Vape Not Working? Quick Fixes to Get You Vaping Again

For a vaper, few things can be as frustrating as a broken vape - especially when you don’t have a spare and can’t get to the shops!

As both a long-term vaper and someone who has worked in the industry for 16 years, I’ve encountered my fair share of these problems, both personally and with other vapers.

Fortunately, while not every device can be repaired, many common issues can be fixed in minutes - as long as you know how.

So I’ve put this guide together to help you troubleshoot any vape device problems you have. To use this post, first check the quick fixes. If you need more suggestions or a more in-depth guide, scan through the list of common problems below and click on the relevant one.

Quick fixes

1. Vape won’t turn on?
·Try this: Make sure it's charged. Press the power button quickly 3 – 5 times to turn it on.
·Other options: Check for a lock button on the device or try a different charging cable.

2. Leaking pod or tank?
·Try this: Avoid overfilling the pod/tank. Check the coil and replace if it's old or burned out.
·Other options: If using a tank, check o-rings for damage and ensure the tank is screwed into the device correctly.

3. Not producing vapour?
·Try this: Make sure the airflow holes are open. Check if the mouthpiece is blocked - if it is, clean it.

4. Getting a burnt taste?
·Try this: Let vape juice soak into the coil for 5 minutes before using.
·Other options: Replace the coil if it's been used for a long time, or check if the tank is running low on juice.

5. Weak nicotine hit?
·Try this: Increase the power output on your device (if adjustable). Charge the battery to full.
·Other options: Switch to a higher nicotine strength e-liquid or replace the coil.

6. Vape spitting back?
·Try this: Change the coil, or blow into the mouthpiece a few times.
·Other options: Use a device designed to prevent spitback, like the Vaporesso Luxe XR.

1. Why won’t my vape turn on?

i. You haven’t turned it on correctly
Vapes activate in different ways. Some are inhale activated, but others need to be turned on via a power button. The most common way to turn on a vape is to press the button 5 times in quick succession.

Some devices might need a different number of clicks. Try a few combinations or check the manual (you can often find it on the manufacturer's website if you've lost yours).

ii. You have locked the device
Some vape devices have a locking system. These are handy because they prevent accidental firing in your pocket. However, if you turn this on by accident, you might find you can’t fire up the device.

Vape devices can be locked in many different ways, but I’ve found the most problematic ones are those with a lock button on the side of the device, as it’s easy to switch the lock when putting it in your pocket. I’ve sometimes realised it was locked only after frantically trying to take a puff for several minutes!

Fortunately, this issue is not hard to fix. If you have an interactive device, you may need to go into the menu. Alternatively, try clicking the button (if it has one) two or four times. If that fails, look on the side and base of the device to see if there is a button designed for locking (this appears on some Innokin devices). If all that fails, check the manual.

iii. Your vape is low on power
If you have a rechargeable device, try giving it a charge.

iv. There’s a problem with the connection
The problem might be with the connection between the battery and the pod or tank.

For safety, power down the battery if possible. Make sure both the battery terminal and the end of the pod/tank are clean. Using a cotton bud is usually sufficient, although you will find more detailed steps in our vape tank and battery guides.

If these steps don’t work, check out the battery troubleshooting section on our Guide to Vape Batteries.

2. Why is my vape leaking?
While pods and tanks have come on leaps and bounds over the years, and leaking is far less of a problem than it used to be, we’ve yet to come across a refillable device that is 100% leakproof. Still, following these tips can eliminate the problem in most cases:

i. Change the coil/pod
If your coil is coming to the end of its life, it may be struggling to vapourise the e-liquid, which can cause flooding. To solve this, change the pod (if it is a fixed-coil pod) or change the coil (if using a pod or tank that uses replaceable coils).

ii. Adjust the wattage
If you have an adjustable wattage device, it’s important to use the correct wattage for your coil or pod. If the wattage is too low, the coil won’t get hot enough to vapourise the e-liquid. Increasing the wattage can eliminate this problem going forward. The recommended wattage is usually printed on the coil or listed in the manual.

iii. Avoid overfilling
Many pods and tanks are not designed to be filled to the top. Fortunately, some come with a fill line etched on the outside. If that’s the case, ensure you don’t fill above that line. If you don’t have a fill line, simply leave a little bit of space at the top.

iv. If using a tank, ensure it is screwed in correctly
The best way to fit your tank is to give it a half turn anti-clockwise until you hear a click, then screw it on clockwise until it is firmly attached. This avoids mis-threading the tank. (Pods are generally easier, as you simply click them into place.)

v. Check the o-rings
Some tanks use o-rings to prevent leakage. If you have a leaking tank, it’s worth checking to see if the o-ring has moved or is broken. Some tanks come with replacement o-rings just in case this happens.

vi. Change the device
If the problem is repeating itself, you may simply need to change the device you are using.

Some brands boast about their leakproof technology, but while they don't always highlight the fact, we find that Vaporesso is one of the best brands for minimising leak issues. Some great options include the Vaporesso iTank and the Xros Mini 4.

vii. Switch to a closed pod system
Generally, we recommend using refillable pods or tanks as these are both more economical and create less waste. If you reach the end of your tether, try a closed (or prefilled) pod system, as we find these have far fewer leaking problems.

3. Why is my vape not drawing/not producing vapour?

i. You have a blocked mouthpiece
Mouthpieces can get clogged up with dust and dirt, especially if you regularly vape outdoors. This can be cleared simply by removing the mouthpiece and blowing through it to remove the dust and dirt.

