How to Know When Your Disposable Vape Is Almost Empty

Puffing on an empty disposable vape can be a pretty unpleasant experience. Many disposable vapes lack automatic temperature control functionality, which means that the device may generate a harsh flavor if the wick is completely dry. It’s an unwanted surprise that you’ll definitely want to avoid if you can.

That’s not the only reason why it’s important to know when your vape is almost empty; you also need to know when it’s nearly time to replace it. Long-lasting disposable vapes like the Innokin INNOBAR 20000 last up to 20,000 puffs. That’s long enough that you could conceivably bring just one vape on a plane and be confident that it would last the entire trip.

The fact that modern disposable vapes last so long, though, may also mean that you might buy just one at a time instead of stocking up like you would have in the past. That’s a problem if your device runs out of vape juice unexpectedly when your favorite vape shop is already closed for the evening.

The good news, though, is that a disposable vape almost always gives you a warning long before it’s actually out of e-liquid. All that you need to do is pay attention to the way the device tastes.

When a Disposable Vape Is Almost Empty, the Flavor Changes

A disposable vape produces smaller, less flavorful vapor clouds when it is almost empty.

When you puff on a disposable vape, you expect the device to produce a bold, enjoyable flavor. That’s especially the case with recent disposables, which are almost always equipped with mesh coils that provide enhanced vapor production. When a disposable vape is almost empty, though, the wick that supplies vape juice to the coil begins to dry out. When this happens, you’ll begin to notice a change in the device’s flavor quality. The flavor will become less intense, and the vapor clouds will also become smaller. If you put your device down for a while to let the wick refresh itself, the flavor quality will improve – but it’ll only be temporary. Depending on how the device is made, you may also notice a “plastic” flavor from the coil heating the vape’s wick. When your disposable vape gets to this point, you should plan to replace it soon.

Many Modern Disposable Vapes Have Smart Screens

A smart screen shows an approximation of a disposable vape’s e-liquid supply, which provides some warning when it’s almost empty.

Many new disposable vapes – such as the Innokin INNOBAR 20000 mentioned above – have smart displays. If you’re using a disposable vape with that feature, the screen will show the device’s current battery charge, and it’ll also have a meter showing approximately how much e-liquid is left.

If you have a vape with a smart screen, it’s important to understand that what the e-liquid meter shows is only an approximation based on how much you’ve used the device. The meter will slowly go down as you vape. Because the e-liquid level is approximate, it’s possible for the device to continue working normally for a while after the meter has run out. When the screen shows that your device is empty, though, you should definitely plan to replace it soon.

There are also some disposable vapes that have two indicator lights – one for the e-liquid and another for the battery – instead of a display. If your vape has this feature, you’ll probably see a light with a drop icon next to it on the bottom of the device. When the light turns on, the device is nearly empty.

A Few Disposable Vapes Have E-Liquid Windows

This is a rare feature – most disposable vapes have opaque outer shells – but there are a few devices that have clear tanks or windows. If your disposable vape has this type of design, you can easily tell when it is almost empty because you can just look at the window. When you can no longer see e-liquid through the window, it’s nearly time to replace your device.

When Is a Disposable Vape Completely Empty?

There are three ways to know when a disposable vape is done, depending on the design of your device.

• You experience a harsh, burnt taste every time you puff on your vape. Most disposable vapes don’t have automatic temperature control features. If this is the case with your device, the coil will begin to overheat when the device is completely empty.
• Your vape stops producing vapor when you puff on it, even though the battery is charged. A few disposable vapes have automatic temperature control functionality. If this is the case with your device, it’ll stop producing vapor to prevent the coil from overheating when it is completely empty.
• Your vape blinks when you puff on it. Some disposable vapes – particularly those sold in regions that limit the e-liquid capacities of vaping devices – are not rechargeable. If your disposable vape doesn’t have a USB port, there’s no way to charge the battery. In this case, it’s time to replace the device when the light starts blinking.

How Long Should a Disposable Vape Last Before It’s Empty?

Every disposable vape has an approximate puff count on the box, but you will reduce the number of puffs that your device delivers if you take very long puffs when you vape.

The easiest way to estimate how long a vape will last is by looking at the puff count advertised on its box. It’s important to understand, though, that the puff count is an approximation. A disposable vape is expected to deliver up to a certain number of puffs before it’s empty, but it isn’t guaranteed to deliver exactly that number. Learn more about how long disposable vapes last.

You should also be mindful of the fact that a disposable vape’s expected puff count is based on an average length of one second per puff. Many people take longer puffs than that – and if you’re one of those people, your disposable vapes will definitely not reach their advertised puff counts.

When you compare different disposable vapes, you should look not only at their advertised puff counts but also at how much e-liquid the devices contain. If one device has more vape juice than another, it’ll almost certainly last longer regardless of the number of puffs shown on their boxes. Some devices produce bigger clouds than others and will deliver fewer total puffs as a result, but the difference is usually minimal.

Is It Possible to Make a Disposable Vape Last Longer?

To make a disposable vape last longer, avoid “chain vaping” and only use your device when you really need the nicotine.

How long a disposable vape lasts depends partially on how much e-liquid it contains and partially on your own vaping habits. One of the first things you learn when you switch to vaping is how much more enjoyable it is than smoking. Vapes and e-liquids are available in just about every flavor you can imagine, and vaping is also much less likely than smoking to cause symptoms of irritation like a sore throat or coughing.

Because it’s so much more enjoyable, some people end up vaping almost constantly just because they like it, and it keeps them busy. If you do that with disposable vapes, your devices won’t last as long as you expect. In addition to that issue, disposable vapes don’t limit your sessions automatically by burning out after a few puffs like cigarettes do.

Follow this simple three-part strategy to extend the life of your disposable vapes or learn more about how to make your vapes last longer.

• Try to limit your vaping sessions to about 10-15 puffs each. That’s the number of times that you’d puff on a cigarette before putting it out.
• Put your device down when you’re not using it.
• Keep the device out of arm’s reach, so you’re not compelled to use it reflexively when you want to keep your hands and mouth busy.

Remember that your ultimate goal is to use your disposable vape only when you actually need the nicotine – try to mimic the patterns you followed as a smoker. That way, your devices will last as long as they possibly can. This also helps to ensure that you won’t use more nicotine than your body actually requires.

Can You Refill an Empty Disposable Vape?

Most disposable vapes aren’t designed to be refilled. Even in the few cases where it is possible to crack a device open and refill it, the process is really more trouble than it’s worth, and you’d be better off buying a refillable vape kit instead. A disposable vape that has been refilled is likely to leak. In addition, the flavor quality won’t be the same as that of a new device because the residue will have formed on the coil. If you want to use a vaping device that can be refilled without leaking or degradation of flavor, disposable vapes might not be the best vapes for you.