Since starting Ecigone back in 2014, I've seen my fair share of battery mishaps - from minor issues like unusually quick battery drain to the more serious (and thankfully rare) cases of batteries venting or even catching fire.
The reality is that while today's vape batteries are generally very safe, they're still lithium-ion cells that pack a lot of energy into a small space, and they deserve your respect.
With Vaporesso being one of our most popular brands (and me being properly impressed with their recent kit launches), I thought it'd be worth putting together some practical battery safety tips specifically for Vaporesso users.
Whether you've got an XROS 4, a Luxe XR Max, or one of their more advanced mods, these tips will help keep you vaping safely and extend the life of your device, especially important with the 2025 disposable ban looming and more folks switching to refillables.
Understanding Your Vaporesso Battery
Before diving into safety tips, it's worth understanding what kind of battery you're dealing with. Vaporesso devices typically come in two formats:
Internal Battery Devices
Most pod systems, like the XROS Series and some mods like the Luxe series, have built-in batteries that aren't meant to be removed. These are sealed inside the device and can only be charged via the USB port. Dead simple, but with their own quirks to watch out for.
External Battery Devices
Higher-power mods like the Gen series, Armour Max, S Box, and their latest Armour G pod mod use removable 18650, 20700, or 21700 batteries that you can take out and replace. These require a bit more knowledge and care, as you're directly handling the cells. A bit more faff, but generally longer-lasting if you treat them right.
Knowing which type you have determines how you need to approach battery safety.
Let's break down the most important aspects.
Charging Habits That Won't Kill Your Battery
The way you charge your Vaporesso device has a massive impact on both safety and longevity. I've seen customers burn through batteries in months that should have lasted years, all because of poor charging habits.
We've had folk come into the shop proper miffed about battery life when they've been absolutely murdering their cells with dodgy charging practices.
For Internal Battery Devices
Use the Right Cable and Adapter:
It's tempting to grab whatever charging cable is nearest, but not all USB cables are created equal.
I always recommend using the cable that came with your device or a high-quality replacement. For Vaporesso devices with USB-C ports (like the newer Xros models), use a proper USB-C cable rather than a cheap knock-off from the local pound shop.
As for wall adapters, stick with a standard 5V output. Those fast-chargers for your phone might seem like a good idea, but they can potentially push too much power to your vape and damage the battery or charging board. I've seen it happen - not worth saving those few extra minutes of charging time.
Avoid Overnight Charging:
I know it's convenient to plug your vape in before bed and have it ready in the morning, but this is a habit I strongly discourage. Leaving your Vaporesso device plugged in for 8+ hours after it's fully charged puts unnecessary stress on the battery. You wouldn't leave your kettle boiling all night, would you?
Most Vaporesso devices have overcharge protection, but it's still best practice to unplug once charging is complete. I typically charge mine while I'm working at my desk so I can unplug it once the LED indicates it's full. Sorted.
Don't Wait Until It's Dead:
Another common mistake I see is people running their battery completely flat before recharging. Lithium batteries actually prefer shallow discharge cycles - ideally between 20% and 80% charge.
With most Vaporesso devices, I recommend putting them on charge when they get down to about 30% rather than waiting until they're completely dead. Your battery will thank you with a longer lifespan. It's a bit like not letting your car run out of petrol before filling up - just makes sense, doesn't it?
Mind the Temperature:
Never charge your device when it's very hot or very cold. I once left my Xros in the car during a frosty morning and then immediately plugged it in to charge when I got to work - not a good idea. Let it reach room temperature first.
Similarly, if your device feels warm after heavy use, give it a few minutes to cool down before connecting it to power. This isn't just me being fussy - extreme temperatures and charging don't mix well. Trust me on this one.
For External Battery Devices
If you're using a Vaporesso mod that takes external batteries, like the Armour G or Armour Max, there are some additional considerations:
Always Use a Proper Battery Charger:
While many Vaporesso mods allow you to charge batteries inside the device, I strongly recommend using a dedicated external charger instead. These chargers are designed specifically for lithium cells and provide more balanced, safer charging.
I've been using a Nitecore charger for years, and it's been well worth the investment. We sell a decent range of them at Ecigone, starting from about £15 - not exactly breaking the bank for something that'll keep your £5-a-pop batteries in good nick, is it?
Match Your Batteries:
When using a dual-battery mod like the Armour Max, always use identical batteries - same brand, same model, same age. Mixing different batteries can lead to uneven discharge and potential safety issues.
I like to keep my batteries married - meaning they're always used and charged together as a pair. And no, that doesn't mean they need a ceremony down the registry office. Just keep them together from the start.
Check for Damage:
Always inspect your batteries for any signs of damage to the wraps. Even tiny tears in the insulating wrapper can create a short circuit risk. If you spot any damage, stop using the battery immediately and get it rewrapped or replaced.
We offer a battery rewrapping service at Ecigone for just a couple of quid, or you can pick up wraps to do it yourself if you're confident - but never use a damaged battery. Not worth the risk, especially when the fix is so cheap and easy.
Storage Tips to Avoid Disasters
How and where you store your Vaporesso device when not in use matters more than you might think. I've seen people treat their expensive mods like pocket change, then wonder why they develop issues. A bit of care goes a long way.
