A method for operating a device for providing a liquid additive includes feeding the liquid additive along a feeding path having at least one first portion which forms a heat conducting section from a heater of the device into a tank for the liquid additive. The feeding path also has at least one second portion in which a component susceptible to freezing is disposed. The liquid additive is first fed along the feeding path of the device. Subsequently, the feeding of liquid additive is stopped. Then, partial draining of the feeding path takes place, with liquid additive remaining in the at least one first portion of the feeding path while the at least one second portion is being drained. A device for providing a liquid additive is also provided.