How to Change Your Vape Coil (Step-by-Step)

Changing a coil is the one bit of vape maintenance every refillable vaper needs to know — and it takes about two minutes once you've done it once. Here's exactly how, plus the priming step beginners most often skip.

When to change your coil

A coil that's on its way out gives itself away: a muted or slightly burnt flavour, less vapour, or a gurgling sound. Most coils last one to two weeks. If you're unsure how often is right for you, see How often should you replace your vape coil?.

What you'll need

• A fresh coil (the right one for your kit — check the model and resistance)

• Your e-liquid

• A tissue for any drips

Step by step

1. Empty or lower the tank. It's tidier to change a coil when the tank is nearly empty, so top up after fitting the new coil.

2. Unscrew the tank/pod and locate the old coil — usually screwed into the base or pushed into the pod.

3. Remove the old coil. Screw or pull it out. Give the tank a quick rinse and dry if there's residue.

4. Prime the new coil. This is the important bit: drip a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the exposed cotton wicking holes on the side of the coil until they look saturated.

5. Fit the new coil and reassemble the tank.

6. Fill with e-liquid and let it stand for five to ten minutes so the wick soaks through fully.

7. Take a few gentle pulls without firing, then start vaping at a lower power and build up.

The mistake to avoid

Firing a brand-new, un-primed coil burns the dry cotton instantly — and that's the harsh, acrid burnt taste nobody wants. Priming and waiting a few minutes prevents it. We go deeper on this in Why does my vape taste burnt?.

Keep spares in

A coil change is only a two-minute job if you actually have a spare coil to hand. Keeping a pack in a drawer means you're never stuck with a burnt hit — and it keeps your running costs low, as we covered in Is vaping cheaper than smoking?.

That's it — prime it, wait, and you'll get clean flavour from the very first puff.