glo HILO Guide

glo HILO & HILO Plus FAQ: Devices, virto and rivo Sticks

A complete guide to glo HILO and glo HILO Plus. Compare both devices, learn which sticks are compatible, understand Standard and Boost modes, connect the myglo app and solve common charging, heating and display problems.

Compatible sticks virto and rivo

Heating system TurboStart Quartz

Heating modes Standard and Boost

Full charging time Approximately 90 minutes

About glo HILO and HILO Plus

HILO is a newer glo platform with a different heating system, stick format and connected features from the glo HYPER family.

What is glo HILO?

glo HILO is an all-in-one heated-tobacco device. Its battery, heating chamber and EasyView display are integrated into one compact body.

It uses TurboStart Quartz technology, supports Standard and Boost modes and works with specially designed virto and rivo sticks.

What is glo HILO Plus?

glo HILO Plus is the modular version of the HILO platform. It consists of an EasySwitch heating pen and a separate charging case. The pen can be used while inserted in the case or removed for a lighter experience.

HILO Plus also adds an EasyView AMOLED touchscreen. Sessions are started using the physical control button rather than the touchscreen.

What is the main difference between HILO and HILO Plus?

HILO is a simpler all-in-one device with two physical mode buttons. HILO Plus has a removable EasySwitch pen, charging case and touchscreen interface.

Both models use the same heating technology, compatible sticks and Standard and Boost modes.

What is TurboStart Quartz technology?

TurboStart is the dual-heating system used by glo HILO. According to glo, it combines quartz heating with infrared energy to transfer heat through a compatible virto or rivo stick.

The system heats the stick internally and reaches a maximum operating temperature of approximately 370°C.

Is glo HILO a vape?

No. HILO is a heated-stick device rather than an e-cigarette. It heats a compatible solid stick instead of vaporizing e-liquid from a pod, tank or disposable vape.

How is glo HILO different from glo HYPER PRO?

HILO uses TurboStart Quartz technology and a new stick format. HYPER PRO uses the older HYPER heating system with compatible neo, veo or market-specific Lucky Strike sticks.

HILO also heats faster and introduces connected myglo app features. The stick formats are not interchangeable.

How is glo HILO different from IQOS ILUMA?

HILO and IQOS ILUMA are separate ecosystems. HILO uses TurboStart Quartz heating with virto or rivo sticks. IQOS ILUMA uses SMARTCORE induction sticks such as TEREA and selected DELIA or LEVIA products.

Their devices, chargers, sticks and accessories are not interchangeable.

Is glo HILO available worldwide?

No. HILO availability, device colors, myglo app support and compatible stick ranges vary by market. A model or flavor available in one country may not be officially offered in another.

glo HILO vs HILO Plus comparison

Both models provide the same core heating experience. The main difference is their physical design and the additional flexibility offered by HILO Plus.

Feature	glo HILO	glo HILO Plus
Design	All-in-one device	EasySwitch pen and charging case
Display	EasyView screen	EasyView AMOLED touchscreen
Compatible sticks	virto and rivo	virto and rivo
Heating modes	Standard and Boost	Standard and Boost
Approximate heat-up time	Under 5 seconds	Under 10 seconds
Standard session	5 minutes 10 seconds	5 minutes 10 seconds
Boost session	4 minutes 10 seconds	4 minutes 10 seconds
Sessions per full charge	Up to 20 in Standard mode	Up to 20 in Standard mode
Consecutive sessions	Up to 3 under typical conditions	Up to 4 when the pen and case are charged
Full charging time	Approximately 90 minutes	Approximately 90 minutes
Protection rating	IP54	IP54
myglo app	Supported in selected markets	Supported in selected markets

Battery life, charging speed and consecutive-session limits are laboratory-based maximums. Temperature, battery age, selected mode and firmware can affect actual performance.

glo HILO stick compatibility

HILO uses a device-specific stick format. Similar-looking sticks made for other heated-tobacco systems should not be inserted.

Stick type	Compatible with HILO?	Designed for
virto	Yes	glo HILO and HILO Plus
rivo	Yes	glo HILO and HILO Plus
neo	No	Compatible glo HYPER devices
veo	No	Compatible glo HYPER devices
Lucky Strike heated sticks	No	Compatible glo HYPER devices
TEREA, DELIA or LEVIA	No	Compatible IQOS ILUMA devices
HEETS	No	Older blade-based IQOS devices
Fiit	No	Compatible lil devices

Which sticks work with glo HILO?

Current glo HILO and HILO Plus devices are designed for virto tobacco sticks and rivo plant-based sticks.

Do HILO and HILO Plus use the same sticks?

Yes. Both models use the same virto and rivo range. Moving between HILO and HILO Plus does not require a different stick format.

Can I use neo sticks in glo HILO?

No. neo sticks are designed for compatible glo HYPER devices. Their shape and internal construction differ from the virto and rivo format used by HILO.

