For a vaper, few issues may be as irritating as a damaged vape – particularly while you don’t have a spare and might’t get to the retailers!
As each a long-term vaper and somebody who has labored within the trade for 16 years, I’ve encountered my fair proportion of those issues, each personally and with different vapers.
Luckily, whereas not each machine may be repaired, many frequent points may be fastened in minutes – so long as you know the way.
So I’ve put this information collectively that can assist you troubleshoot any vape machine issues you have got. To make use of this submit, first verify the fast fixes. When you want extra options or a extra in-depth information, scan by way of the record of frequent issues beneath and click on on the related one.
Troubleshooting frequent vape issues and options
Fast fixes
1. Vape received’t activate?
- Do this: Be sure it is charged. Press the facility button rapidly 3 – 5 occasions to show it on.
- Different choices: Examine for a lock button on the machine or attempt a special charging cable.
2. Leaking pod or tank?
- Do this: Keep away from overfilling the pod/tank. Examine the coil and substitute if it is previous or burned out.
- Different choices: If utilizing a tank, verify o-rings for harm and make sure the tank is screwed into the machine appropriately.
3. Not producing vapour?
- Do this: Be sure the airflow holes are open. Examine if the mouthpiece is blocked – whether it is, clear it.
4. Getting a burnt style?
- Do this: Let vape juice soak into the coil for five minutes earlier than utilizing.
- Different choices: Exchange the coil if it has been used for a very long time, or verify if the tank is working low on juice.
5. Weak nicotine hit?
- Do this: Improve the facility output in your machine (if adjustable). Cost the battery to full.
- Different choices: Change to a better nicotine power e-liquid or substitute the coil.
6. Vape spitting again?
- Do this: Change the coil, or blow into the mouthpiece a couple of occasions.
- Different choices: Use a tool designed to forestall spitback, just like the Vaporesso Luxe XR.
i. You haven’t turned it on appropriately
Vapes activate in several methods. Some are inhale activated, however others must be turned on through an influence button. The most typical method to activate a vape is to press the button 5 occasions in fast succession.
Some units may want a special variety of clicks. Strive a couple of combos or verify the guide (you may typically discover it on the producer’s web site if you happen to’ve misplaced yours).
ii. You will have locked the machine
Some vape units have a locking system. These are helpful as a result of they stop unintentional firing in your pocket. Nevertheless, if you happen to flip this on by chance, you may discover you may’t hearth up the machine.
Vape units may be locked in many various methods, however I’ve discovered probably the most problematic ones are these with a lock button on the aspect of the machine, because it’s straightforward to change the lock when placing it in your pocket. I’ve typically realised it was locked solely after frantically making an attempt to take a puff for a number of minutes!
Luckily, this concern shouldn’t be onerous to repair. When you’ve got an interactive machine, chances are you’ll want to enter the menu. Alternatively, attempt clicking the button (if it has one) two or 4 occasions. If that fails, look on the aspect and base of the machine to see if there’s a button designed for locking (this seems on some Innokin units). If all that fails, verify the guide.
iii. Your vape is low on energy
When you’ve got a chargeable machine, attempt giving it a cost.
iv. There’s an issue with the connection
The issue could be with the connection between the battery and the pod or tank.
For security, energy down the battery if attainable. Be sure each the battery terminal and the tip of the pod/tank are clear. Utilizing a cotton bud is often ample, though you will discover extra detailed steps in our vape tank and battery guides.
If these steps don’t work, take a look at the battery troubleshooting part on our Information to Vape Batteries.
Whereas pods and tanks have come on leaps and bounds over time, and leaking is way much less of an issue than it was once, we’ve but to return throughout a refillable machine that’s 100% leakproof. Nonetheless, following the following pointers can get rid of the issue normally:
i. Change the coil/pod
In case your coil is coming to the tip of its life, it could be struggling to vapourise the e-liquid, which might trigger flooding. To resolve this, change the pod (if it’s a fixed-coil pod) or change the coil (if utilizing a pod or tank that makes use of replaceable coils).
ii. Regulate the wattage
When you’ve got an adjustable wattage machine, it’s vital to make use of the right wattage on your coil or pod. If the wattage is just too low, the coil received’t get sizzling sufficient to vapourise the e-liquid. Growing the wattage can get rid of this drawback going ahead. The really useful wattage is often printed on the coil or listed within the guide.
