How to fix a vape that is not working?

Vaping devices, like any other electronic devices, can malfunction due to various reasons, e.g., battery faults, coil issues, e-liquid problems, airflow blockages, or even software glitches. Understanding the underlying problem is key to finding the right fix.

If the battery isn’t the issue, check the coil and pod/tank connection. A burnt or incorrectly installed coil can prevent the device from firing. Replace the coil if needed, ensuring it's properly seated and primed with e-liquid. Clean the contact points between the battery and tank using a cotton bud to remove any dirt or residue blocking the connection.

For draw-activated vapes, an airway blockage could be the culprit. Try gently blowing into the mouthpiece or cleaning the airflow vents. If none of these steps work, the issue may be more complex, contact the manufacturer or retailer for support.

Now, let’s break down common vape problems and how to fix them.

1. Vape Not Powering On or Keeps Turning Off

Why Won’t My Vape Turn On?

If your vape isn't turning on, check the following:

• Power Button Activation – Most devices require five quick presses to turn on. If the LED light doesn’t flash, it might still be off.

• Battery Charge – A completely drained battery won’t power the device. Try charging it.

• Locked Device – Some vapes have a safety lock feature. Press the fire button multiple times or check the user manual for unlocking instructions.

• Dirty or Loose Connections – Dirt, debris, or misalignment between the battery and the pod/tank can interrupt power flow. Clean the contact points with a cotton bud.

If none of these work, the battery or internal circuitry may be damaged, requiring professional repair or a replacement.

Why Does My Vape Keep Powering Off?

If your vape randomly shuts down, the issue could be:

• Low Battery – Even a partially charged battery can fail to provide enough power. Charge fully before use.

• Faulty or Burnt Coil – A short circuit in the coil may trigger automatic shutdown. Try replacing the coil.

• Firmware or Chipset Issues – If your vape has upgradeable firmware, update it or perform a factory reset.

• Loose or Broken Buttons – A faulty power button might be causing intermittent shut-offs. If the button feels loose, it may need repair.

Why Is My Vape Not Charging?

If your vape won’t charge:

• Check the Charging Cable & Adapter – Try using a different charger, power outlet, or USB cable.

• Inspect the Charging Port – Dirt or damage in the port can prevent proper contact. Clean it with a cotton bud or compressed air.

• Loose Charging Port – If the port wobbles, it might be internally damaged and require professional repair.

• Battery Issues – If using a removable battery, ensure it’s inserted correctly or replace old, degraded batteries.

If none of these fixes work, the internal charging circuit may be defective.

2. Vape Producing No Vapor or Weak Hits

If your vape isn’t producing enough vapour or the hits feel weaker than usual, a few key factors could be at play, i.e., battery issues, coil problems, airflow blockages, or even the e-liquid you’re using. The right PG/VG ratio and nicotine strength impact both vapour production and throat hit. If your current e-liquid isn’t delivering the experience you want, check out our e-liquid collection for options suited to different vaping styles.

Why Is My Vape Not Producing Vapor?

A vape that isn’t producing vapour could be due to the following:

• Dead Battery – Charge your device fully.

• Faulty Coil – A burnt-out or improperly installed coil won’t heat up. Replace it and ensure proper installation.

• Connection Issues – Clean the contact points between the battery and tank/pod to remove any debris blocking the circuit.

• Blocked Airflow – If the airflow vents are clogged, vapour production will be minimal. Clean the vents or adjust the airflow settings.

Why Is My Vape Hitting But Producing No Smoke?

If you feel the hit but don’t see vapour:

• Low Wattage Settings – Check if the wattage is set too low. Increase it to match the coil’s recommended range.

• E-Liquid Level – If the tank is empty or the wick is dry, the coil won’t vaporise properly. Refill your tank and allow time for saturation.

• Over-Primed Coil – Too much e-liquid on the coil can cause oversaturation, reducing vapour. Fire the device without inhaling to burn off excess liquid.

How to Fix a Vape That Won’t Hit?

• Check Coil Installation – A misaligned coil won’t connect properly. Remove and reinstall it securely.

• Prime the Coil – If using a new coil, add a few drops of e-liquid to the wick and let it sit for a few minutes before vaping.

• Check Airflow and Draw-Activation Sensor – Blockages in the airflow path or sensor can prevent hits. Clean the mouthpiece and airflow holes.

Why Is My Vape Not Hitting Hard?

• Low Nicotine Strength or Weak E-Liquid – Switch to a stronger e-liquid if the throat hit is too mild.

