How to Use a Vape Pen: Tips for Beginners and Beyond

Using a vape pen is easy. With a few clicks or none at all, it delivers a smooth hit and a cleaner burn than lighting up a cigarette. Instead of burning tobacco and filling your lungs with smoke, vape pens heat a liquid concentrate of nicotine, oil, or wax to produce vapor.

Blakk Smoke takes this to the next level. We ditch the nicotine and chemicals in traditional vapes for a truly unique experience. Our liquid concentrate contains 100% real fruit juice, resulting in hookah pens that are flavorful, satisfying, and completely tobacco-free and nicotine-free.

Learning how to use a vape pen the right way matters. You can control your vapor production and minimize or maximize flavor. Knowing what you're doing can seriously level up your vaping game.

What Is a Vape Pen?

A vape pen is a handheld device designed to vaporize substances like e-liquid, wax, or oil. Vape pens first came onto the scene as alternatives to cigarettes and quickly became popular for their ease of use and portability. If you’re curious about how hookah works and what’s in it, learn more in our article on what is in a hookah.

Components of a Vape Pen

Before taking your first draw, it’s important to understand the components of your device:

• Battery: This powers the whole vape. Most charge via a USB connection.
• Power Button/Fire Button: Push-button vape pens require multiple quick clicks to turn on the device and activate the heating element. Others are draw-activated; they don't need a button. You inhale through the mouthpiece, and the device automatically heats up to produce vapor.
• Tank or Cartridge: This is the part that holds the substance (e-liquid, wax, or oil) you're vaping. In a pre-filled vape, it's called a cartridge, while in a refillable one, it's typically referred to as a tank.
• Heating Chamber or Atomizer: This is where the heating happens. The battery powers a coil made of metals like titanium or stainless steel. The coil then heats the liquid in your tank, converting it to vapor.
• Mouthpiece or Drip Tip: This part is at the very top of your vape. It's where you place your mouth and inhale from.

All of these parts work together to deliver a flavorful and smooth draw.

How to Use a Vape Pen: Step-by-Step

1. Charge Your Vape Pen

Start by charging your device using the included USB port. Most pens have an indicator light that tells you when they're ready to be charged. Avoid overcharging because it can compromise the pen’s battery life and performance over time. Charging fully ensures consistent vapor production and fewer surprises mid-hit.

2. Load the Cartridge or Tank

If you're using a disposable pen or a pre-filled cartridge, you can skip this part. You're good to go right out of the box.

If you’ve got a refillable vape, carefully fill the tank with your favorite e-liquid, oil, or wax. Make sure not to overfill. Leaving a little space prevents leaks and ensures proper airflow.

3. Turn On and Inhale

If you’re using a push-button vape pen, click the power button five times quickly to turn it on. Once it’s active (you’ll see a light flash), press and hold the same button as you inhale through the mouthpiece. Take slow, steady pulls for the best vapor and flavor.

If your pen is draw or breath-activated like Blakk Smoke's cherry koolaid hookah vape, there’s no button. Just pull gently from the mouthpiece. The device will automatically heat up and start producing vapor.

4. Adjust Airflow (If Available)

Some vapes let you fine-tune the airflow. Opening it up gives you a looser, cloudier hit, while tightening it offers a more intense, concentrated flavor. Play around until you find what feels right for you.

Tips:

• For better vapor production in both push-button vape pens and draw-activated models, take slow, steady draws.
• Don’t puff too hard or too fast; it can flood the coil.
• Let your pen rest between hits to prevent overheating.

How to Choose the Right Vape Pen

Disposable Vape Pens

These are perfect if you’re just getting started. Disposable vapes are no-fuss devices that don’t require refilling or charging. Just open the package and start puffing. Blakk Smoke’s disposable nicotine-free hookah vapes are breath-activated, offering up to 2022 puffs of real fruit-juice-infused vapor. It’s an easy and healthier way to vape.

Rechargeable Vape Pens

If you’re down for a more eco-conscious and wallet-friendly setup, rechargeable vape pens are a great choice. You just refill the tank or swap out the cartridge when it runs low. They’re great for daily use and long-term vaping, especially if you like experimenting with flavors.

Dab Pens

These are made to handle wax or concentrate. You’ll need a dab tool to load the wax properly. They usually hit harder and run hotter, which means thicker, denser clouds. Definitely not for the faint-hearted, but worth exploring if you’re into powerful hits.

Switching Between Liquids and Oils

You can’t use the same coil or tank across different types of substances. If you're jumping between nicotine e-liquid, cannabis oil, or even cannabis flower (in some dry herb vapes), start by checking what your vape is built for. Using an unintended substance can compromise the flavor, vapor, or even damage your device.