iii. Keep away from overfilling
Many pods and tanks are usually not designed to be crammed to the highest. Luckily, some include a fill line etched on the surface. If that’s the case, make sure you don’t fill above that line. When you don’t have a fill line, merely go away somewhat little bit of area on the prime.
iv. If utilizing a tank, guarantee it’s screwed in appropriately
One of the simplest ways to suit your tank is to present it a half flip anti-clockwise till you hear a click on, then screw it on clockwise till it’s firmly hooked up. This avoids mis-threading the tank. (Pods are typically simpler, as you merely click on them into place.)
v. Examine the o-rings
Some tanks use o-rings to forestall leakage. When you’ve got a leaking tank, it’s price checking to see if the o-ring has moved or is damaged. Some tanks include alternative o-rings simply in case this occurs.
vi. Change the machine
If the issue is repeating itself, chances are you’ll merely want to vary the machine you might be utilizing.
Some manufacturers boast about their leakproof know-how, however whereas they do not all the time spotlight the actual fact, we discover that Vaporesso is without doubt one of the finest manufacturers for minimising leak points. Some nice choices embrace the Vaporesso iTank and the Xros Mini 4.
vii. Change to a closed pod system
Typically, we advocate utilizing refillable pods or tanks as these are each extra economical and create much less waste. When you attain the tip of your tether, attempt a closed (or prefilled) pod system, as we discover these have far fewer leaking issues.
For extra troubleshooting ideas, see 13 Ideas For Fixing a Leaking Tank.
i. You will have a blocked mouthpiece
Mouthpieces can get clogged up with mud and dust, particularly if you happen to commonly vape outside. This may be cleared just by eradicating the mouthpiece and blowing by way of it to take away the mud and dust.
From a vape hygiene standpoint, although, it’s a good suggestion to scrub the mouthpiece frequently.You need to use a cotton bud for this, but when I’m in a rush I simply take some tissue paper, roll it up right into a line after which move that by way of.
One remaining level from private expertise – put your vape apart when gardening. I’ve clogged up many units after being within the backyard for some time, and it’s wonderful how simply dust can discover its approach into your mouthpiece!
ii. Your airflow holes are closed
If the airflow holes are closed off utterly, chances are you’ll not get any vapour. Examine the airflow controls, and open them up if wanted.
iii. Your VG:PG ratio is improper
Once more, the VG:PG ratio of your e-liquid is probably not fairly best for you! Utilizing an e-liquid with extra VG might improve vapour manufacturing. Do not forget that if utilizing a better VG e-liquid, you might also want to extend wattage and open up the airflow.
iv. Your machine is outputting much less energy
Many trendy units, particularly these with fastened or auto wattage, scale back energy because the battery stage drops. When you’re utilizing a type of units, it’s price charging the battery extra ceaselessly, because the diminished cost can impression the quantity of vapour you get.
When you can set completely different modes on your machine, verify your vape shouldn’t be set to ECO Mode, as this could additionally scale back the quantity of vapour produced.
v. Your machine shouldn’t be highly effective sufficient
The extra highly effective the battery you might be utilizing, the extra vapour you’re going to get from it. So, in case you are utilizing max wattage and never getting sufficient vapour on your wants, it could be time to improve your machine.
(Be aware that we’ve got put this tip final, as a result of it’s positively price eliminating different potentialities earlier than forking out for a brand new package. What’s extra, you’ll in all probability solely want a brand new machine if you’d like extra vapour than a daily vape pen or pod package can provide.)
In case you are on the lookout for a tool with extra energy, take note of its wattage output. On extra superior units you’ll be capable to set the wattage with a display, whereas some easier pod methods typically offer you a alternative of two or three choices (equivalent to low, medium and excessive).
Be taught extra: The best way to get Large Clouds of Vapour
Typically when you’re utilizing a vape with a display (usually a mod machine) you’ll get a message saying “No Atomizer” or “Examine Atomizer”. (Atomizer right here refers back to the coil.)
I discover the primary message significantly annoying as, often, you do have a coil hooked up, making the message appear nonsensical. Nevertheless, what the ‘No Atomizer’ message really means is “No coil detected”.
