The Lost Angel Mate 50K is one of the few disposable vapes that actually needs a setup guide. Unlike single-piece disposables where you just pull it out and puff, the Mate 50K has a detachable battery, swappable pods, dual vaping modes, adjustable airflow, and a smart display — all of which work better when you know what you're doing. This guide walks you through everything from unboxing to daily use to troubleshooting.
Step 1: Unboxing & First-Time Setup
The Mate 50K Kit includes two pieces: the battery unit (bottom half with the screen) and one pre-filled pod (top half with the mouthpiece). They come packaged separately.
Remove protective pieces. The pod has two things you need to remove before first use: a silicone plug on the mouthpiece (pull it off) and a thin insulating strip between the pod's bottom contacts and the battery connector (pull it out — it's usually a small tab sticking out from the seam). Forgetting the insulating strip is the most common first-use mistake. Without removing it, the battery can't communicate with the pod, and you'll drain the pod's tiny 200mAh backup battery in no time.
Connect the pod to the battery. Align the pod on top of the battery unit and press down. Magnets guide the connection — you'll feel a click when it's seated properly. The display should light up immediately, showing battery level, e-liquid level, and puff count (starting at zero).
Wait 30–60 seconds. Let the coil wick before taking your first puff. This prevents a dry hit on a brand-new pod. After that initial wait, you're ready to vape. For instructions covering the Sphere 35K and Pro Max 20K as well, see our Lost Angel Vape Instructions page.
Step 2: Understanding the Display
The Mate 50K's 3D curved screen shows three metrics at all times while vaping:
| Display Element | What It Shows | What to Watch For |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Icon / Percentage | Main battery charge level | Charge when below 10% — low battery weakens vapor production |
| E-Liquid Bar | Remaining juice in the current pod | Start looking for a replacement pod when it's below 20% |
| Puff Counter | Cumulative puffs on the current pod | Resets when you attach a new pod |
The screen activates when you take a puff and stays lit for a few seconds after. It doesn't stay on permanently — no need to worry about screen burn-in or battery drain from the display.
Step 3: How to Vape — Draw-Activated
The Mate 50K is draw-activated. There's no fire button — just put the mouthpiece to your lips and inhale. The device detects airflow and activates automatically. A few tips for the best experience:
Start with a slow, steady draw. Don't do a sharp, fast inhale like you would with a cigarette. A slow 2–3 second draw gives the dual mesh coil time to heat evenly and produce the best flavor.
Mouth-to-lung (MTL) vs direct-to-lung (DTL). If you're coming from cigarettes, MTL is probably your natural style — draw vapor into your mouth first, then inhale into your lungs. If you're an experienced vaper who likes bigger clouds, DTL (inhale directly into your lungs) works well with the airflow set to a more open position.
Don't chain-vape excessively. Taking 10+ rapid puffs in succession can overheat the coil and cause a slightly burnt taste. Space your puffs 5–10 seconds apart for the best flavor consistency.
Step 4: Switching Between Normal and Boost Mode
The Mate 50K has two power modes. Switching is simple:
Press the mode button once. The button is on the side of the battery unit (not the pod). One click toggles between modes. The display briefly shows which mode you're in.
| Mode | What Changes | When to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Normal Mode | Lower power, cooler vapor, longer pod life (~50,000 puffs) | Default for all-day vaping. Maximizes how long each pod lasts. |
| Boost Mode | Higher power, warmer/denser vapor, shorter pod life (~30,000 puffs) | When you want bolder flavor or bigger clouds. Great for dessert and coffee flavors. |
My recommendation: Use Normal Mode as your daily default. Switch to Boost Mode when you want a flavor reset, when you're vaping dessert or coffee flavors (Frappe tastes significantly better in Boost), or when you want a stronger throat hit. Running Boost full-time reduces pod life by about 40%.
Step 5: Adjusting the Airflow
The adjustable airflow dial is on the bottom of the battery unit. It's a physical ring that rotates:
Turn left (clockwise when viewed from bottom) = Tighter draw. More restricted airflow simulates a cigarette-like pull. Best for MTL vaping and strong throat hit. Pairs well with Boost Mode for maximum intensity.
Turn right (counterclockwise) = More open draw. Less restricted airflow allows more air through, producing bigger clouds with a smoother feel. Best for DTL vaping and cloud chasing.
The middle range is where most users land — a balanced draw that's neither too tight nor too airy. Start in the middle and adjust from there based on your preference.
The airflow setting doesn't affect e-liquid consumption or pod life — only the feel of the draw and cloud size. Adjust freely without worrying about wasting juice.
Step 6: Charging
The Mate 50K battery charges via USB-C (cable not included — use any USB-C cable you already own).
When to charge: When battery drops below 15-20%. Low battery doesn't just mean fewer puffs — it means weaker vapor production and muted flavor. Keeping the battery above 20% ensures consistent performance.
Charging time: Approximately 45–55 minutes from 10% to full. The display shows charging progress in real time.
Can I vape while charging? Yes — the Mate 50K supports pass-through charging. You can take puffs while the device is plugged in. However, this heats both the battery and the coil simultaneously, which isn't ideal for long-term battery health. Use pass-through charging sparingly.