Can I use veo sticks in glo HILO?

No. Although veo and rivo are both plant-based ranges, they belong to different device ecosystems. veo is made for compatible glo HYPER devices, while rivo is made for HILO.

Can virto or rivo sticks be used in glo HYPER PRO?

No. virto and rivo are specifically engineered for the HILO heating chamber. They should not be used in HYPER, HYPER Air or HYPER PRO devices.

Can I use TEREA sticks in glo HILO?

No. TEREA contains an internal heating element designed for IQOS ILUMA induction devices. It is not compatible with HILO.

Can third-party sticks be used with glo HILO?

Only use officially compatible virto or rivo sticks intended for HILO. An unapproved stick may heat incorrectly, become stuck or damage the TurboStart Quartz heating system.

virto and rivo sticks explained

virto and rivo fit the same devices but use different heated materials and offer different flavor profiles.

Feature	virto	rivo
Heated material	Real tobacco leaves	Plant-based rooibos material
Contains tobacco	Yes	No
Contains nicotine	Yes	Yes
Typical profiles	Tobacco-focused varieties	Fruit, mint and cooling varieties
Capsule options	Depends on the regional variety	Common across the rivo range
Compatible devices	HILO and HILO Plus	HILO and HILO Plus

Examples of regional HILO stick varieties

Range	Officially listed examples	General style
virto	Balanced Tobacco, Azure Tobacco, Classic Tobacco, Golden Tobacco, Signature Tobacco and Silver Tobacco	Tobacco profiles with different intensities
rivo	Sour Pink Twist, Green Click, Arctic Click, Scarlet Click and Violet Click	Plant-based flavored and capsule varieties

This is not a universal worldwide flavor list. Names, capsule options and availability differ by country and can change over time.

What is the difference between virto and rivo?

virto sticks contain real tobacco and focus mainly on tobacco profiles. rivo sticks are tobacco-free and use a rooibos-based plant material, usually combined with flavored capsules.

Both ranges contain nicotine and are intended only for adults.

Are rivo sticks nicotine-free?

No. rivo sticks do not contain tobacco, but they contain nicotine. Tobacco-free does not mean nicotine-free or risk-free.

Do virto sticks contain real tobacco?

Yes. virto is the tobacco-containing stick range developed specifically for glo HILO and HILO Plus.

How do I activate a capsule in a rivo stick?

If the selected rivo variety contains a capsule, press the marked capsule area in the filter until it clicks. It can be activated before or during the session.

How should virto and rivo sticks be stored?

Keep them in their original closed pack in a dry place, away from sunlight, moisture, excessive heat and strong odors. Do not use wet, crushed or deformed sticks.

How to use glo HILO and HILO Plus

How do I use glo HILO?

Slide open the heating-chamber door.
Insert an unused virto or rivo stick up to the marked line.
Choose Standard or Boost mode.
Hold the upper button for Boost or the lower button for Standard for approximately two seconds.
Wait for the second vibration indicating that the device is ready.
After the session, remove the stick gently with a slight twist.

How do I use glo HILO Plus?

Use the EasySwitch pen inside or outside its charging case.
Open the chamber and insert a compatible virto or rivo stick.
Select Standard or Boost mode.
Press the physical control button for approximately two seconds.
Wait for the ready vibration.
Remove the used stick after the session.

During first activation, the control button may need to be held for approximately three seconds.

What is the difference between Standard and Boost mode?

Standard mode provides a longer and smoother session lasting approximately 5 minutes and 10 seconds.

Boost mode provides a shorter and more intense session lasting approximately 4 minutes and 10 seconds.

How long does glo HILO take to heat up?

HILO becomes ready in under five seconds under normal conditions. HILO Plus becomes ready in under ten seconds.

How long is a glo HILO session?

Standard mode lasts approximately 5 minutes and 10 seconds. Boost mode lasts approximately 4 minutes and 10 seconds.

When supported by the myglo app, Standard mode can be changed to approximately 5 minutes 10 seconds, 4 minutes or 3 minutes.

How many consecutive sessions can HILO provide?

Current manufacturer guidance lists up to three consecutive sessions for HILO at typical room temperatures.

HILO Plus can provide up to four consecutive sessions when both the EasySwitch pen and charging case are sufficiently charged.

Can a virto or rivo stick be used twice?

No. Each stick is designed for one heating session. Reheating a used stick will not provide the intended performance.

glo HILO charging and battery

How long does glo HILO take to charge?

A complete charge takes approximately 90 minutes for both HILO and HILO Plus under normal conditions with compatible charging equipment.

How many sessions does HILO provide per charge?

Both models are officially rated for up to 20 sessions in Standard mode. Actual battery life depends on the selected mode, temperature, battery age and usage pattern.

How quickly can an empty HILO charge for one session?

HILO can become ready for one session after approximately three minutes of charging. HILO Plus requires approximately three minutes and 30 seconds.

