How to Use IQOS ILUMA i Kit: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

The IQOS ILUMA i Kit is a heated-tobacco device designed to heat compatible SMARTCORE STICKS rather than burn tobacco. The IQOS ILUMA i range includes features such as a Touch Screen, automatic preheating, Pause Mode, FlexBattery and FlexPuff, depending on the device settings and market.

Unlike older IQOS generations that use a blade, ILUMA i devices use induction-based heating technology and are designed specifically for compatible SMARTCORE STICKS such as TEREA. IQOS's official instructions recommend inserting the stick only to the indicated filter line and waiting for the device's vibration signal before starting.

This guide explains how to set up, charge, use, pause, monitor and maintain an IQOS ILUMA i Kit.

Important: IQOS products are not risk-free and contain nicotine, which is addictive. They are intended only for adults who would otherwise continue smoking or using nicotine products. Always follow the safety instructions supplied with your specific device.

What Comes in an IQOS ILUMA i Kit?

A typical IQOS ILUMA i Kit includes the main components needed to operate the device. The exact contents can vary according to the market and package.

The main components are:

• IQOS ILUMA i Holder
• Pocket Charger
• Charging cable
• Cleaning/maintenance accessories where supplied
• Safety and user documentation

The Holder is the part that accepts the SMARTCORE STICK. The Pocket Charger stores and recharges the Holder between uses.

Step 1: Charge the IQOS ILUMA i Before First Use

Before using a new IQOS ILUMA i for the first time, IQOS recommends fully charging the Pocket Charger. Official instructions state that the initial full charge takes approximately 135 minutes, subject to the supplied safety instructions.

To begin:

1. Connect the Pocket Charger to its charging cable.
2. Connect the cable to a suitable power source.
3. Allow the Pocket Charger to charge fully.
4. Check the status lights to monitor the charging process.

You should avoid using a damaged charging cable or damaged device.

Step 2: Turn On the Pocket Charger

If the device is not already switched on, press and hold the Pocket Charger button for approximately four seconds, then release it.

According to IQOS instructions, the Pocket Charger and Holder status lights should illuminate gradually when the device is activated.

This prepares the system for use.

Step 3: Charge the Holder

Place the Holder inside the Pocket Charger and close the charger.

The Holder's status light indicates its battery condition. Allow it to charge before starting if the battery is low.

Keeping the Holder inside the Pocket Charger when it is not being used also provides a convenient way to keep it ready for the next session.

Step 4: Use the Correct SMARTCORE STICK

The IQOS ILUMA i is designed for compatible SMARTCORE STICKS. Depending on the market, these may include TEREA, DELIA or LEVIA products. IQOS specifically instructs users to insert a compatible stick rather than using incompatible tobacco products.

Do not insert conventional cigarettes or sticks intended for older IQOS devices.

The important distinction is that ILUMA devices are designed around SMARTCORE technology and do not use the traditional heating blade found in older generations.

Step 5: Insert the Stick Correctly

Remove the Holder from the Pocket Charger.

Take a compatible SMARTCORE STICK and insert it into the Holder.

Push it gently down up to the filter line. Do not force it beyond the indicated line.

The Holder should vibrate when the stick is correctly detected.

Correct insertion is important for reliable operation.

Step 6: Start Preheating

The IQOS ILUMA i can begin preheating automatically after the stick is inserted.

The Touch Screen shows the preheating progress. Alternatively, the device can be started by swiping upward on the Touch Screen.

The preheating process takes approximately 20 seconds according to IQOS's instructions.

When the device is ready, it provides a vibration and visual indication.

Step 7: Start the Experience

After the second vibration and readiness indication, the device is ready to use.

Take gentle draws through the filter.

The Touch Screen provides information about the remaining time of the experience. This is one of the main differences between the ILUMA i and simpler heated-tobacco devices.

Avoid covering the airflow areas while using the Holder.

Step 8: Monitor the Touch Screen

The IQOS ILUMA i Touch Screen is designed to provide information during use.

It can show:

• Preheating progress
• Remaining experience time
• Available consecutive uses
• Pause Mode availability
• Other device status information

IQOS describes the Touch Screen as a way to check device status and customize the experience.

The display helps you understand when the device is warming, ready or approaching the end of a session.

Step 9: Understand the End of the Session

As the experience approaches its end, the Holder provides a vibration and visual indication.

IQOS states that the device signals the final 30 seconds or last two inhalations.

When the session finishes, remove the used SMARTCORE STICK from the Holder.

Do not leave a used stick inside the Holder for extended periods.

Step 10: Remove the Used Stick

Once the experience has finished:

1. Remove the Holder from your mouth.
2. Pull the used SMARTCORE STICK straight out.
3. Dispose of it according to local waste requirements.

Do not reuse a stick that has already been heated.

Do not insert a used stick back into the device.

Step 11: Return the Holder to the Pocket Charger

After removing the used stick, place the Holder back into the Pocket Charger.

This allows the Holder to recharge and prepares it for a future session.

The Pocket Charger is designed to provide multiple Holder uses before the charger itself needs recharging.

How to Use Pause Mode

One of the most notable features of the IQOS ILUMA i is Pause Mode.

Pause Mode allows an experience to be paused for up to 8 minutes and then resumed. IQOS states that the feature is available on IQOS ILUMA i and ILUMA i PRIME under specific conditions.

When Is Pause Mode Available?

In Performance Mode, Pause Mode is available during the first three minutes or first eight puffs of an experience. It is available for one of two consecutive uses.

The Touch Screen indicates when the feature is available.

How to Pause

To pause:

1. Place your finger on the Touch Screen.
2. Swipe down across the entire Touch Screen.
3. A vibration confirms that Pause Mode has started.
4. The screen lights gradually fade as the pause period counts down.

