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Written by: David from The Anal Sex Toys Shop
Publish on 09/06/2026
Learning how to use a butt plug correctly is not about forcing the biggest toy you can handle.
It is about choosing the right size, using enough lubricant, going slowly, and paying attention to how your body responds.
A good first experience should feel controlled, full, and manageable. It should not feel sharp, rushed, or like something you have to push through.
This guide walks through preparation, lubrication, how to insert a butt plug, how long you can wear one, safe removal, and beginner butt plug safety tips.
If you are still learning the basics of anal play, start with our Beginner’s Guide to Anal Play before moving into toys.
Before You Start: Choose the Right Butt Plug
The right plug makes the whole experience easier.
For beginners, the best starting point is usually a smaller plug with a smooth tapered tip, a comfortable neck, and a secure flared base.
The flared base matters. It helps keep the plug from slipping too far in and makes removal safer.
Before using any plug, check that:
- It has a wide flared base
- The surface is smooth and undamaged
- The size feels realistic for your experience level
- The material is body-safe
- The toy is clean before use
If the plug already makes you tense before you begin, it is probably not the right first choice.
For easier starter options, our Beginner Butt Plug Guide explains which shapes, sizes, and materials usually feel best for early use.
If you want something slimmer and less intimidating, our Small Butt Plugs collection is a better place to start than jumping straight into medium or large sizes.
Preparation
Good preparation keeps the experience smoother, calmer, and easier to control.
Before using a butt plug, give yourself enough time. Rushing makes your body more likely to tense, which can make insertion harder than it needs to be.
A simple preparation routine works best:
- Wash the toy before use
- Wash your hands
- Use plenty of lubricant
- Choose a relaxed position
- Start with a smaller size if you are new
- Stop if anything feels sharp or wrong
You do not need to overcomplicate it. Clean toy, good lube, slow pace, and a plug your body can actually relax around.
For a broader first-time routine, read our First Time Anal Tips guide before using toys.
Lubrication
Lube is not optional.
The anal area does not naturally lubricate enough for butt plug use, so you need to add plenty of lubricant before insertion.
Apply lube to:
- The plug
- The external area
- A little extra around the tip before you start
Use more than you think you need. If the toy starts to feel dry, sticky, or resistant, pause and add more lube instead of pushing harder.
Thicker water-based lube is usually a good beginner choice because it feels cushioned and works with most toy materials.
Silicone lube can last longer and feel smoother, but it may not be compatible with silicone toys. Always check your toy material first.
Our Anal Lube Guide explains which types of lube work best for anal play and which ones to avoid with certain toys.
How to Insert a Butt Plug
Insertion should be slow and controlled.
Start by placing the tip of the plug against your body. Do not force it in. Let your body relax around the pressure first.
When you feel ready, apply gentle, steady pressure and let the tapered tip move in gradually.
A few things help:
- Breathe slowly
- Keep your body relaxed
- Add more lube if needed
- Pause when your body tightens
- Let the widest part enter slowly
- Stop if you feel sharp pain or burning
Once the widest part passes, the plug will usually settle into place and feel more secure.
This is why the shape matters. A smooth tapered plug is usually easier to insert than a blunt, thick, or heavily textured toy.
If insertion still feels difficult even with plenty of lube, the plug may be too large. Our What Size Butt Plug Should I Start With guide explains how to choose a more comfortable starting size.
What Should a Butt Plug Feel Like?
A butt plug should feel full, secure, and noticeable.
It should not feel sharp, painful, or like your body is fighting it the whole time.
At first, you may feel pressure, fullness, or strong awareness of the toy. That can be normal, especially if you are not used to anal toys.
Signs you should stop include:
- Sharp pain
- Burning
- Numbness
- Ongoing soreness
- Strong resistance
- Pressure that keeps getting worse
- A feeling that you cannot relax around the toy
A comfortable plug usually becomes easier once your body adjusts.
