminal of the charger. You may want to use alligator clips to connect the wires. Though you may need to use a separate clip or electrical tape to hold the red (positive wire) in place.

Connect the wires to the battery. You can use an alligator clip or electrical tape to connect the red wire to the positive terminal of the battery. Then connect the black wire to the negative terminal of the battery.

Plug the charger in. Allow it to sit for a few minutes while the battery charges. It's recommended you let it sit and charge in 7 - 10 minute intervals. Do not leave the battery unattended while it is charging. If you see smoke or the battery or wires start getting too hot, unplug the charger immediately.

Reassemble the vape. Make sure to put everything back together exactly like it was when you took it apart. After letting it charge for 10 minutes, try to put the vape back together to see if it works. If it doesn't, try to let it charge for another 10 minutes. If it still isn't working, you won't be able to charge the battery.