Keeping Your Device Safe
Avoid Extreme Temperatures:
Never leave your Vaporesso device in direct sunlight, in a hot car, or in freezing conditions. Heat can degrade the battery and potentially cause it to vent, while extreme cold can reduce performance and potentially damage the cell.
I keep mine in my pocket or bag when out and about, and on my desk at home - simple but effective. The boot of your car in a July heatwave? Not the place for your vape, mate.
Store at Partial Charge:
If you're not going to use your device for a while (more than a few weeks), don't store it fully charged or completely empty. Aim for about 40-50% charge for optimal long-term storage.
This is particularly important for external batteries - I always make sure my spare sets are at around half charge before putting them away. It's a bit of a faff, but saves you having to buy new ones.
Mind Your Pockets:
This one's important - never carry loose batteries in your pocket with keys, coins, or other metal objects. Even a momentary connection between the battery terminal and a metal object can create a dangerous short circuit.
Always use a plastic battery case for transport. They cost pennies and could save you from serious injury. We chuck them in for free with battery purchases at Ecigone because it's just not worth the risk.
Water Is the Enemy:
While many Vaporesso devices have some level of water resistance, none are fully waterproof. Keep them away from liquids, and if your device does get wet, power it off immediately and let it dry completely before attempting to use it again.
I learned this lesson the hard way after a rainy festival weekend killed my old mod. Three days of mud and rain at Download was more than it could handle. Not exactly the souvenir I was hoping for.
What to Definitely Avoid
There are some absolute no-gos when it comes to battery safety that I've unfortunately seen people do over the years:
Never Use Damaged Batteries:
I can't stress this enough - if the wrapper on your battery is torn, the top is dented, or the battery is bulging, stop using it immediately. No vape hit is worth the risk of a battery venting in your face. Seen it happen once - not a pretty sight, let me tell you.
Don't Mix and Match:
For external battery devices, don't use batteries from different manufacturers or of different ages together in the same device. This can cause uneven discharge and potential safety issues. Keep it simple - same make, same model, same age.
Avoid Knockoff Chargers:
Those ultra-cheap USB chargers might seem like a bargain, but they often lack basic safety features and can damage your device or worse. Stick with reputable brands. The £2 special from the market stall? Give it a miss.
Never Modify Your Battery:
This should go without saying, but I've seen people try to "fix" batteries or modify their devices in ways the manufacturer never intended. Just don't. You're not MacGyver, and that battery isn't designed for your creative improvements.
Don't Leave Charging Unattended:
While modern devices have safety features, it's still best practice not to leave your vape charging unattended, especially overnight or when you're not home. Better safe than sorry, as my gran used to say.
Safe Vaping Practices for Everyday Use
Beyond battery care, there are some general safe vaping practices worth adopting:
Keep Your Device Clean:
Regular cleaning of the connections between your battery and tank/pod helps ensure good electrical contact and prevents buildup that could cause issues. I give mine a quick wipe with a tissue every few days. Takes seconds, saves headaches.
Update Your Firmware:
For Vaporesso devices with upgradeable firmware (like many of their advanced mods), make sure you're running the latest version. These updates often include safety improvements.
Many of the newer AXON chip mods can be updated via the PC software - worth checking every few months if Vaporesso have pulled their finger out and released any updates.
Mind the Resistance:
If you're using a variable wattage mod, make sure you're using appropriate power settings for your coil resistance. Most Vaporesso devices with the AXON chip will automatically suggest settings, but it's good to understand the basics.
As someone who primarily uses MTL RTAs at home, I'm always checking my coil resistance and adjusting wattage accordingly. Makes a massive difference to both safety and flavour.
Listen to Your Device:
If your Vaporesso device is making unusual noises, getting abnormally hot, or behaving strangely, power it off and investigate. It's better to be cautious than sorry.
Strange whines, buzzing sounds, or unusual heat are your device's way of telling you something's not right. Don't ignore it - you wouldn't ignore strange noises from your car engine, would you?
Use the Lock Feature:
Many Vaporesso mods have a locking feature that prevents accidental firing when in your pocket. Use it. I've seen more than one customer with a singed pocket lining from neglecting this simple step. Not to mention the wasted battery life.
Real-World Battery Incidents I've Seen
In my years running Ecigone, I've heard plenty of battery horror stories from customers, and I've even witnessed a few incidents first-hand. Here are a couple that stand out:
A bloke came in with a mod that had been firing in his pocket because he hadn't locked the buttons. The battery was so hot it had actually warped the plastic of the device. Thankfully he felt the heat before any serious damage occurred. His jeans weren't quite so lucky - proper hole burnt right through.
Another memorable one was a customer who had been charging their device with a damaged cable. The frayed wire had caused a short that melted part of the USB port on their mod.
Luckily the device's protection circuit kicked in before the battery was affected, but it was a close call.
One of our regulars brought in a dual battery mod where he'd been using one old and one new battery together.
The older cell had failed and vented inside the mod, turning it into a very expensive paperweight. Saved himself a fiver on a new battery but cost himself a £60 mod - not exactly a bargain, was it?
These incidents are rare, but they're powerful reminders of why battery safety matters.