To resolve this, attempt:
i. Checking the connection between your pod/tank and your vape machine. If they are not touching, the machine cannot detect the coil. Merely reconnecting them can typically repair the problem.
ii. Cleansing the coil and the reference to a cotton bud.
iii. Changing the coil or pod.
This can typically resolve the issue, not less than quickly. Nevertheless, typically the issue recurs and often means it’s time to get a brand new machine.
For extra particulars and extra options, see Getting a “No Atomizer” Message on Your Mod? Right here’s The best way to Repair It.
First, earlier than we get began on this part, it’s price noting a low nicotine hit shouldn’t be all the time a device-related concern.
I’ve discovered that two of the most typical causes are utilizing too little nicotine (see The best way to Select the Proper Nicotine Energy) and getting the inhale improper (see The best way to Inhale Your Vape).
When you don’t assume these apply to you, learn on for our machine fixes.
i. Your vape battery is low on energy
Your battery might merely simply be working out of energy. (As famous beforehand, this could result in a decrease energy output with some units.) Strive charging up your battery to full and see if it makes a distinction.
When you can differ the facility output in your machine, flip it up. Don’t overdo it, although, as an excessive amount of energy can burn the coil.
ii. Your coil is on the finish of its life
Coils deteriorate over time. If the nicotine hit feels weaker, your coil could be nearing the tip of its life and wish changing.
(Be aware that in case you are utilizing a pod, it would have both a hard and fast or a replaceable coil. Whether it is fastened, you’ll want to vary the entire pod.)
One other factor to verify is the resistance of the coil you might be utilizing. Low-resistance coils want extra energy than high-resistance coils. In case you are utilizing a variable wattage machine, attempt rising the facility stage. Once more, improve it gently, as an excessive amount of energy can burn the coil out.
When you don’t have a variable wattage machine, attempt switching to a higher-resistance coil, or a pod which makes use of a better resistance.
iii. Your battery doesn’t output sufficient energy
The kind of machine you might be utilizing could make a giant distinction to the nicotine hit you get. For instance, in case you are utilizing an old-style clearomiser with an EGO battery, you may anticipate each much less nicotine and fewer flavour than you’ll get with a contemporary tank or pod system.
When you’re utilizing a primary tank/pod system, a superb step up is a Vaporesso Xros machine. These widespread all-in-one units present a superb nicotine and throat hit, and are widespread with each our prospects and workers.
In order for you one thing with a bit extra oomph, you may wish to check out the Smok Nord 2. This produces as much as 40 watts of energy and the 0.8ohm coil possibility is right for high-strength e-liquids.
On the different finish of the dimensions (albeit appropriate for extra skilled customers!), the Voopoo Drag 5 offers 120 watts of energy and presents an outstanding vape. This machine is extra suited to excessive VG e-liquid (equivalent to these with a VG:PG ratio of 70:30) and can present sufficient vapour that you’ll nearly actually must lower your nicotine power.
Be taught extra: The best way to Vape – Inhaling
For extra info see our Information to Vape Batteries.
iv. Your tank/pod could also be flooded
You’ll discover particulars on find out how to take care of flooding additional down this submit, as this is a matter in its personal proper!
v. Sort of vape juice
Most vapers who want a powerful nicotine hit use common 10ml e-liquids. Another is nicotine salts, and plenty of customers discover these give a stronger, faster nicotine hit than common ‘freebase’ e-liquids.
Be taught extra about nicotine salts.
Not all points are in regards to the machine, and I discover that poor throat hit points are typically extra about e-liquid than the machine. So on this part, you’ll discover options that relate to each e-liquid and units.
i. You’re utilizing the improper VG:PG ratio
All vape juices preserve a stability between throat hit and vapour manufacturing. The precise throat hit/vapour manufacturing depends upon the ratio of vegetable glycerine (VG) to propylene glycol (PG).
That is often displayed on the label as a ratio. An instance is VG:PG 50:50, which stands for 50% vegetable glycerine and 50% propylene glycol.
Extra propylene glycol (PG) results in a larger throat hit, whereas extra vegetable glycerine (VG) results in larger vapour manufacturing.
If the throat hit is just too weak, chances are you’ll want a higher-PG vape juice, equivalent to Halo Originals. Whether it is too robust, chances are you’ll want one with extra VG equivalent to Vampire Vape Bar Salts Shortfills.
