How to Replace Coils in Pod Systems

Posted by

April 26, 2026

On April 26, 2026

Replacing coils in pod systems is simple but crucial for maintaining flavour and vapour performance. Coils typically last 7–10 days, depending on usage and e-liquid type. Sweet e-liquids can reduce coil life due to residue buildup. Signs you need a replacement include a burnt taste, muted flavours, reduced vapour, or leaks.

Quick Steps:

Turn off your device and remove the pod.
Empty the pod and clean it with lukewarm water if needed.
Remove the old coil:
- Pull out push-fit coils.
- Unscrew threaded coils.
Prime the new coil by adding 5–7 drops of e-liquid to the cotton.
Install the coil and refill the pod with e-liquid.
Wait 5–10 minutes for the wick to absorb the liquid before vaping.

Tips for Longer Coil Life:

Use less sweetened e-liquids.
Avoid chain vaping to prevent dry hits.
Keep the pod filled to avoid burning the wick.

For vapers in Bahrain, VapeShop.bh offers same-day delivery for replacement coils and accessories. Always choose the best vape coils for compatibility before purchasing.

6-step guide to replacing vape pod coils — 6-Step Guide to Replacing Vape Pod Coils

Tools and Materials Needed

What You’ll Need

Swapping out a coil is straightforward, but you’ll need a few basic items. The most important is a replacement coil that fits your specific pod system. These coils come with resistance and wattage ratings printed on their side or bottom, so double-check this information before making a purchase. You’ll also need e-liquid to refill the pod and to prime the cotton wick of your new coil.

It’s a good idea to have paper towels or tissues handy to catch any excess liquid during the process and clean up any spills. If you’re dealing with nicotine-containing e-liquid, you might want to use optional gloves to keep your hands clean. To ensure everything is spotless, prepare some lukewarm water to clean your vape devices to remove any residue before installing the new coil.

Before you begin, check if your device uses replaceable coils or built-in coils. If the coil is integrated into the pod, you’ll need to replace the entire pod instead of just the heating element. Many modern coils are designed with "keyed" edges, which align perfectly with the pod’s base to ensure a secure fit and proper electrical connection.

Once you’ve gathered your supplies, you’re ready to move on to sourcing coils and accessories. If you are new to the hobby, check out our beginner’s safety guide for essential tips.

Where to Buy Coils and Accessories

For vapers in Bahrain, VapeShop.bh (https://vapeshop.bh) offers a wide selection of replacement coils, pods, and accessories. They provide same-day delivery across Bahrain, and you can browse their inventory online or place an order via WhatsApp for added convenience. Their product listings include detailed specifications, so make sure to confirm compatibility with your device.

Preparing Your Pod System

Turn Off and Remove the Pod

Before working with the coil, make sure to turn off your device. Most pod systems can be powered down by clicking the fire button several times in quick succession. This step is crucial to avoid accidentally activating the heating element, which could burn the wick or even cause injury.

Once the device is powered off, detach the pod from the battery. While the pod is removed, take a moment to clean the battery contacts. Use a tissue or a cotton swab to wipe away any condensation or stray e-liquid that may have accumulated.

With the pod separated, you’re ready to move on to draining any leftover e-liquid.

Drain Remaining E-Liquid

Carefully empty any residual e-liquid from the pod. Open the fill port cap and pour out the remaining liquid to prepare the pod for the new coil.

If the pod looks dark, sticky, or has a "gunky" residue, or if you’ve been dealing with leaks or gurgling sounds, it’s a good idea to rinse it. Use lukewarm water to give the pod a thorough clean before inserting the new coil. Once cleaned and drained, reattach the rubber fill port cap to ensure a proper seal and to minimise the risk of leaks in the future. At this point, your pod is clean and ready for the next steps.

How to Replace the Coil

Removing the Old Coil

The way you remove the coil depends on your specific pod system. For closed pod systems with pre-filled cartridges, there’s no coil to replace – once the pod is empty, you simply discard it. Similarly, if you use refillable pods with built-in coils, the entire pod must be replaced when the coil burns out.

For refillable pods with replaceable coils, the coil is usually located at the bottom of the pod. Removing it depends on the coil type:

Push-fit coils: Pull them out from the base of the pod.
Threaded coils: Unscrew them from the bottom of the pod or tank.

As JasonArtman from Vapekit puts it:

"After removing the pod from your device, simply pull the old coil out and push a new coil in"

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Pod System Type	Maintenance Action
Closed Pod System	Discard the entire pod once it’s empty
Built-in Coil Pod	Replace the whole pod when the coil burns out
Replaceable Coil Pod	Swap the coil while keeping the same pod

Once the old coil is out, you’re ready to install and prime the new one.

Installing and Priming the New Coil

To get the best performance and flavour, proper installation is key. Insert the new coil by either pushing it firmly into place or screwing it in, depending on the design. Before reassembling, it’s crucial to prime the coil. Add 5–7 drops of e-liquid directly onto the exposed cotton through the wicking ports and top opening. The cotton should look darker and slightly translucent once fully saturated, rather than white and fluffy.

Vaporesso offers this important warning:

"If you fire up a dry coil, the cotton burns instantly. Once that happens, the damage is done. You’ll taste burnt cotton every time you vape"

Make sure the coil is seated correctly to prevent leaks, then reassemble your pod system and test it to ensure everything is working as it should.

