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How to Vape
Choose a simple pod kit, charge it, set it up, and take a slow, gentle mouth to lung draw. A beginner friendly guide to getting started.
If you are switching from smoking and new to vaping, getting started can feel a little daunting, but it is simpler than it looks. In short, choose a beginner friendly device, charge it, set it up, pick a sensible nicotine strength, and take a slow, gentle draw. This guide walks you through the basics, alongside our guide on how to inhale a vape.
Quick answer
To vape, choose a simple pod kit, charge it, fit the pod and let a new one settle, then take a slow, gentle mouth to lung draw, much like a cigarette. Pick a nicotine strength that manages your cravings. Vaping is intended for adult smokers and vapers; if you do not smoke, the advice is not to start.
Choosing a device and getting set up
For most beginners and switching smokers, a simple prefilled pod kit is the easiest place to start, as it needs no refilling or coil changing. Charge it via USB C first, fit the prefilled pod, and if it is a refillable type let it settle for a minute or two before the first puff. Many devices are draw activated, so there are no buttons, you just inhale.
How to vape, step by step
- Choose a beginner friendly pod kit and charge it via USB C
- Fit the pod, removing any stickers or stoppers
- Let a new pod settle for a minute or two
- Take a slow, gentle mouth to lung draw, like a cigarette
- Pick a nicotine strength that manages your cravings
Getting comfortable
Start with slow, gentle puffs rather than hard, sharp ones, and give yourself time to find a rhythm. Mouth to lung, drawing the vapour into your mouth then inhaling, feels most like a cigarette and suits beginners. Choose a sensible nicotine strength, often higher for a heavier smoker switching over, and keep the device charged and the pod topped up or fresh.
To vape, pick a simple pod kit, charge it, set it up, and take a slow, gentle mouth to lung draw. Choose a strength that manages your cravings, and start gently.
Vaping basics
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| Device | A simple pod kit for beginners |
| Charge | Via USB C before use |
| Inhale | Slow, gentle mouth to lung draw |
| Strength | One that manages your cravings |
| Care | Keep charged, pod fresh or topped up |
Myths and facts
| Myth | The reality |
|---|---|
| You must inhale hard to vape | A slow, gentle draw works best, especially at first. |
| Vaping is complicated to start | A simple pod kit is easy, with no refilling or coil changes. |
| Any strength is fine | Choose a strength that manages your cravings; too high can feel harsh. |
| Vaping is for everyone | It is intended for adult smokers and vapers, not non smokers. |
Frequently asked questions
How do I start vaping?
Choose a simple pod kit, charge it, fit the pod, then take a slow, gentle mouth to lung draw. Pick a strength that manages your cravings.
What device should a beginner use?
A prefilled pod kit is easiest, with no refilling or coil changes, and a cigarette like draw.
How do I inhale?
For beginners, draw the vapour into your mouth then inhale, much like a cigarette; start slow and gentle.
What nicotine strength should I choose?
One that keeps your cravings at bay; a heavier smoker switching often starts higher and can reduce over time.
Is vaping for non smokers?
No, it is intended for adult smokers and vapers; if you do not smoke, the advice is not to start.
The bottom line
Vaping is simpler than it looks, especially with a beginner friendly pod kit. Charge it, set it up, take a slow, gentle mouth to lung draw like a cigarette, and choose a nicotine strength that manages your cravings, often higher for a heavier smoker switching over. Start gently, keep it charged and the pod fresh, and our team can help you choose the right kit. Vaping is intended for adult smokers and vapers, not non smokers.
More help and related reading
If this guide raised other questions, the Help and Guidance library has plain English answers to many more. The closely related pages below are worth a look, and you can always return to the main hub to browse every topic we cover. If you are unsure which product suits you, our team is always happy to help.
- How to inhale a vape
- How much do vapes cost?
- How to prime a vape coil properly
- Browse the full Help and Guidance library
Key things to remember
- A simple pod kit is easiest for beginners
- Charge it via USB C before use
- Take a slow, gentle mouth to lung draw
- Choose a strength that manages cravings
- It is for adult smokers and vapers, not non smokers
Common beginner questions
New vapers often worry about getting it wrong, but a pod kit makes it hard to. There are usually no settings to fiddle with, you simply charge it, fit the pod and draw. If the draw feels harsh or makes you cough, it is usually because the draw is too hard or the strength is too high, both easily adjusted by easing off or choosing a different strength.
Looking after it is simple too, keep it charged, keep the pod fresh or topped up, and store it safely. That is really all there is to getting started, and our team can help you pick a first kit and strength that suit you.
Beginner setup
| Need | Easy option |
|---|---|
| First device | Prefilled pod kit |
| Charging | USB C |
| Inhale style | Mouth to lung |
| Strength | Matched to your smoking |
| Help | Ask our team |
A few more questions
Will vaping feel exactly like smoking?
It is similar with a mouth to lung pod kit and a suitable strength, though not identical; most switching smokers adjust quickly.
Do and don’t
Do
- Start with a simple pod kit
- Take slow, gentle draws
- Choose a strength that manages cravings
- Keep it charged and the pod fresh
Try not to
- Take hard, sharp draws at first
- Pick too high a strength and risk a harsh hit
- Let the pod run dry
- Start vaping if you are a non smoker
Switching from smoking
If you are switching from cigarettes, a few things make the move smoother. Choose a mouth to lung pod kit, which mimics the draw of a cigarette, and a nicotine strength strong enough to keep cravings at bay, often a higher strength at first. The aim is to satisfy the craving so you do not reach for a cigarette, then reduce over time if you wish.
Switching fully, rather than doing both, gives the best result, and free stop smoking services can support you, including advice on using a vape to quit. Most people find the transition easier than expected once they have the right device and strength.
Switching tips
| Tip | Why |
|---|---|
| Mouth to lung kit | Cigarette like draw |
| Suitable strength | Manages cravings |
| Switch fully | Better than doing both |
| Reduce over time | If you choose to |
| Get support | Improves success |
More questions answered
Can a vape help me quit smoking?
Many people use vaping to switch from smoking, and a stop smoking service can advise on doing so effectively.
A couple more questions
Do I need to change coils as a beginner?
Not with a prefilled pod kit; you simply replace the pod when the flavour fades, with no separate coil to change.
How do I keep my vape working well?
Keep it charged, keep the pod fresh or topped up, store it safely, and follow your devices instructions.
Can the shop help me choose?
Yes, our team can help you pick a beginner friendly kit and a sensible nicotine strength for your needs.
A quick word on safety and the law
Vaping and nicotine products are intended for adult smokers and existing vapers as a less harmful alternative to cigarettes. They contain nicotine unless stated otherwise, which is addictive, and they are not suitable for non smokers, pregnant women or anyone under 18. By law you must be 18 or over to buy vaping products in the UK, and we age verify every order. If you want to stop using nicotine altogether, your local stop smoking service offers free, tailored support.
UK public health bodies advise that vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking, but it is not risk free, and if you do not smoke the advice is not to start.
This guide is general information, not personal medical advice. If you have specific health concerns, please speak to a GP or pharmacist.
Need a hand?
Browse our range and starter kits, or get in touch if you would like help choosing.