How To Recharge a Disposable Vape? A Quick & Easy Guide

Disposable vapes are quickly establishing themselves as the vaping method of choice for many. Smaller, more discreet, and perhaps even providing a better quality taste, it's not hard to see why. 

Yet even under the umbrella term of ‘disposable,' there are significant differences from other vape styles - especially regarding charging. Let's dive right in!

Can You Recharge a Disposable Vape?

It all depends on what kind of disposable vape you buy. Generally, we divide disposals into rechargeable and non-rechargeable. 

Rechargeables vapes come with a charging port and battery capacity for roughly 800-1,000 puffs, while non-rechargable vapes are essentially a throwaway disposal that can operate up to an average of 3,000 puff mark. 

Rechargeable disposals are almost always cheaper due to their smaller battery size. Though you might expect a non-rechargeable disposals to be more affordable, they require a sizable battery to reach the 3,000 mark, increasing their price. 

With that the above in mind, it’s worth mentioning that WAKA Vape’s rechargable disposable vapes soPro PA7000 and soPro PA10000 offer a way higher puff mark at up to 7000 and 10,000 puffs respectively. So users benefit from higher puff amounts, better battery life, and an overall more efficient experience thanks to advanced technologies. 

However, while non-rechargeable vapes cannot technically recharge, there is a nifty workaround that we'll be coming to shortly.

How To Recharge Your Disposable Vape

Recharging a disposable vape is significantly more manageable if you've got a charging port. If you don't, a little DIY work can charge your battery - though this does come with some risks.

With Charging Port

Things should be plain sailing if your disposable vape has a charging port. Simply attach your charger to the port - often at the back of the vape but sometimes on the side - and plug it in. If your vape has a charging port, but you don't have the charger, it's relatively easy to find something comparable that works. Most vapes use a standard micro-USB port (6.85mm x 1.8mm), the same one used by most Android devices. 

Once plugged in, your disposable will take half an hour to four hours to charge fully. Vapes should not be left charging longer than necessary, so unplug it as soon as the battery reaches capacity. 

Without Charging Port

Let's start this next section with a disclaimer. If your disposable vape has no charging point, the manufacturer did not build it with recharging in mind. That said, there is a way to charge it. This method is by no means certified by the manufacturer and does come with a degree of risk as it requires you to open up the vape and tamper with its internal wiring. 

We have to mention that carrying out the following charging method can result in electric shocks, overheating, and burning - while the battery itself could explode. While this is the worst-case scenario, it would be amiss of us not to mention it. If that hasn't scared you off, then read on. 

This process will feel extremely fiddly at first but does become easier each time you do it. To do this, you'll need the following:

• A pair of pliers
• A pair of tweezers
• Electrical tape
• A USB wall charger (that you no longer need)
• Wire cutters

Step 1 

Use the pliers to detach the bottom of the vape carefully. You should then be able to remove the entire contents from inside the outer shell. This includes a battery, typically wrapped in tape with black and red wire and a juice cartridge.

Step 2 

Cut the USB end off the charger, leaving the main connection attached. Locate the red and black wire inside and strip back the coloured casing about an inch to reveal the bare wire beneath.

Step 3 

Attach the red wire on the USB charger to the positive terminal on the battery (where the internal red wire protrudes from) and connect the black wire to the negative terminal (where you can see the existing black wire). You might be able to attach the wires easily. If not, use some electrical tape to stick them down over the metal prongs on either end of the battery.

Step 4 

Plug in the charger while ensuring everything remains connected to the battery. We recommend that you charge in this method in 7 to 10-minute spells to reduce risks. After the first spell, put the vape back together again, making sure everything returns in precisely the same way it came out, and turn the vape on. If the battery has gone up, you've been successful and depending on how much remains, you may want to repeat the process a few times to charge the battery fully. But stick to 7-10-minute spells, and most importantly, never leave it unattended. If it begins smoking or smells strange, disconnect everything immediately.

What To Keep In Mind When Charging a Disposable Vape

Whether you're charging a disposable vape through a conventional charging port or the DIY method mentioned above, there are several things to remember. 

Never Leave a Charging Vape

Rule number 1 about vape charging? Never leave a vape charging. Vaping fires or explosions are usually a result of vapes left on charge and their batteries overheating. Stay close by and disconnect your vape as soon as it's fully charged. 

Additionally, charging vapes should always be kept out of reach of children or pets. Small devices can quickly disappear inside curious gobblers, and that's a trip to the emergency room that nobody wants to make.

Charge Wisely

It's worth noting that most vapes should not charge through a traditional mains socket. They usually come with a USB to USB port, making them easy to charge with computers or on public transport. Charging a vape through a mains socket increases the risk of overheating and exploding. With no other immediate option, we'd recommend short bursts of charging at most 10-15 minutes.

Know the Risks

Taking a non-rechargeable vape apart and constructing a DIY charging method is an excellent way to overcome an obstacle, but it certainly comes with risks. If you want a rechargeable disposal vape and are less mechanically inclined, we'd recommend purchasing that over the DIY option.

Pay Attention to Your Lights 

While charging, the LED lights on your vape will keep you updated on its progress. Red, either a solid colour or pulsating, means the vape still needs charging. Once fully charged, your vape should change colour, either to green or white, though some vapes will turn off entirely at this point. Disconnect your vape as soon as the red light disappears. 

Know Your Vape's Limits 

Even rechargeable disposal vapes have a short life expectancy. While you might assume you can keep charging and puffing away, most disposals only hold two or three charges - or until the juice runs out. You'll know when to purchase a new disposal because it won't charge or the vapour is noticeably weak. 

FAQs

How Often Should You Recharge Your Disposable Vape?

We recommend recharging your disposable vape two or three times, each charge providing 300-500 puffs. Regarding frequency, you shouldn't charge it more than once daily, as this increases the risk of the battery overheating.

How Long Will It Take to Recharge a Disposable Vape?

How long a disposable vape recharges depends on the make, battery level, and device you're charging it from. However, a rough estimate would be between 30 minutes and four hours.

Final Thoughts

In terms of popularity, disposable vapes have caught up to - or surpassed - tank vapes. Disposables provide the most affordable way to vape; with rechargeable options, you can extend that life even longer. Simple, efficient, and easy to use, disposable vapes are the new frontier and don't require carrying something bulky and cumbersome in your pocket or handbag. 

Thinking of making the switch? Check out Waka's extended range of rechargeable and non-rechargeable disposal vapes and many other products, today - it's a change you won't regret making.