Reassembling and Testing

Reattaching and Refilling

After priming the new coil, the next step is to reassemble your pod system. If you’re using a push-fit system, press the coil firmly into the pod base until it sits flush. Many modern coils are designed with flat edges that must align with matching flat sides on the pod’s opening. VapeJuice.com explains:

"The flat edges on the coil’s base need to line up with the flat sides on the bottom of your pod or tank. If the edges don’t line up, you won’t be able to push the coil all the way in".

For screw-fit coils, gently turn the coil clockwise until it feels snug. Avoid overtightening, as this can cause complications. Island Vape UK advises:

"If it’s a screw fit, be careful not to overtighten as this can cause issues – as soon as it stops itself with no real force its in place".

Once the coil is securely in place, open the rubber plug covering the fill port and fill the pod with e-liquid, leaving just a little room to avoid overfilling. Ensure the seal is closed tightly to prevent leaks.

Letting the Coil Soak

To avoid a burnt taste and potential coil damage, the cotton wick inside the coil needs time to fully absorb the e-liquid. Allow the pod to sit for at least 5 to 10 minutes after refilling – some manufacturers even suggest up to 15 minutes. You can check the cotton through the wicking ports; it should appear fully saturated and no longer dry or white. Eoin O’Boyle from OB Vape highlights the importance of this step:

"Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before vaping. Skipping this step is one of the biggest causes of burnt coils".

Once the cotton is thoroughly soaked, you’re ready to test your device.

Testing and Fine-Tuning

Begin testing your device at the lowest recommended wattage for the coil. Take a few short puffs to confirm that the flavour is smooth and free from harshness. VapeJuice advises:

"If you detect a burnt flavour, wait a few minutes longer for the e-liquid to finish absorbing into the coil".

When you’re sure the coil is properly saturated, gradually increase the wattage until you find the balance of flavour and vapour production that suits your preferences. This careful adjustment helps you discover the ideal settings without risking damage to your fresh coil.

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Coil Maintenance Tips

After setting up your new coil, taking care of it properly is crucial for keeping it running smoothly over time.

When to Replace Coils

Typically, pod coils last around 1–2 weeks, though some higher-quality options can stretch to three weeks. However, frequent usage or e-liquids with added sweeteners can shorten this lifespan due to residue buildup.

You’ll know it’s time for a replacement if you notice a burnt taste, muted flavours, reduced vapour production, or gurgling noises. Recognizing these signs not only improves your vaping experience but also helps you take steps to extend the coil’s life.

Preventing Common Problems

Want to make your coils last longer? Here are some practical tips:

Choose the best e-liquids: Opt for unsweetened or lightly sweetened options to reduce residue buildup and extend the coil’s lifespan. This is especially important when selecting e-liquids for beginners who may not be familiar with how different ingredients affect hardware.
Keep your pod filled: Running low on e-liquid risks dry hits, which can burn the wick.

Your vaping habits also play a big role. If you’re someone who takes multiple puffs in quick succession, it’s time to slow down. Rapid, continuous vaping doesn’t give the wick enough time to re-saturate with e-liquid, leading to early burnout. Instead, take shorter puffs and give your coil a few seconds to recover between hits. If your device allows adjustable wattage, make sure you stay within the recommended power range. As Vapekit.co.uk explains:

"The hotter your coil becomes during operation, the more likely the wick is to burn".

Regular maintenance can also prevent common issues. Clean the battery contacts and pod connectors every few days using a cotton swab or tissue to avoid misfires and maintain consistent performance. Always store your device upright to prevent leaks. If gurgling occurs, remove the pod and gently clear the airflow by exhaling through the mouthpiece.

Conclusion

Replacing coils is a simple process when you follow the key steps: draining the tank, removing the old coil, priming the new one, and waiting briefly before use. These steps are essential to avoid burnt hits and enjoy the best flavour right from the start.

However, the quality of the coil plays a big role in the overall experience. As Vaporesso highlights:

"The quality and type of coil you use can greatly affect your vaping experience, influencing both flavor and vapor production".

Choosing high-quality coils from reliable sources, like VapeShop.bh, ensures accurate resistance, durable materials, and consistent performance, making every vape session more enjoyable.

FAQs

How do I know my pod uses replaceable coils?

Refillable pods can either have replaceable coils or built-in coils. To figure out which type your pod uses, check for a removable coil component. If the coil can be taken out, you can replace just the coil when needed. However, if the pod has a built-in coil, you’ll need to replace the entire pod once the coil burns out.

Why does my new coil taste burnt?

When a new coil gives off a burnt taste, it’s often because the wick hasn’t been saturated properly or the priming wasn’t done right. To prevent this:

Add 3–5 drops of e-liquid directly onto the exposed cotton of the coil.
Assemble your device and fill the tank with e-liquid.
Let it sit for at least 10 minutes before using it.

Once ready, begin vaping at a lower wattage and slowly increase it to your preferred level. If the burnt taste continues, the coil might be defective or not aligned correctly, so you may need to replace or adjust it.

What can I do if my pod starts leaking after a coil change?

If your pod starts leaking after a coil change, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue. First, inspect the pod for any cracks or visible damage – if you find any, it’s best to replace it. Next, double-check that the coil is securely seated and that the rubber seal is in good condition.

When refilling, avoid overfilling the pod and pour the liquid slowly to minimise the chance of leaks. After filling, let the pod sit upright for about 5 minutes to allow the coil to properly prime. If leaks continue despite these efforts, it might be time to replace the pod, especially if it shows signs of wear or damage.