BONDS by IQOS & BLENDS Guide: Compatibility, Flavours, Cleaning and Fixes

 

BONDS by IQOS is an all-in-one heated-tobacco device designed for compatible BLENDS/ROUNDHEAT sticks; TEREA sticks are designed for IQOS ILUMA and are not interchangeable. This guide explains the compatibility rules, what official product information says about the UAE and Indonesian BLENDS ranges, and the manufacturer’s guidance for charging, cleaning and troubleshooting. For background on the category, read our guide to how heated tobacco works.

Need a new device or fresh sticks today? TEREA Outlet is an IQOS Dubai and TEREA Dubai store in Business Bay, and you can browse the full TEREA Indonesia in Dubai range there with prices per carton.

Important: Heated-tobacco products contain nicotine, which is addictive, and are not risk-free. This article is informational and does not recommend starting or continuing nicotine use. Product names, specifications and local rules can change; check the manual for your exact device and current official information.

What is BONDS by IQOS?

BONDS by IQOS is an all-in-one heated-tobacco device. Unlike an IQOS system that uses a separate holder and pocket charger, the BONDS design combines its main functions in one device. It heats a compatible tobacco stick rather than lighting it on fire.

The BONDS system uses the ROUNDHEAT heating method. IQOS UAE’s product information describes BLENDS as tobacco sticks made for BONDS, while the BONDS 2 support guide refers to the compatible sticks as ROUNDHEAT sticks. The terms appear across the manufacturer’s pages, so check the exact wording on your pack and the documentation supplied with your device.

Heating rather than burning does not make a tobacco product safe. BONDS and its compatible sticks deliver nicotine, and the manufacturer states that the product is not risk-free. Heated-tobacco aerosol should not be treated as harmless air or as a smoking-cessation treatment.

Why BLENDS and TEREA are not interchangeable

BONDS and IQOS ILUMA are separate systems that use different compatible sticks:

• BONDS by IQOS: use the BLENDS/ROUNDHEAT sticks specified for the BONDS model.
• IQOS ILUMA: use TEREA sticks specified for the ILUMA model.

Do not try to make one stick type work in the other system. The sticks are designed for different heating mechanisms. Using an incompatible stick can prevent normal operation and may damage the device. For an overview of the separate ILUMA system, see our IQOS ILUMA information page.

 

 

IQOS BONDS vs ILUMA: the main differences

IQOS BONDS vs ILUMA in one line: BONDS is the cheapest IQOS (AED 100) and uses BLENDS sticks with a heating blade; ILUMA uses TEREA sticks heated by induction, so there is no blade to clean.

Feature	BONDS by IQOS	IQOS ILUMA i
Device price at TEREA Outlet	AED 100	From AED 160
Sticks	BLENDS (AED 100 a carton)	TEREA (from AED 120 a carton)
Heating	Heating blade	SMARTCORE induction, no blade
Cleaning	Needs regular blade cleaning	No blade cleaning
Flavour range here	9 BLENDS editions	71 TEREA flavours
Best for	Lowest cost to start	Most flavours, less maintenance

Feature	BONDS by IQOS	IQOS ILUMA family
Device format	All-in-one device	Format depends on the ILUMA model; some use a separate holder and pocket charger
Compatible sticks	BLENDS/ROUNDHEAT sticks specified for BONDS	TEREA sticks specified for ILUMA
Heating system	ROUNDHEAT	SMARTCORE induction heating
Cleaning	IQOS says BONDS does not require internal cleaning	ILUMA models also do not use the older exposed blade-cleaning routine; follow the exact model manual
Device-specific instructions	Use the BONDS manual and BONDS support guidance	Use the instructions for the specific ILUMA model

 

The most important difference for day-to-day use is compatibility. A stick that belongs to one system should not be assumed to work in the other. Features, charging time and operating instructions also vary by model, so do not apply instructions for one device to another without checking the manual.

Which BONDS model does this guide cover?

The current IQOS UAE support pages referenced in this guide describe BONDS 2 by IQOS. Earlier BONDS devices or devices sourced from another market may have different features, signals or instructions. Check the model name on the packaging, device documentation or official support page before following troubleshooting steps.

Do not identify a device generation by colour alone. Colours and product listings can vary by market and retailer, and a colour name does not establish which version of the device you have. If the packaging and the support page do not match, pause and confirm the model with the manufacturer or the seller before using device-specific instructions.

BLENDS flavours listed for the UAE

As checked on 15 October 2026, the written flavour list on the official IQOS UAE BLENDS page names three BLENDS Classics variants. Availability and page content may change, so confirm the exact current pack name rather than relying on a colour or an image alone.