Maintenance and Best Practices

For users who want to keep their vape pen working like a pro, regular care is a must. Here’s how to keep it flavorful and fully functional:

• Clean the Mouthpiece, Tank, and Coil Regularly: Over time, e-liquid, oil, and wax can leave residue that clogs your gear. Use a cotton swab or soft cloth to wipe down the mouthpiece, rinse the tank with warm water (if it’s removable), and clean the coil area gently.
• Replace Cartridges or Coils as Needed: If your vape starts tasting burnt or the vapor feels weak, your coil might have degraded, or the cartridge could be near empty. Swapping these parts when needed ensures a smooth and consistent experience. As a rule of thumb, if the flavor’s off, it’s time to replace.
• Charge the Battery Safely: Always use the charger that came with your device, and never leave your vape pen charging overnight. Overcharging can wear out your battery or, in rare cases, cause it to overheat. Keep it cool and stay safe.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even the best vape pens hit a snag sometimes. Here’s how to fix the most common problems:

No Vapor is Being Produced

Start by checking the coil. It might be loose, burnt out, or improperly installed. Also, ensure your battery is turned on and charged (use the USB port if necessary). If you're using a push-button vape pen, check if the power button is responding. Sometimes, it’s as simple as needing a reset.

Vapor Has a Burnt Taste

That nasty burnt flavor usually means your coil is damaged or your liquid is running dangerously low. If you’re refilling your tank, top it off. If that doesn’t help, swap in a new coil to get rid of the scorched taste.

Vape Has a Weak Draw

If your pulls feel weak or airy, check the airflow settings on your device if it has them. Also, ensure that your battery is fully charged and your cartridge is properly seated. If this doesn't work, replacing the cartridge may be the solution.

Health Risks and Safety Tips

While vaping is often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, it’s not entirely risk-free. Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that vape products containing nicotine and toxic chemicals can lead to addiction, lung irritation, and long-term respiratory issues. The American Lung Association (ALA) indicates that these toxic substances are known to cause cancer, while others increase the risk of heart and lung disorders.

That said, avoiding harmful ingredients like nicotine and other synthetic additives significantly reduces those risks. Vaping might feel chill, but you still want to keep it safe and smart:

• Stick to Quality Products: Use only trusted vapes and avoid knockoffs. Cheap, bootleg devices can be unsafe and unpredictable.
• Don’t Charge Unattended: Overcharging can wear out your battery or even overheat your device. Plug in while you’re nearby, and unplug when it’s full.
• Know What You’re Inhaling: It doesn't matter if it's nicotine e-liquid, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), or a fruit-juice mix like Blakk Smoke; you should always know what’s in your vapor because you don’t want to inhale a load of toxic smoke that’s dangerous for your health.
• Store It Right: Keep your pen in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and steamy bathrooms. Heat and light can mess with both your battery and your liquid.
• Ready to Quit Nicotine or THC?: If you're considering making the switch or quitting entirely, check out our guide on how to quit vaping. Blakk Smoke's nicotine-free hookah pens are a healthier alternative if you still want to enjoy the vaping experience without the risk. Our 100% fruit juice concentrate delivers a smooth, flavorful experience with clean clouds and vibes for days.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Vape for the First Time?

Start by fully charging your vape pen using the USB. If you’re using a refillable model, carefully fill the tank or cartridge with your chosen e-liquid or oil. Turn the device on. If it's a push-button vape pen, this is usually done by clicking the power button five times fast. Then, take a slow, gentle inhale.

How Do I Activate My Vape Pen?

On a push-button vape pen, click the power button five times fast to turn it on. If it’s draw-activated, like Blakk Smoke, you don’t need to press anything. Inhale, and the pen will automatically start heating and producing vapor.

Why is My Vape Pen Not Hitting?

First, check if the battery is charged. Then make sure the cartridge is connected correctly and the coil isn’t damaged or clogged. If airflow feels blocked, try cleaning the vape's mouthpiece and making sure nothing is obstructing the intake vents.

Why is My Vape Pen Blinking When I Hit It?

A blinking light usually signals a problem. It might mean the battery is low, the coil isn’t working properly, the cartridge isn’t seated correctly, or there’s a short in the connection. Check each part step-by-step to figure out what’s going on.

What is the Difference Between a Nicotine Vape and a Fruit-Juice Vape Pen?

A nicotine vape pen uses a chemical-filled e-liquid that contains nicotine, flavorings, and other additives. It’s designed to deliver a dose of nicotine with every puff, which can be addictive and harsh on the throat and lungs.

A nicotine-free fruit-juice vape pen, like Blakk Smoke, is entirely different. It contains no nicotine, no tobacco, and no synthetic chemicals. Instead, it uses real fruit juice to create smooth, flavorful vapor without the burn, addiction, or toxins.

Ditch the Nicotine and Vape Fruit Juice

Now you know the basics, from choosing the right vape pen to keeping your hits smooth and your gear in check. If you're looking for a vaping experience that's safer for your body and that tastes even better, switch to Blakk Smoke today.

Our tobacco-free, nicotine-free vape pens come in all the traditional fruit flavors, from mint hookah vapes to sweet cotton candy hookah vape pens. You can also build your own hookah pen bundle with any five flavors and save big!

If you’re done with the nicotine and the harsh throat hits, it’s time to upgrade. Shop Blakk Smoke today.

References

1. American Lung Association (ALA). (2025, April 8). E-cigarettes and vaping. ALA.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2025, January 31). Health effects of vaping. CDC.