Getting Started with IQOS

10/1/2024  

Let’s start with the basics: IQOS is a new alternative to smoking and vaping for adults (21+) who otherwise would continue to smoke cigarettes or use another nicotine product. IQOS uses HEATCONTROL TECHNOLOGYTM to heat tobacco from the inside, not burn it. That means you get the real taste and satisfaction of tobacco without fire and ash.

Studies have..." with "As of October, 2024, over 30 million adults worldwide use IQOS, making us the No. 1 tobacco heating system in the world.* 

*PMI Financials or estimates, IQOS user panels and PMI Market Research as of October 2024.

Using IQOS

Start by taking the holder from the pocket charger. Make sure it’s charged by pressing down on the pocket charger button and checking how many lights glow. If you see four, you’re fully charged and ready to go.

Insert a HEETS stick into the holder up to the line on the filter. Be sure not to twist it, which could damage the heating blade. 

Now let your IQOS warm up. It will vibrate once it’s ready.

You’ll feel a second vibration about 15 seconds before a session ends. When you’re done, slide the cap up and remove the tobacco stick. Close the cap on your IQOS, put it back in the pocket charger and let it charge for another three minutes before using it again. 

Does IQOS taste different from cigarettes?

The simple answer is that cigarettes burn tobacco, while IQOS heats it. You get the taste of tobacco in a nicotine-containing aerosol without the fire and ash. So you get the taste of real tobacco, without the fire and ash.

HEETS vs. Cigarettes

HEETS are designed specifically for use with the IQOS device. They contain a blend of tobacco that’s been specially prepared to be heated.

One common question is why HEETS are smaller than cigarettes. The length, shape, and diameter of HEETS are all tailored for use in IQOS. Every part of the tobacco stick is designed to play a specific role in that process.

Each HEETS has a cooling plug. The airflow chamber connects the tobacco plug to the cooling plug to pull the aerosol from the warmed tobacco. Encompassing the tobacco plug of the stick is a protective wrap that allows each HEETS to deliver a consistent taste.

Every component works together to provide a session roughly as long as smoking a standard cigarette—six minutes or 14 puffs, whichever comes first. Never attempt to light the HEETS stick, it’s not designed to burn.

Cleaning IQOS

It’s best to clean your IQOS every time you finish a pack of HEETS. That will help prevent the buildup of tobacco residue, which could compromise the device and your product experience. 

Cleaning doesn’t take long; usually only about a minute. Grab your IQOS cleaning tool, cleaning stick, and your
IQOS device.

The Cleaning Tool will do most of the work, while the cleaning stick takes care of the finishing touches.

For complete instructions on cleaning your IQOS, check out this video below for a step-by-step guide.

IQOS is the first and only tobacco heating system authorized by the US FDA as a Modified Risk Tobacco Product.*

*This does not mean that IQOS is risk-free or that the FDA has approved or endorsed IQOS.