Name in the official UAE written list	Manufacturer’s published description
BLENDS Red Classics	Toasted tobacco, malty notes and a warm character
BLENDS Gold Classics	Balanced tobacco with warm spice-mix notes
BLENDS Purple Menthol Classics	Tobacco with blueberry flavour and menthol cooling

 

These descriptions summarise the manufacturer’s published wording; they are not independent assessments of flavour, health effects or product quality. The complete name matters. For example, “Gold Classics” is not the same product name as “BLENDS A Gold Edition” in the Indonesian range.

BLENDS A: the Indonesian range is a separate family

The Indonesian BLENDS A range is distinct from the BLENDS Classics list published for the UAE. IQOS Indonesia lists nine BLENDS A editions and describes the range as containing Indonesian clove. The names and flavour descriptions below are based on the manufacturer’s Indonesian information, not a claim that every edition is an official UAE-market variant.

BLENDS A edition	Published description, summarised from IQOS Indonesia
Gold Edition	Clove with a honey aroma
Rich Edition	Clove with woody, nutty and cocoa notes; wording can vary by official page
Warm Edition	Clove with woody, fruity notes and warm spice character
Summer Edition	Clove with cooling and fruity notes
Blossom Edition	Clove with plum aroma and a cooling sensation
Purple Edition	Clove with berry/blueberry notes; descriptions of cooling vary between official pages
Tropical Edition	Clove with guava or floral notes and menthol cooling
Watermelon Mix	Clove, menthol cooling and a watermelon capsule
Passion Fruit Mix	Clove, menthol cooling and a passion-fruit capsule

 

The official Indonesian descriptions are not worded identically across every product page and overview article. This is particularly relevant for Purple Edition and some fruit descriptors. For that reason, the table uses conservative summaries and avoids treating every description as universal across markets. Check the full name and information printed on the actual pack.

Why full product names matter

Similar colour words can refer to different products. Gold Classics is described by IQOS UAE as a balanced tobacco blend with warm spice-mix notes. BLENDS A Gold Edition is described by IQOS Indonesia as a clove blend with a honey aroma. These are different range names and should not be treated as interchangeable.

The same principle applies to Purple variants. Purple Menthol Classics is explicitly described on the UAE page as having blueberry flavour and menthol cooling. The Indonesian pages use the separate name Purple Edition, and their descriptions vary between the product page and broader range guide. Do not use “Purple” on its own as a precise product identifier.

Does BONDS by IQOS need cleaning?

IQOS states that BONDS does not require internal cleaning. Its design does not use the exposed blade-cleaning routine associated with some older heated-tobacco devices. Follow the instructions for your exact model rather than applying cleaning steps intended for a different device.

Basic external care is still sensible:

1. Keep the device dry. Wipe the outside with a clean, soft, dry cloth when needed. Do not spray liquid onto the device or immerse it in water.
2. Keep the charging ports clear. If charging is inconsistent, check the port and cable for visible dust or lint. The BONDS 2 support page says to blow gently to clear dust and contamination from USB ports.
3. Do not insert tools into the stick opening. Do not push cotton buds, metal objects, liquid cleaners or cleaning sticks into the opening unless the official manual for your exact model explicitly instructs you to do so.
4. Insert the compatible stick as instructed. The BONDS 2 guide says to insert the ROUNDHEAT stick up to the marked line with the filter pointing outward, and not to move it during use.

If the taste or aerosol output seems unusual, the official troubleshooting page suggests correctly inserting the compatible stick and trying a new stick from a sealed box. Do not dismantle the device to investigate a fault. Heat and storage conditions can affect tobacco sticks; our guide to storing heated-tobacco sticks in Dubai’s heat covers general storage considerations.

BONDS 2 charging and normal operation

The current IQOS UAE BONDS 2 first-steps guide gives the following specifications and operating cues:

• Full charge: about 120 minutes with compatible charging accessories.
• Preheating: allow about 30 seconds; the device uses vibration and status lights to indicate progress.
• Ready signal: the second vibration indicates that the device is ready, according to the manufacturer.
• Session length: up to five minutes per experience.
• Uses per full charge: designed for up to 28 uses; actual results can vary with conditions and the compatible stick type.
• Consecutive sessions: up to three consecutive uses before an automatic cool-down.
• Cool-down: about four minutes before another session can begin.

These are manufacturer-stated maximums or approximate figures, not guarantees of performance for every device or usage pattern. Charging equipment and operating instructions can vary by model and region. Use a compatible wall adaptor and charging cable, and avoid charging through a laptop or power bank if following the current BONDS 2 support guidance.

 

 

BONDS 2 status lights: what they mean

The table below summarises the signals listed on the official IQOS UAE troubleshooting page. It is specific to BONDS 2; check the manual if your device is an earlier model.