How do I charge the HILO Plus EasySwitch pen?

The EasySwitch pen does not charge directly through a USB cable. Insert it into the HILO Plus charging case or use the compatible charging dock.

Why is my glo HILO not charging?

Check that the USB-C cable is connected securely.
Use a compatible certified power adapter.
Make sure the charging port is dry and free from debris.
Allow an excessively hot or cold device to reach room temperature.
Replace a visibly damaged cable or adapter.

If a charger warning appears, disconnect the cable immediately and follow the instructions shown on the display.

myglo app and Bluetooth features

Do I need the myglo app to use HILO?

No. Standard operation is controlled through the physical buttons and display. The app adds personalization, usage information, location features, device locking and firmware updates.

What can the myglo app do?

Track daily, weekly and monthly sessions with myUsage
Change Standard-mode duration with mySession
Personalize display messages with myDisplay
Lock or unlock a paired device
Show its approximate or last known location
Install available firmware updates

How do I pair glo HILO with the myglo app?

Enable Bluetooth on the smartphone.
Open the myglo app and begin adding a device.
On HILO, press either mode button five times quickly. On HILO Plus, press the control button five times quickly.
Wait for the Bluetooth symbol on the EasyView display.
Select the device inside the app and follow the instructions.

Why can I not see the HILO Plus pen in the app?

The EasySwitch pen does not have its own Bluetooth connection. Insert it into the paired HILO Plus charging case so its information can synchronize with the app.

How do I update HILO firmware?

Connect the device to the myglo app and check the Device Updates section. Follow the on-screen instructions without interrupting the connection.

For HILO Plus, keep the EasySwitch pen inside the charging case throughout the update.

Cleaning and troubleshooting

Does glo HILO need cleaning?

HILO has no bottom cleaning door, and official guidance states that routine internal cleaning is generally not required.

Keep the chamber opening and USB-C port dry and free from visible debris. Do not insert a HYPER cleaning brush, metal object or liquid into the chamber.

What should I do if a stick breaks inside HILO?

Allow the device to cool completely. Use only the approved HILO Stick Remover accessory. Do not scrape the chamber with needles, tweezers or other metal tools because the quartz heater can be damaged.

How do I reboot glo HILO or HILO Plus?

Hold either button on HILO, or the control button on HILO Plus, continuously for approximately 13 seconds until the display changes. Release the button and wait for the device to restart.

Why is my glo HILO not heating?

Confirm that the stick is an unused virto or rivo stick.
Check that it is inserted correctly.
Charge the battery.
Allow an excessively hot or cold device to reach room temperature.
Reboot the device.
Check the screen for an error or firmware-update message.

Stop using the device if internal quartz fragments or other physical damage are visible.

What does an exclamation mark and hand icon mean?

This generally indicates that the software needs to be reset. Hold the appropriate control button for 13 seconds without releasing it until the display changes.

What does an exclamation mark with a QR code mean?

A QR code combined with a prohibited symbol can indicate a non-recoverable error. Stop using the device, scan the code and contact official glo support.

Why is my HILO device too hot?

Some warmth is normal, especially after consecutive sessions. Allow the device to cool if a warning appears or the surface becomes uncomfortable. Do not use HILO above an ambient temperature of approximately 40°C.

Can glo HILO be used in cold weather?

Avoid using the device below approximately 0°C. Allow it to warm naturally before use or charging. Exposure below −10°C may permanently damage the battery.

Are glo HILO and HILO Plus waterproof?

No. Their IP54 rating provides limited protection against dust and light moisture, such as drizzle or an accidental splash.

The devices must not be submerged, used in a shower or exposed to heavy water, sand or a wet charging cable.

Health and safety information

Is glo HILO safe?

No tobacco or nicotine product is safe. HILO heats compatible sticks instead of burning a cigarette, but the resulting aerosol can still contain nicotine and other harmful substances.

Is glo HILO less harmful than cigarettes?

Heated-tobacco products may expose users to lower levels of some harmful chemicals than cigarette smoke, but they are not harmless. Reduced exposure does not automatically mean proportionally reduced health risk.

Is secondhand HILO aerosol harmless?

No. Heated-stick aerosol can expose people nearby to nicotine and other emissions. Avoid using the device around children, pregnant people and anyone sensitive to tobacco or nicotine aerosol.

Can glo HILO help me quit smoking?

HILO is not an approved smoking-cessation treatment. People who want to stop using tobacco or nicotine should consider evidence-based support from a healthcare professional or stop-smoking service.

Who should not use HILO, virto or rivo?

These products should not be used by minors, non-smokers, pregnant or breastfeeding people, anyone sensitive to nicotine or anyone advised to avoid tobacco or nicotine for medical reasons.

virto and rivo contain nicotine, which is addictive. glo HILO products are intended only for adults who already use tobacco or nicotine products. Local age restrictions apply.

Official information sources

Last reviewed: September 7, 2026