What you need to do before you start

Replacing a coil in a Nord Smok device takes about five minutes and requires only the new coil itself — you likely already have the other tools at home. Before you begin, turn off your device (usually by clicking the fire button five times rapidly) and let it cool for a few minutes if you have been using it. A warm device is harder to work with and the coil itself may be hot.

Have a paper towel or small cloth nearby. When you remove the old coil, a small amount of e-liquid will drip out, and you do not want that on your hands or clothes. If your device has been sitting unused for a while, the coil may be stuck — in that case, running the device under warm (not hot) water for 30 seconds can help loosen it without damaging anything.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn off your Nord Smok device by clicking the fire button five times, then wait a few minutes for it to cool.
  • Unscrew the pod from the battery by turning it counterclockwise, then unscrew the old coil from inside the pod by turning it counterclockwise as well.
  • Screw the new coil in by hand until it is snug, then fill the pod with e-liquid and let it sit for five to ten minutes before using.
  • If the coil feels stuck, run the pod under warm water for 30 seconds to loosen it without forcing it.
  • A new coil usually lasts one to three weeks depending on how often you use the device and what flavour of liquid you use.

Removing the pod from the battery

The pod is the small tank that holds your e-liquid and sits on top of the battery. To remove it, hold the battery in one hand and grip the pod with your other hand, then turn the pod counterclockwise (to the left) until it comes free. Do not force it — if it is stuck, try running the whole device under warm water for 30 seconds, then try again.

Once the pod is off, set the battery aside somewhere safe where it will not roll away. You are now holding just the pod, which is the part you need to work on.

Unscrewing the old coil

Look at the bottom of the pod. You will see a coil screwed into the base — it looks like a small metal cylinder with a rubber or silicone seal around the bottom. Grip the pod firmly in one hand and use your other hand to turn the coil counterclockwise (to the left). It should unscrew by hand without tools.

If the coil is stuck, do not use pliers or force it — that can crack the pod. Instead, run the pod under warm water for 30 seconds, dry it with a cloth, and try again. Once the coil comes free, hold it over a paper towel or sink because a small amount of e-liquid will drip out. Set the old coil aside.

Installing the new coil

Take your new coil and check that the rubber seal at the bottom is in place and not damaged. Hold the pod in one hand and screw the new coil in by hand, turning it clockwise (to the right) until it is snug. You should feel a gentle resistance — do not over-tighten it, as that can damage the seal and cause leaks.

Once the coil is installed, screw the pod back onto the battery by turning it clockwise until it is snug. Again, snug is the goal — tight enough that it will not fall off, but not so tight that you have to strain to remove it later.

Filling and priming the new coil

Before you use the device, you need to fill the pod with e-liquid. Most Nord Smok pods have a fill port on the side — look for a small rubber or silicone plug. Remove the plug and insert the nozzle of your e-liquid bottle into the opening, then squeeze gently until the pod is full. Replace the plug.

Now comes the important step: let the device sit for five to ten minutes without using it. This gives the e-liquid time to soak into the coil's cotton wick. If you use the device right away, the coil will heat up faster than the liquid can reach it, and you will get a burnt taste that can damage the coil permanently. After ten minutes, your device is ready to use.

Why coils need to be replaced

A coil is a heating element wrapped in cotton that absorbs your e-liquid and turns it into vapour. Over time, the cotton burns and the metal coil loses its ability to heat evenly. Most coils last between one and three weeks of regular use, though this varies based on how often you use the device and what flavour of liquid you use.

Darker or sweeter e-liquids tend to burn coils faster than lighter ones because they leave more residue on the heating element. If you notice your vapour tastes burnt, smells like charcoal, or feels harsh in your throat, the coil has reached the end of its life and needs to be replaced. Continuing to use a burnt coil will not damage your device, but the experience will be unpleasant.

Troubleshooting common problems

If your new coil leaks, the most common cause is an improperly seated rubber seal. Remove the pod from the battery, unscrew the coil, and check that the rubber seal at the bottom is sitting flat and not twisted. Screw the coil back in, making sure it is snug but not over-tightened, then let the pod sit upright for a few minutes before using it.

If you get a burnt taste immediately after installing a new coil, you likely did not wait long enough for the e-liquid to soak into the cotton. Remove the pod, set it aside for another five to ten minutes, then try again. If the burnt taste persists after waiting, the coil itself may be defective — this is rare, but it does happen. Replace it with another new coil.

If the coil will not unscrew, do not force it. Run the pod under warm (not hot) water for 30 seconds, dry it completely, and try again. If it is still stuck, you can try wrapping a rubber band around the coil to improve your grip, but do not use tools that might crack the pod.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when a coil needs to be replaced?

The most obvious sign is a burnt taste or burnt smell when you use the device. You may also notice the vapour feels harsher than usual or the clouds are smaller. Some people replace coils on a schedule — every two weeks, for example — rather than waiting for these signs.

Can I clean and reuse an old coil?

You can soak a burnt coil in warm water or isopropyl alcohol to remove some residue, but this rarely restores it to working condition. Coils are inexpensive enough that replacement is usually the better choice. A cleaned coil may work for a day or two, but the burnt taste usually returns.

What if e-liquid leaks out after I install a new coil?

Check that the rubber seal at the bottom of the coil is seated properly and not twisted. Make sure the coil is screwed in snugly but not over-tightened. Let the pod sit upright for a few minutes, then try using it. If leaking continues, the coil may be defective and should be replaced.

Do I need to empty the pod before replacing the coil?

You do not have to, but it is easier to work with an empty or nearly empty pod. If your pod is full, some e-liquid will drip out when you remove the old coil — that is normal. Have a paper towel ready to catch it.

How long does a new coil last?

Most coils last one to three weeks depending on how often you use the device and what type of e-liquid you use. Darker, sweeter liquids burn coils faster. Keeping track of when you install a new coil can help you know when to expect it to start tasting burnt.