• Incorrect PG/VG Ratio – Higher VG e-liquids produce smoother hits, while higher PG liquids give a stronger throat hit. Choose one that suits your preference.

• Wattage Too Low – Increase the wattage to the recommended range for your coil.

3. Leaking, Gurgling, and Bubbling Issues

Why Is My Vape Leaking?

Vape leakage often results from the following:

• Overfilling – Filling past the max line causes the excess liquid to escape through airflow vents.

• Loose or Worn-Out Coil – A damaged or improperly installed coil can cause leakage. Replace or tighten it.

• Wrong E-Liquid PG/VG Ratio – High-PG e-liquids are thinner and can flood sub-ohm coils. Use the right ratio for your device.

• Cracked Tank or Broken O-Rings – Inspect seals and replace them if necessary.

Why Is My Vape Gurgling or Bubbling?

Gurgling or bubbling sounds often indicate excess e-liquid in the coil. Causes include:

• Over-Priming or Overfilling – Remove excess e-liquid from the coil by flicking the device downward over a tissue.

• Improper Inhaling Technique – Taking hard puffs can draw too much liquid into the coil. Try slower, gentler inhales.

• Wrong E-Liquid Consistency – Use e-liquids with the correct VG/PG ratio for your coil.

4. Burnt Taste, Loss of Flavor, and Darkened E-Liquid

Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt?

A burnt taste usually comes from:

• Dry Hits – A dry coil will burn the wick. Ensure the coil is properly primed before use.

• Old or Burnt Coil – Coils degrade over time. Replace every 1-2 weeks, depending on usage.

• High Wattage Settings – Using wattage higher than the coil’s limit burns the wick. Adjust to the recommended range.

• Chain Vaping – Rapid puffs don’t give the wick time to absorb liquid, causing dry hits. Slow down between puffs.

Why Can’t I Taste the Flavor in My Vape?

If your vape has weak or no flavour:

• Vaper’s Tongue – Overexposure to one flavour can desensitise your taste buds. Switch flavours or take a break from vaping.

• Burnt or Dirty Coil – Replace the coil if it's clogged with residue.

• Incorrect Wattage Settings – If too low, the liquid won’t vaporise properly, dulling the flavour. Increase wattage slightly.

• Wrong E-Liquid PG/VG Ratio – Some coils work better with certain VG/PG mixes. Make sure your e-liquid is compatible with your device.

Why Is My Vape Juice Turning Dark in the Tank?

E-liquid can darken due to:

• Oxidation – Exposure to air causes nicotine to darken over time.

• Heat Exposure – High wattage speeds up the darkening process.

• Coil Degradation – An old coil releases residue into the liquid. Replace coils regularly.

5. Issues After Coil Change, Refill, or Charging

A fresh coil, a refilled tank, or a fully charged battery should improve your vaping experience and not cause new problems. But if your device stops working after any of these changes, the issue often lies in coil installation, saturation, or airflow. Using the right coil for your device and e-liquid is just as important as installing it correctly. If you're unsure which coil suits your setup, explore our coil guide to find the best match for optimal performance.

Why Is My Vape Not Working After a Coil Change?

• Improper Installation – Ensure the coil is firmly in place. Some require screwing in, while others snap-in.

• Connection Issues – Wipe down coil contacts and battery terminals with a cotton bud.

• Unprimed Coil – A new coil needs time to absorb e-liquid before use. Let it sit for a few minutes after installation.

Why Is My Vape Not Working After a Refill?

• Air Bubbles in the Coil – Tap the tank to release trapped air.

• Oversaturation – Fire the device without inhaling to burn off excess e-liquid.

• Leaking or Flooding – Make sure the coil and seals are installed correctly.

Why Is My New Disposable Vape Not Working?

Disposable vapes are designed for convenience, but they’re not immune to occasional hiccups. Whether it’s a brand-new device that won’t activate or one that suddenly stopped mid-use, common issues usually involve airflow, battery life, or sensor malfunctions. Before tossing it out, try these quick fixes. And if you're looking for a reliable option that won’t let you down, check out our disposable vape collection for top-performing choices.

• Airflow Blockage – Remove any stickers or caps that might be covering the airflow vents.

• Dead Battery – If the device is brand new and unresponsive, it could have a faulty battery. A replacement is the best solution.

• Faulty Draw-Activation Sensor – Cover the airflow holes slightly while inhaling to help trigger the sensor.

• E-Liquid Depletion – If the vape was working but suddenly stopped, it might be out of e-liquid.