How to Vape
A simple beginner guide to vaping, from choosing a kit and e-liquid to your first puff.
The short answer
Three basics. Pick a kit, match the e-liquid, then take slow gentle draws.
Best start
A simple pod kit suits most beginners.
The key
Slow draws, not hard cigarette puffs.
How do you vape?
Vaping is simpler than it looks once you have the basics, since it comes down to three things. You choose a device, match the e-liquid to your needs, then charge, fill and prime it before taking slow, gentle draws rather than hard puffs. The technique is the opposite of a cigarette.
It helps to take it step by step. A beginner-friendly pod kit removes most of the fuss, the right nicotine strength keeps cravings at bay, while a slow draw avoids coughing. This page walks through choosing a kit, setting it up, the technique and a few tips, so your first vape goes smoothly. In the UK you must be eighteen to buy or use any vape, including nicotine-free ones, so this guide is for adult smokers looking to switch and adult vapers.
Let us look at the kit, the setup, the technique and the tips.
None of it is complicated, since most modern pod kits are designed to be almost foolproof. Get the basics right once and the rest quickly becomes second nature.
Choosing a kit and e-liquid
The right pairing makes everything easier. A simple pod kit or disposable suits beginners, while your nicotine strength should match how much you smoked, so heavier smokers often start around 20mg nic salt and lighter smokers prefer 10mg or less, usually with a 50/50 liquid in a starter kit.
- Pod kits: easy to use and ideal for most beginners.
- Match the nicotine: base it on your old smoking habit.
- Nic salts: a smooth higher-strength hit for heavier smokers.
- 50/50 liquid: works well in tight-draw starter devices.
Buying from the right place matters too. Stick to MHRA-notified products from reputable UK retailers, since a properly compliant device and liquid give you a safe, consistent experience, rather than a cheap unregulated import.
A compliant kit costs a little more upfront, yet it pays back in reliability and peace of mind. The cheapest option is rarely the best place to start a switch from smoking.
Match nicotine to your habit
Illustrative starting points.
Setting up and the technique
Setup is quick and the technique is gentle. Charge the device fully, fill the pod or tank without overfilling, prime the coil and let it soak for a few minutes, then take a slow, steady mouth-to-lung draw rather than a hard cigarette pull.
First, charge the device fully before the first use, since most ship only part charged. Second, fill the pod or tank through its fill port, taking care not to overfill, then let it sit for around five to ten minutes so the coil soaks up the liquid, which avoids a burnt first puff. Third, switch it on, since buttonless pods are draw-activated while button devices often need five quick clicks. Fourth, draw slowly and gently, closing your lips around the mouthpiece and inhaling longer and softer than you would on a cigarette. Most beginners start with mouth-to-lung, drawing into the mouth first, then breathing it in. Wait a moment between puffs rather than chain-vaping, then you will quickly find a comfortable rhythm.
The first day or two can feel like a learning curve, which is completely normal. Within a week most people barely think about the mechanics at all.
Ready to get started?
A beginner-friendly pod kit is the easiest way in. Browse our starter kits or ask the team for advice.
Tips for your first vape
A few habits keep things smooth from day one. Draw slowly, keep the tank topped up, match your nicotine so it does not feel harsh, then treat each session as a few short puffs rather than constant vaping.
On the draw, pulling too hard and fast is the main cause of coughing, so slowing right down usually fixes it. On the tank, refill before it runs low, since vaping a near-empty tank burns the coil and gives a nasty taste. On strength, if you feel dizzy or get a headache the nicotine is likely too high, so stepping down a level helps, while if cravings persist it may be too low. On pacing, many ex-smokers simply replace each cigarette with a short session of a few draws rather than vaping all day. Over time most people find they reach for the vape less as cravings settle. For switchers, moving completely from smoking to vaping is far less harmful, though vaping is not risk free and is only for adults.
- Go slow: gentle draws beat hard cigarette puffs.
- Keep it topped up: never vape a near-empty tank.
- Match the strength: adjust if it feels harsh or weak.
- Short sessions: a few puffs, not constant vaping.
If you want to dig deeper, see our explainer on how to inhale a vape. It pairs well with our guide on what nicotine salt is and our look at whether 20mg of nicotine is a lot.
For the full set of guides, the vaping FAQs hub brings everything together in one place.
The bottom line: to vape, choose a simple pod kit, match the nicotine strength to how much you smoked, then charge the device, fill it, prime the coil and wait a few minutes. Take a slow, gentle mouth-to-lung draw rather than a hard cigarette puff, then pause between puffs. Keep the tank topped up, buy MHRA-notified products from reputable UK retailers, then step the nicotine down if it feels harsh. You must be eighteen to vape, plus switching fully from smoking is far less harmful than continuing to smoke.
Switching from smoking?
A simple mouth-to-lung pod kit with a matching nic salt is the gentlest way to start. Our vape starter kits are easy to browse, plus the Vape Chaos team are happy to help you choose a device and strength that suit you.
Frequently asked questions
How do you vape for the first time?
Charge your device fully, fill the pod or tank without overfilling, prime the coil and let it soak for five to ten minutes. Switch it on, then take a slow, gentle mouth-to-lung draw, closing your lips around the mouthpiece and inhaling longer and softer than you would on a cigarette. Wait a moment between puffs. Buttonless pods are draw-activated, while many button devices need five quick clicks to turn on.
What is the best vape for beginners?
A simple pod kit or a disposable is the easiest place to start, since they need little or no setup and use a tight mouth-to-lung draw that feels like smoking. Pod kits are cheaper over time than disposables and let you choose your flavour and strength. Whatever you pick, buy MHRA-notified, compliant products from a reputable UK retailer rather than a cheap unregulated import.
A compliant kit costs a little more upfront, yet it pays back in reliability and peace of mind. The cheapest option is rarely the best place to start a switch from smoking.
What nicotine strength should a beginner use?
Match it to how much you smoked. Heavier smokers, around a pack a day, often start at 20mg nic salt, while lighter smokers tend to prefer 10mg or less. Nic salts give a smoother hit at higher strengths, which suits heavy smokers switching over. If you feel dizzy or get a headache the strength is too high, while if cravings persist it may be too low, so adjust until it feels right.
Why do I cough when I vape?
Usually because the draw is too hard and too fast, like a cigarette pull. Vaping needs a slow, gentle draw, so slowing right down often stops the coughing on its own. A nicotine strength that is too high for your device can also cause it, so a lower strength may help. Taking shorter puffs and leaving a moment between them while your throat adapts makes a big difference too.
How often should you vape?
There is no set rule, though many ex-smokers simply replace each cigarette they would have had with a short session of a few draws, rather than vaping continuously. The aim is to manage cravings, not to vape all day. Over time most people find they reach for the device less as cravings settle, plus many gradually step down their nicotine strength as part of moving away from smoking.