That stated, I discover {that a} VG:PG ratio of fifty:50 is about proper for the overwhelming majority of vapers (and can also be my go-to alternative).
Be taught extra about VG v. PG.
ii. You’re utilizing the improper nicotine sort
Throat hit can also be affected by nicotine sort.
Nicotine salt (the kind of e-liquid utilized in disposable vapes) is easy. The unique sort of nicotine utilized in e-liquid (known as freebase) has a stronger throat hit.
When you want the catch on the again of your throat, select a freebase e-liquid (additionally typically known as ‘common’ eliquids). Or you are able to do what I do, and swap between the 2 relying on what you fancy!
iii. Utilizing low-nicotine e-liquid
A 3rd issue that impacts throat hit is nicotine power. Fairly merely, the extra nicotine, the stronger the throat. (Actually, the very motive nicotine salts had been invented was to cut back the throat hit at larger nicotine ranges.)
Sadly, in case you are working down by way of nicotine ranges to attempt to stop nicotine completely, this could be one thing you simply must put up with.
iv. Utilizing the improper machine
Some units produce a stronger throat hit than others.
Tank and pod methods typically produce extra throat hit than cigalikes (units that intently resemble conventional tobacco cigarettes) and disposable vapes.
On the different finish of the dimensions, some trendy tanks have huge airflow. When you’ve got these set to vast open, chances are you’ll discover the vape too ethereal to offer an honest throat hit.
If a powerful throat hit is vital to you, it’s onerous to do higher than the Aspire PockeX.
v. Flooded tank
Alternatively, your tank could also be flooded – see our part additional down this submit for ideas and recommendation on what to do.
Be taught extra: The Vaper’s Information to Throat hit.
It’s my least favorite expertise in vaping – while you take a deep inhale anticipating your favorite flavour and as a substitute get the style of burnt cotton. Like lots of the issues we’ve skilled, know-how has diminished how typically this occurs, and if you happen to comply with the information right here, it is best to be capable to get rid of it completely.
i. You’re utilizing the pod/tank straight after filling
Have you ever let your vape juice soak in? Most tanks and pods must be left for 5 minutes or so after filling to permit the juice to soak into the coil. When you haven’t completed this, you’ll in all probability get a horrible burnt style!
It’s additionally a good suggestion (and important with low-resistance coils) to prime the coil first.
To do that, merely drip a couple of drops of vape juice straight onto the coil and into any ports within the coil.
When you’ve got a extra superior coil, take a look at the video beneath for extra priming ideas:
ii. You’ve used the identical coil/pod for too lengthy
Coils (that’s the half that heats the vape juice) don’t final without end. Most trendy vape tanks include alternative coils, and you’ll often want to vary the coil each few days or even weeks relying on its resistance and the way typically you vape. When you use a tank, pod or cartridge with a hard and fast coil, you have to to interchange the entire thing.
Tip: The longer you maintain down the button, the faster the coil will burn out. It’s finest to present your machine a couple of seconds break between every puff.
iii. Inadequate vape juice
Coils often have little holes which soak within the vape juice from the tank. At all times guarantee there’s sufficient liquid within the tank to cowl these holes and stop the coil from drying out.
(This is without doubt one of the causes we choose clear tanks or pods – as you may all the time see how a lot e-liquid is left in them!)
Be taught extra: 7 Simple Methods to Cease Your Coil From Burning.
If the style of a brand new e-liquid is poor, the very first thing to verify is the kind of e-liquid you might be utilizing. Till a couple of years in the past, e-liquid flavours had been extra refined. When disposable vapes entered the market from China a couple of years in the past, these flavours turned a lot sweeter and extra concentrated.
When you’re used to those tastes (or have a candy tooth), it is best to attempt ‘bar salts’ or ‘double focus’ e-liquid, as these replicate these robust, candy flavours.
i. Blow on the tank or pod
Strive gently blowing again by way of the tank or pod (don’t blow too onerous or you’re going to get vape juice into the centre tube, resulting in flooding points). This will work surprisingly effectively at releasing flavour.
ii. Change your pod or coil
You will have observed I’ve already talked about altering the coil earlier than. That’s just because coils are consumables, and their efficiency deteriorates over time. If the coil is on the finish of its life, there’s an opportunity it would cease producing any flavour. Merely change the coil or pod and it is best to resolve the problem.