 

How to Resume

To resume the experience:

1. Swipe up across the entire Touch Screen.
2. Wait for the device to preheat again.
3. The Holder vibrates when it is ready.

After resuming, IQOS states that preheating takes approximately 20 seconds.

If you do not resume the experience within eight minutes, the Holder automatically switches off and the experience ends.

When Pause Mode is activated, the experience is limited to 14 puffs in total, including the puffs taken before and after the pause.

Understanding FlexPuff

The IQOS ILUMA i also includes FlexPuff on supported configurations.

FlexPuff is designed to analyze the use of the stick and may provide up to four additional puffs when conditions are met. IQOS notes that the feature does not activate for every experience and depends on individual usage patterns.

You should therefore not expect four additional puffs every time.

Understanding FlexBattery

FlexBattery provides additional flexibility in how the Holder battery is used.

In the default Performance Mode, IQOS states that the Holder can support:

• Up to two consecutive uses when Pause Mode is used for one of them, or
• Up to three consecutive uses without activating Pause Mode.

Each experience can last up to six minutes.

The exact available uses are displayed on the Touch Screen.

How to Check Remaining Uses

The Touch Screen can show how many experiences remain available.

IQOS explains that the display can indicate whether one, two or more consecutive experiences are available depending on the operating conditions.

If the device shows that no additional experience is available, place the Holder into the Pocket Charger and allow it to recharge.

How to Charge the IQOS ILUMA i

Charging is straightforward.

1. Place the Holder into the Pocket Charger.
2. Close the charger.
3. Connect the Pocket Charger to its charging cable when necessary.
4. Monitor the charging indicators.
5. Allow the device to charge according to the supplied instructions.

Avoid exposing the charger or Holder to water, excessive heat or extreme temperatures.

Do not use damaged charging equipment.

Cleaning and Maintenance

One benefit of the ILUMA system is that it does not have the conventional heating blade found in older IQOS devices. Nevertheless, keeping the Holder clean and checking the insertion area regularly is good practice.

After each experience:

• Remove the used stick completely.
• Check the Holder opening for debris.
• Avoid inserting foreign objects into the Holder.
• Do not use sharp tools to clean the internal components.
• Follow the official cleaning instructions supplied with your particular model.

Never disassemble the Holder or Pocket Charger yourself.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using the Wrong Stick

Do not use ordinary cigarettes or incompatible sticks. Use compatible SMARTCORE STICKS specified for the ILUMA system.

Forcing the Stick

Insert the stick gently up to the indicated filter line. Never force it deeper.

Removing the Stick Too Early

Wait until the experience has ended before removing the stick unless you need to stop the session.

Forgetting to Recharge

If the Holder has insufficient battery power, return it to the Pocket Charger.

Using a Damaged Device

Do not use a Holder or Pocket Charger that is cracked, swollen, leaking, unusually hot or otherwise damaged.

Expecting FlexPuff Every Time

FlexPuff is adaptive and may not activate during every experience.

IQOS ILUMA i Troubleshooting

The Device Does Not Start

Check whether the Pocket Charger has sufficient battery power. Place the Holder into the charger and allow it to charge.

Also check that the SMARTCORE STICK is correctly inserted.

The Device Does Not Detect the Stick

Remove the stick and check that you are using a compatible SMARTCORE product.

Reinsert it gently up to the filter line.

The Touch Screen Does Not Respond

Make sure the screen is clean and your finger is making sufficient contact with it. If the issue continues, consult the official IQOS support service for your market.

The Holder Runs Out of Battery

Place it back into the Pocket Charger and allow it to recharge before the next experience.

Pause Mode Is Not Available

Pause Mode has specific availability conditions. It is not available throughout every experience. IQOS states that it is available only during the first three minutes or eight puffs in Performance Mode and only for one of two consecutive uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I turn on IQOS ILUMA i?

Press and hold the Pocket Charger button for approximately four seconds and release it. The status lights should illuminate.

Which sticks can I use with IQOS ILUMA i?

Use compatible SMARTCORE STICKS specified for the ILUMA system, such as TEREA and other compatible products depending on your market.

How long does preheating take?

Preheating takes approximately 20 seconds according to IQOS's official instructions.

Can I pause IQOS ILUMA i?

Yes, supported ILUMA i models have Pause Mode. It can pause an experience for up to 8 minutes, subject to the feature's availability conditions.

How do I activate Pause Mode?

Swipe downward across the entire Touch Screen. A vibration indicates that the pause has started.

How do I resume after pausing?

Swipe upward across the entire Touch Screen and wait for the Holder to preheat again.

How many consecutive uses can IQOS ILUMA i provide?

In default Performance Mode, IQOS states that the device can provide up to three consecutive uses without Pause Mode, or up to two consecutive uses when Pause Mode is used for one of them.

Does IQOS ILUMA i use a blade?

The ILUMA system is designed around induction heating and compatible SMARTCORE STICKS rather than the blade-based system used by older IQOS generations.

How do I know when the experience is nearly finished?

The Holder provides vibration and visual signals. IQOS states that it signals during the final 30 seconds or last two inhalations.

Final Thoughts

Using the IQOS ILUMA i Kit is relatively simple once you understand the Holder, Pocket Charger and Touch Screen. Start by fully charging the Pocket Charger, place the Holder inside to charge it, insert a compatible SMARTCORE STICK to the marked line, and wait for the device's vibration and heating indicators before starting.

The ILUMA i adds several features beyond basic heated-tobacco operation, including Touch Screen controls, Pause Mode, FlexBattery and FlexPuff. Pause Mode is particularly useful when an experience needs to be interrupted, while the Touch Screen makes it easier to monitor preheating, remaining time and available uses.