Signal	Manufacturer’s stated meaning	Initial action
No lights	Device is switched off or the battery is depleted	Turn it on or connect compatible charging accessories
Yellow/orange light flashes three times	Battery is low	Charge the device
Red light flashes	Device error or charging too slowly	Check the charging accessories; reset as described below if appropriate
All lights flash white twice	Device is outside its operating temperature range of 0–40°C	Let the device return to the supported temperature range
Lights pulse up and down	Cool-down mode after three consecutive sessions	Wait about four minutes

 

A light pattern can point to a problem, but it cannot diagnose every possible cause. If the same warning continues after the approved steps, stop troubleshooting and contact official support or the relevant warranty provider.

How to reset BONDS 2

The manufacturer’s reset instructions are:

1. Press and hold the ON/OFF button continuously for 10 seconds.
2. Release the button.
3. Check that all lights turn on, blink slowly twice and then ramp up to show the battery status. This sequence indicates that the reset has completed.

A reset may help with some software glitches, but it will not solve every hardware or charging fault. Do not open the casing, attempt to replace the internal battery or insert objects into the device. If the red light returns, or the device overheats, is damaged or behaves abnormally, stop using it and seek appropriate support.

BONDS 2 not charging or charging slowly

IQOS UAE recommends checking that the AC adaptor and charging cable are compatible, avoiding laptop or power-bank charging, and ensuring the USB ports are clear of dust and contamination. The manufacturer also notes that the battery will not charge during cool-down and may not charge when the device is outside its supported operating temperature range of 0–40°C.

Allow the device to complete its cool-down, return to the supported temperature range, and try the manufacturer-recommended charging setup. If charging remains slow or the red light continues, do not repeatedly force the device to charge or attempt repairs at home; contact official support.

Common compatibility and troubleshooting mistakes

Several avoidable mistakes can complicate a basic device issue:

• Using TEREA in BONDS, or BLENDS/ROUNDHEAT sticks in ILUMA. These systems use different compatible sticks.
• Treating a colour as proof of the model. Check the model name and the documentation for the exact device.
• Using cleaning instructions from another IQOS model. The BONDS 2 manufacturer guidance says internal cleaning is not required.
• Assuming a maximum session or charge figure is guaranteed. Published figures can vary with usage conditions and stick type.
• Continuing to use a device that has a persistent fault. Reset only as directed; do not dismantle or modify the device.

If the issue relates to an ILUMA rather than a BONDS device, use instructions written for that model. Our IQOS ILUMA red-light troubleshooting guide covers a different device family and should not be used as a substitute for the BONDS instructions.

Authenticity, market labels and product information

Product names and packaging can vary between markets. A listing from one country should not be assumed to prove that a variant is officially listed, approved or currently available in another. Check the full product name, package information and the official support information for the market where the device is being used.

Where authenticity is uncertain, do not rely on colour or online photographs alone. Check the product packaging and official verification information available for the market. Our guide to checking heated-tobacco product authenticity in the UAE discusses general checks, but no single visual detail can guarantee authenticity.

This guide does not establish that a product is legally available for sale in the UAE, or that any retailer’s advertising or sales practices comply with UAE requirements. Those questions require current local verification.

Official references and fact-checking notes

The product specifications and flavour descriptions above were checked against the following manufacturer pages on 15 October 2026. Pages and market ranges can change, so recheck them immediately before updating this article.

 

Frequently asked questions

Can TEREA sticks be used in BONDS by IQOS?

No. BONDS is designed for its specified BLENDS/ROUNDHEAT sticks. TEREA sticks are designed for IQOS ILUMA. Do not mix the two systems.

Can BLENDS sticks be used in IQOS ILUMA?

No. Use only the stick type specified for the exact device. BLENDS/ROUNDHEAT sticks are intended for BONDS, while TEREA is intended for IQOS ILUMA.

How many BLENDS Classics flavours are listed for the UAE?

The written flavour list on the IQOS UAE BLENDS page checked on 15 October 2026 names Red Classics, Gold Classics and Purple Menthol Classics. Product information can change, so verify the current official listing and full pack name.

Does BONDS 2 need internal cleaning?

IQOS says BONDS does not require internal cleaning. Keep the outside and charging ports clear, avoid inserting tools or liquid cleaners, and follow the manual supplied with the exact model.

What does a blinking red light mean on BONDS 2?

IQOS UAE says a blinking red light can indicate a device error or charging that is too slow. Check compatible charging accessories and use the official 10-second reset procedure if appropriate. If the warning persists, stop and contact support.

Conclusion

Use only the stick family specified for your exact device, and identify the model from its packaging or official documentation rather than its colour.

For BONDS 2, follow the UAE-specific manufacturer guidance for charging, status lights, cool-down and reset steps; other models may differ.

Heated-tobacco products contain addictive nicotine and are not risk-free; this guide is informational, not a recommendation to start or continue nicotine use.