How often will I charge? At moderate use (400–600 puffs/day), expect to charge every 1.5–2 days. Heavy users (800+ puffs/day) may need daily charging.
Step 7: Swapping Pods
This is the Mate 50K's signature feature. When your current pod runs out or you want a different flavor:
1. Pull the current pod straight up. Don't twist — the magnets release with a straight pull. Moderate force required.
2. Prepare the new pod. Remove mouthpiece plug and insulating strip (new pods only). If it's a partially used pod you're rotating back in, just wipe the contacts clean with a dry cloth.
3. Press the new pod onto the battery. Magnets guide alignment. You'll feel and hear a click.
4. Wait 30 seconds before puffing (new pods only). Partially used pods that have already been wicked don't need this wait.
Rotating between pods: Many users keep 2-3 pods in rotation (e.g., Frappe for mornings, Blue Razz Ice for afternoons, Miami Mint for evenings). This works perfectly. Store detached pods upright with the mouthpiece cap on to prevent minor condensation leaks. Pods do not lose e-liquid or expire when detached.
Step 8: Knowing When a Pod Is Done
Three signs that a pod needs replacing:
The e-liquid window looks empty. Check the transparent window on the pod — when the liquid level is no longer visible, you're at the tail end.
Flavor thins out. The most reliable indicator. When a pod that used to taste bold starts tasting faint or slightly papery, the juice is running low.
Puff count hits the upper range. If you're past 40,000 puffs in Normal Mode (or 25,000 in Boost), you're approaching the end. The display puff counter helps track this.
Do not push past empty. Vaping on a dry coil produces burnt taste and can leave residual flavor in the mouthpiece that carries over to your next pod. When flavor starts declining, swap immediately.
Troubleshooting Guide
No vapor when I inhale
Check that the pod is fully seated (push down firmly until you hear a click). Verify the insulating strip has been removed (new pods). Check battery level — if below 5%, the device may not fire. Try cleaning the magnetic contacts with a dry cloth.
Weak or thin vapor
Charge the battery — low charge directly affects vapor production. Check that you're in Normal Mode (Boost Mode produces denser vapor if you want more). Open the airflow dial slightly if the draw feels too restricted.
Burnt or cotton taste
The pod is likely near-empty. Check the e-liquid window and puff count. If it's a new pod, you may not have waited long enough for the coil to wick — detach and reattach the pod, wait 60 seconds, then try again.
Display not activating
The display only activates during a puff or for a few seconds after. If it's not turning on at all, the battery may be completely dead — plug in USB-C and wait 5 minutes before testing. If the display still doesn't work with a confirmed charge, try a different pod to rule out a pod-side connection issue.
Pod falls off or feels loose
Check for debris on the magnetic contacts. Even a thin layer of pocket lint can weaken the magnetic connection. Clean both the pod bottom and battery top with a dry cloth. If the issue persists, the magnets may have weakened from a drop — contact the retailer for support.
Battery drains very quickly
Running Boost Mode full-time drains the battery roughly 40% faster than Normal Mode. If battery life seems unusually short even in Normal Mode, check that you're not accidentally chain-vaping (the draw activation can trigger if the device is in a tight pocket with restricted airflow). Store the device mouthpiece-up to prevent accidental activation.
Pod and battery "out of sync"
This happens after extended standalone pod use (without the main battery). Reconnect the pod to the battery, leave them connected for 10–15 minutes without vaping, and the two batteries will resync. This is normal and not a defect.
Quick Reference Card
| Action | How To |
|---|---|
| Take a puff | Just inhale — draw-activated, no buttons |
| Switch mode | Press side button once (Normal ↔ Boost) |
| Adjust airflow | Rotate bottom dial (left = tight, right = open) |
| Swap pods | Pull straight up → attach new pod → wait 30s |
| Charge | USB-C, ~50 min full charge, pass-through OK |
| Check battery | Take a puff → read display (battery %, juice level) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to turn the Lost Angel Mate 50K on?
No. The Mate 50K is always in standby when a pod is connected. Just inhale to activate. There's no on/off switch — the device manages power automatically.
Can I use the pod without the battery?
Yes, briefly. Each pod has a 200mAh built-in battery for light draw-activated use. But the display, mode switching, and charging all require the main battery. Treat standalone pod use as emergency-only, not as a primary mode.
How do I clean the Mate 50K?
Wipe the exterior with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Clean the magnetic contacts (top of battery, bottom of pod) with a dry cotton swab if you notice connection issues. Never submerge the device in water or use cleaning solvents.
What USB-C cable should I use?
Any standard USB-C cable works. The Mate 50K draws standard USB charging power — no special cable or adapter required. A basic 3-foot USB-C to USB-A cable from any brand is fine. For more on what's inside the device and pod, see our Lost Angel Vape Ingredients page.
Is there a way to lock the mode button?
No. The Mate 50K does not have a mode lock feature. The button is flush-mounted and requires deliberate pressure, which minimizes accidental mode switches during pocket carry.