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How do I insert a TEREA stick into ILUMA?
IQOS support pages say to insert the TEREA stick into the holder or device, filter end out, and push it gently down to the line printed on the filter. The stick should not be twisted or forced. On ILUMA i models the cap area is designed the same way.
Only SMARTCORE sticks such as TEREA are designed for ILUMA; see HEETS vs TEREA.
The line on the filter is the only guide needed; there is no click or lock.
The stick should sit straight in the chamber.
Inserting the stick is the same on every ILUMA model, whether it has a holder or is a single piece.
How do I start heating?
With Autostart, heating begins automatically when the stick is inserted. Otherwise, IQOS says to press the button for about 1 second; on ILUMA i models you can also swipe up. One vibration and pulsing lights show that heating has started.
IQOS Egypt's ILUMA FAQ explains Autostart.
Both ways of starting lead to the same heating sequence.
The first vibration confirms that heating has begun, even before the device is ready to use.
How do I know when ILUMA is ready?
IQOS describes two vibrations with the lights staying on as the ready signal. Preheating takes about 20 seconds, according to the official ILUMA use page. Starting before the ready signal is not how the manufacturer describes the sequence. Two separate signals mark the start and the ready state.
The signals are the same on ILUMA, ILUMA PRIME and ILUMA ONE.
The ready signal is the same whether heating started automatically or with a button press.
If no vibration is felt after pressing the button, the battery may be low or the stick may not be inserted correctly.
How long does one ILUMA session last?
IQOS Switzerland's support page says one experience lasts up to 6 minutes or 14 puffs, whichever comes first. The device vibrates when about 30 seconds or 2 puffs are left, so the end does not come without warning. FlexPuff on ILUMA i can add up to 4 puffs within 6 minutes.
Pause Mode on ILUMA i and ILUMA i PRIME is explained on IQOS ILUMA i explained.
The session length is the same for every TEREA flavour.
The warning vibration near the end gives time to finish the session without it stopping unexpectedly.
How do I remove the stick after use?
Pull the stick straight out once the session ends and dispose of it properly. IQOS says ILUMA stops heating automatically when the stick is removed, a feature it calls Autostop. There is no blade, so no residue needs to be scraped off.
Autostop is described on the same official ILUMA use page listed in the sources.
Removing the stick early ends the session.
Autostop means there is no button to press at the end of a session.
How do I charge ILUMA?
Holder models recharge the holder by placing it back in the pocket charger; IQOS UK lists about 135 minutes to fully charge the pocket charger. ILUMA ONE charges directly through USB-C in about 90 minutes, according to IQOS Canada. Holder recharging between sessions is quick.
Model figures are on ILUMA PRIME and ILUMA ONE.
A low-battery signal before a session means the holder or device needs charging first.
A fully charged pocket charger covers about 20 sessions before it needs charging itself.
Does ILUMA need cleaning?
Not inside. IQOS guidance says ILUMA devices do not require internal cleaning because the stick heats from its own element. It does recommend keeping the USB-C port and the charging contacts clean, which helps avoid charging problems. Check them when charging becomes unreliable.
If the device will not charge or heat, IQOS UK's troubleshooting pages are listed in the sources.
Official troubleshooting pages, listed in the sources, cover charging and heating problems.
ILUMA has no blade, so the cleaning tools made for older devices are not needed.
Can I use IQOS ILUMA in Thailand?
No. Official travel advice says using or possessing a heat-not-burn device in Thailand is illegal, with no exception for tourists. Knowing how the device works does not change the law, so this page is general information for readers elsewhere. It applies to every model.
These devices and sticks are illegal to possess or use in Thailand, according to official travel advice. See IQOS in Thailand.
Readers elsewhere should follow local rules and age limits.
Official advice does not distinguish between models, flavours or how often a device is used.
| Step | What happens | Signal |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Insert | TEREA pushed to the line | — |
| 2 Start | Autostart or 1-second press | 1 vibration, pulsing lights |
| 3 Ready | About 20 s preheat | 2 vibrations, lights on |
| 4 Use | Up to 6 min or 14 puffs | Vibration near the end |
| 5 Remove | Autostop | — |
Frequently asked questions
How many puffs does ILUMA give?
Why does ILUMA vibrate twice?
Can I reuse a TEREA stick?
Do I need to clean ILUMA?
Why does ILUMA not start?
Is using IQOS allowed in Thailand?
Sources
- How to use IQOS ILUMA — IQOS Switzerland
- IQOS ILUMA FAQ (Autostart) — IQOS Egypt
- How to charge IQOS ILUMA devices — IQOS UK
- IQOS ILUMA ONE kit — IQOS Canada
- Troubleshooting IQOS ILUMA — IQOS UK
- Thailand travel advice: safety and security — GOV.UK
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A space for IQOS users to exchange information with each other — not a commercial channel of any kind. For readers aged 20+ only. Note: this is a Thai-language LINE group.
Join the IQOS User Group (Thai-language LINE group)