Different issues you may attempt are:
- Utilizing a extra restricted airflow
- Growing the wattage
- Guarantee you might be priming your coil
- Cleansing your coil
If utilizing a tank you may as well attempt:
- Guaranteeing the drip tip is clear
- Utilizing a slim bore drip-tip
It’s additionally price experimenting with completely different units. For one of the best flavour, we advocate making an attempt the Vaporesso Xros 4 or Uwell Caliburn G3 Professional.
Additionally see: Vaper’s Tongue: What’s it, What Causes it, and How To Remedy It
When you get a gurgling noise when utilizing your vape machine, you in all probability have a flooded tank or pod. Attainable causes embrace:
- Shaking the pod/tank an excessive amount of or too vigorously
- Inhaling too onerous
- Overfilling the tank or pod
- Cross-threading the tank (all the time give a half flip anti-clockwise first to make sure appropriate threading)
- Screwing the tank onto the battery too loosely or too tightly
- Urgent the button too lengthy earlier than you inhale
- Incorrectly filling the tank (e.g. by chance filling the centre tube that runs by way of the tank).
Options to attempt embrace:
- Eradicating the drip tip and blowing by way of it
- Cleansing or altering the coil
- Eradicating the tip and working some rolled-up tissue paper by way of it
- Draining the e-liquid and cleansing the pod/tank with some tissue paper
- Cleansing the tank by working it beneath sizzling however not boiling water. When you do that, make sure the coil and tank are utterly dry earlier than utilizing once more.
For extra tank issues and options, see Widespread Vape Tanks Errors or our Information to Vape Tanks.
i. You’re utilizing the improper vape charger
We now have discovered that many issues are brought on through the use of the improper charger or plug. When you’re having issues, attempt utilizing a Veho plug and AnyVape USB charging cable. Keep away from charging vape units with cellphone or laptop computer chargers.
ii. The terminals aren’t clear
Be sure that the charger and battery terminals are clear – if not, clear them with a cotton bud.
iii. The terminals aren’t touching
Typically it’s attainable for the charging terminals to be pushed in and never making correct contact.
(The terminals are the shiny steel bits on the backside of the tank/pod and on the finish of the battery machine. They should contact to ensure that the machine to work.)
Whereas this isn’t too troublesome to repair, for each security and guarantee causes, it’s finest to contact the vendor about this quite than making an attempt to repair it your self.
Do notice this tends to occur extra with tanks and mod units quite than with trendy pod units.
iv. There’s a difficulty with the USB charger you might be utilizing
Earlier than reporting a difficulty to your vape vendor, it’s price doing a little checking to isolate the issue. Charging with a special USB charger will establish whether or not the issue is with the battery or the USB charger. It’s additionally quite a bit cheaper to interchange the USB charger than the entire machine!
Spitback is when your tank spits again somewhat little bit of sizzling vape juice. When you get somewhat pop while you first hearth up your vape, you’ll know what we’re speaking about. You received’t discover it occurring a lot with trendy disposables or entry-level pod methods, however if you happen to’re utilizing a mod or tank machine, it’d nonetheless happen.
The issue is often attributable to the coil being flooded, so lots of the steps listed above might assist right here. The 2 prime issues to attempt are blowing into the mouthpiece a couple of occasions and altering the coil.
When you proceed to have issues with spitback, you may wish to think about switching to a tool designed to get rid of it. The Vaporesso Luxe XR makes use of leak prevention know-how which might scale back condensation and spitback.
Alternatively, if you happen to don’t wish to change your machine but, merely level your vape away from you while you press the fireplace button.
Additionally see: Cease Spitback When Vaping With One Easy Step
Stealth mode hides your display when you’re vaping, so it’s price checking to see in case you have by chance put the machine into stealth mode. Controls for this differ relying on mod, however in case you have misplaced your directions you may:
i. attempt urgent the fireplace button thrice to enter the menu
ii. press the up and down buttons collectively.
If that fails, the producer will often have the guide on their web site.
Be taught extra: 10 ideas for flavour-chasing vapers
I’ve tried onerous to cowl all the issues you’re more likely to come throughout. Nevertheless, in case you have an issue we haven’t coated right here, please do get in touch with us and we’ll add it to the record right here.
Till then, I want you one of the best of luck in fixing your vape – and a trouble-free vaping expertise after that!
