Charging your vape & e-cigarette correctly
Charging a vape properly is not difficult. Connect the adapter and e-cigarette with the appropriate cable and your device is charged. However, there are a few points during the charging process that can extend the life of your battery and shorten the charging time. In this Shisha Heaven guide, you will find helpful tips and everything you need to know about fast charging, charging current and battery disposal.
Short facts
- Twice as fast: fast charging function (2A)
- Charging times depending on the vape: 30 and 120 minutes
- Disconnect the vape from the cable as soon as charging is complete (battery conservation)
- Pass-through function: vaping while charging
- PC/laptop/power bank are suitable as alternative adapters
- Overheating during charging: Disconnect the device from the power supply immediately
- Vape batteries are considered hazardous waste and should not be disposed of with household waste
How do you charge a vape or e-cigarette?
You will need the following components to charge an e-cigarette:
- A USB charging cable (usually USB-C, rarely micro-USB)
- A suitable adapter for the Swiss socket (alternative power bank / PC)
This is how it works:
- Plug the cable into the vape and the adapter.
- Observe the LED display: It indicates the charging process (red = charging, green = full).
- Remove the device as soon as it is fully charged - this protects the battery.
Charging time: 30-120 minutes depending on model.
Understanding charging currents: What do 1A, 2A & Volts mean?
Many devices carry information such as "5V 1A" or "5V 2A" - but what exactly does this mean?
- V (volt) = voltage → determines how much "pressure" the current has
- A (ampere) = amperage → how much current is actually flowing
- W (watt) = power → results from volt × ampere
Example:
5V × 1A = 5W → Normal charging
5V × 2A = 10W → Fast charging (only if the device is designed for this!)
Caution: Some devices have limits. If you charge a device for 1A with 2A, you risk damage or overheating.
What is fast charging - and when does it make sense?
"Fast charging" means that your vape is charged with more amps and is therefore ready for use more quickly. This allows you to charge your e-cigarette up to twice as fast. But be careful:
- Only use if your device is approved for fast charging
- Cables and adapters must be of high quality
- Fast charging can be harmful for old or inexpensive devices
Which chargers are suitable for vapes?
- Standard adapters with 5V & 1A or 2A are usually safe.
- Only use powerful adapters (e.g. 9V) if explicitly approved by the manufacturer.
- Power banks, PCs or laptops are also suitable - as long as the voltage and current are suitable.
Rechargeable vapes
| Device type | Rechargeable | Special features |
| Disposable vape | Partial | Some models have USB-C connection |
| Prefilled Pod System | Yes | Charging via USB-C |
| Pod System | Yes | Often with fast-charging function |
| Hybrid vape (e.g. Elfbar AF5000) | Yes | Charging via USB-C |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
We answer the most important questions about vapes with rechargeable batteries.
How long does a vape take to charge?
A full charge of an e-cigarette takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the battery size and charging system.
How do I know if my vape is charged?
With most vapes, the activated charging process is made visible by an illuminated LED. When the LED lights up green or switches off, the device is fully charged.
Can you charge disposable vapes?
Disposable vapes with a large liquid tank can sometimes be charged via USB-C.
How often can I recharge my vape?
The service life of a vape battery is 300 to 1000 charging cycles - depending on the battery quality.
Can I charge my vape with a power bank?
Yes, a power bank is the perfect solution for recharging your vape on the go or at an open-air event, for example. Always make sure the voltage is compatible.
How much faster does a vape charge with 2A instead of 1A?
Twice as fast as 1A, but only if your device is designed for 2A!
What should I do if my vape gets hot when charging?
If your e-cigarette gets very hot when charging, there could be a technical defect. In this case, you should stop the charging process immediately.
Can I use my old cell phone charger for vapes?
Cell phone chargers are usually also suitable for vapes. Make sure that the adapter outputs 5V/1A or 5V/2A.
How do I know if my vape is fast-charging capable?
You will find the relevant instructions on the packaging or in the instructions for the device
Can I vape during the charging process?
Yes, many devices offer a pass-through function. This means that you can still draw normally from the mouthpiece when the charging cable is plugged in.
What should I do if my vape discharges too quickly?
If the battery of your e-cigarette discharges too quickly, there could be a technical defect or the battery has exceeded its service life.
Dispose of vape batteries correctly
Lithium-ion batteries are considered hazardous waste in Switzerland and must therefore be disposed of properly. Dispose of defective batteries and e-cigarettes at the following locations. You can find more information about vape recycling in our detailed guide.
- Recycling centers or municipal collection points
- Points of sale for e-cigarettes or batteries
- Electronics stores such as MediaMarkt or Interdiscount
Our conclusion
Those who charge their vape correctly benefit from:
✅ Longer battery life
✅ Shorter charging process
✅ More safety
Buy rechargeable vapes at Shisha Heaven
In our Swiss vape store , we attach great importance to sustainable products. Meanwhile, rechargeable and refillable vapes make up the largest part of our range. With the recent ban on disposable vapes in Switzerland, only rechargeable devices will be on the market in the future. This is not only good for the environment but also for your wallet!
Vape & e-cigarettes
Tobias is the marketing director at Shisha Heaven and is responsible for the online store's product lineup. He has been working with tobacco alternatives, such as e-cigarettes and vapes, for years.