Short answer: A USB-C port on the side of a vape does not automatically make it safer than a port on the base. Battery circuitry, device condition and charging practices matter more than port placement alone. Follow the maker’s instructions.
Charging precautions
- Charge on a clean, flat surface where you can see the device, away from bedding and other combustible items.
- Do not charge in a hot car or at extreme temperatures.
- Stop charging a device that is damaged, swollen, leaking or unusually hot.
These precautions reflect the FDA battery guidance. The previous article’s claim that side placement itself is safer was not substantiated.
Frequently asked questions
Can I charge a vape upright just because the port is on the side?
Use the manufacturer’s directions and a clean, stable, flat surface. Port location alone is not a safety guarantee.
Source: FDA guidance linked above. Reviewed September 2026.