If you keep clenching, holding your breath, or counting the seconds until you can remove it, that is not the right fit yet. Go smaller, use more lube, or try a smoother shape.
How Long Can You Wear a Butt Plug?
If you are new, think in minutes, not hours.
You do not need to wear a butt plug for a long time to get used to the feeling. A short, comfortable session is better than pushing too far and ending up sore.
For a first session, a brief test is enough. Remove it before the pressure turns into discomfort.
As you gain confidence, you can slowly increase wear time based on how your body responds.
Remove the plug if:
- The pressure stops feeling comfortable
- You feel sore or irritated
- The plug starts distracting you in a bad way
- You feel like you are forcing yourself to continue
- You notice numbness or unusual discomfort
Do not sleep with a butt plug in. Longer wear should always feel comfortable, controlled, and easy to remove.
If you want to build comfort gradually, our Beginner Anal Training Guide can help you understand how to move up in size without rushing.
Safe Removal
Removing a butt plug safely is just as important as inserting it correctly.
Do not pull it out suddenly.
Take your time, relax your body, and add more lube around the base if needed.
A safer removal routine looks like this:
- Breathe slowly
- Hold the base securely
- Relax your body
- Gently move the plug out
- Pause if your body tightens
- Let the widest part come out slowly
The widest part can feel intense again as it comes out, especially with fuller plugs. Slow removal gives your body time to adjust.
After removal, clean the toy before storing it.
Our How to Clean Anal Toys guide walks through an easy cleaning routine for keeping your toys hygienic and ready for next time.
Common Butt Plug Mistakes to Avoid
Most beginner discomfort comes from simple mistakes.
The most common ones are:
- Choosing a plug that is too large
- Not using enough lube
- Rushing insertion
- Ignoring discomfort
- Wearing it too long
- Pulling it out too quickly
- Using a toy without a proper flared base
- Using numbing products to hide pain
The better approach is simple: start smaller, use more lube, go slower, and stop before discomfort builds.
If you are comparing plugs with other beginner-friendly toys, our Best Anal Toys for Beginners guide explains which options are easiest to start with.
Butt Plug Safety Tips
A few simple safety rules make butt plug play much easier to enjoy.
Always use a plug with a flared base. Never use random household objects or toys that are not designed for anal use.
Clean your toy before and after use. Use body-safe materials where possible, and avoid damaged toys with cracks, rough seams, or sticky surfaces.
Do not treat pain as a challenge. Pressure and fullness can be normal. Sharp pain is not.
Do not share toys unless they are properly cleaned and covered with a condom between users.
If your body feels sore afterward, give it time before using the toy again.
Comfort comes from control, not force.
FAQ
Can you walk around while wearing a butt plug?
Yes, as long as the plug fits comfortably and has a secure flared base.
Beginners should start with short periods of wear at home before trying more active movement. If the plug causes discomfort, pressure, or irritation while walking, remove it and try a smaller size.
Can you use a butt plug without anal training?
Many beginners can use a small butt plug without following a formal anal training program.
However, choosing a beginner-friendly size, using plenty of lubricant, and inserting it slowly are important for comfort. Larger plugs may require gradual training over time.
What size butt plug should a beginner start with?
Most beginners are more comfortable with a small plug that has a tapered tip and a narrow neck.
Starting too large is one of the most common causes of discomfort. If insertion feels difficult even with plenty of lube, choose a smaller size.
Can you sleep with a butt plug in?
No. Sleeping with a butt plug is generally not recommended because you cannot monitor discomfort, irritation, or circulation issues while asleep.
Butt plugs should only be worn when you are awake and able to remove them if needed.
What should you do if a butt plug feels uncomfortable?
Stop and assess the cause.
Discomfort is often related to insufficient lubrication, a plug that is too large, or muscle tension. Remove the plug if the discomfort continues, and try again later with more lube or a smaller size.
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