From a vape hygiene point of view, though, it is a good idea to clean the mouthpiece on a regular basis.You can use a cotton bud for this, but if I’m in a hurry I just take some tissue paper, roll it up into a line and then pass that through.

One final point from personal experience - put your vape aside when gardening. I’ve clogged up many devices after being in the garden for a while, and it’s amazing how easily dirt can find its way into your mouthpiece!

ii. Your airflow holes are closed
If the airflow holes are closed off completely, you may not get any vapour. Check the airflow controls, and open them up if needed.

iii. Your VG:PG ratio is wrong
Again, the VG:PG ratio of your e-liquid may not be quite right for you! Using an e-liquid with more VG may increase vapour production. Remember that if using a higher VG e-liquid, you may also need to increase wattage and open up the airflow.

iv. Your device is outputting less power
Many modern devices, especially those with fixed or auto wattage, reduce power as the battery level drops. If you’re using one of those devices, it’s worth charging the battery more frequently, as the reduced charge can impact the amount of vapour you get.

If you can set different modes for your device, check your vape is not set to ECO Mode, as this can also reduce the amount of vapour produced.

v. Your device is not powerful enough
The more powerful the battery you are using, the more vapour you’re going to get from it. So, if you are using max wattage and not getting enough vapour for your needs, it might be time to upgrade your device.

(Note that we have put this tip last, because it’s definitely worth eliminating other possibilities before forking out for a new kit. What’s more, you’ll probably only need a new device if you want more vapour than a regular vape pen or pod kit can offer.)

If you are looking for a device with more power, pay attention to its wattage output. On more advanced devices you’ll be able to set the wattage with a screen, while some simpler pod systems sometimes give you a choice of two or three options (such as low, medium and high).

4. Why am I getting a No Coil/Check Atomiser message?
Sometimes when you are using a vape with a screen (typically a mod device) you’ll get a message saying “No Atomizer” or “Check Atomizer”. (Atomizer here refers to the coil.)

I find the first message particularly annoying as, usually, you do have a coil attached, making the message seem nonsensical. However, what the ‘No Atomizer’ message actually means is “No coil detected”.

To resolve this, try:

i. Checking the connection between your pod/tank and your vape device. If they're not touching, the device can't detect the coil. Simply reconnecting them can sometimes fix the issue.

ii. Cleaning the coil and the connection with a cotton bud.

iii. Replacing the coil or pod.

This will often solve the problem, at least temporarily. However, sometimes the problem recurs and usually means it’s time to get a new device.

5. Why am I not getting a nicotine hit?
First, before we get started in this section, it’s worth noting a low nicotine hit is not always a device-related issue.

I’ve found that two of the most common causes are using too little nicotine (see How to Choose the Right Nicotine Strength) and getting the inhale wrong (see How to Inhale Your Vape).

If you don’t think these apply to you, read on for our device fixes.

i. Your vape battery is low on power
Your battery may simply just be running out of power. (As noted previously, this can lead to a lower power output with some devices.) Try charging up your battery to full and see if it makes a difference.

If you can vary the power output on your device, turn it up. Don’t overdo it, though, as too much power can burn the coil.

ii. Your coil is at the end of its life
Coils deteriorate over time. If the nicotine hit feels weaker, your coil might be nearing the end of its life and need replacing.

(Note that if you are using a pod, it will have either a fixed or a replaceable coil. If it is fixed, you’ll need to change the whole pod.)

Another thing to check is the resistance of the coil you are using. Low-resistance coils need more power than high-resistance coils. If you are using a variable wattage device, try increasing the power level. Again, increase it gently, as too much power can burn the coil out.

If you don’t have a variable wattage device, try switching to a higher-resistance coil, or a pod which uses a higher resistance.

iii. Your battery doesn’t output enough power
The type of device you are using can make a big difference to the nicotine hit you get. For example, if you are using an old-style clearomiser with an EGO battery, you can expect both less nicotine and less flavour than you would get with a modern tank or pod system.

If you’re using a basic tank/pod system, a good step up is a Vaporesso Xros device. These popular all-in-one devices provide a good nicotine and throat hit, and are popular with both our customers and staff.

If you want something with a bit more oomph, you might want to try out the Smok Nord 2. This produces up to 40 watts of power and the 0.8ohm coil option is ideal for high-strength e-liquids.

At the other end of the scale (albeit suitable for more experienced users!), the Voopoo Drag 5 provides 120 watts of power and offers a superb vape. This device is more suited to high VG e-liquid (such as those with a VG:PG ratio of 70:30) and will provide enough vapour that you will almost certainly need to decrease your nicotine strength.

iv. Your tank/pod may be flooded
You’ll find details on how to deal with flooding further down this post, as this is an issue in its own right!

v. Type of vape juice
Most vapers who need a strong nicotine hit use regular 10ml e-liquids. An alternative is nicotine salts, and many users find these give a stronger, quicker nicotine hit than regular ‘freebase’ e-liquids.

6. Why am I not getting a throat hit?
Not all issues are about the device, and I find that poor throat hit issues tend to be more about e-liquid than the device. So in this section, you’ll find solutions that relate to both e-liquid and devices.

i. You’re using the wrong VG:PG ratio
All vape juices maintain a balance between throat hit and vapour production. The exact throat hit/vapour production depends on the ratio of vegetable glycerine (VG) to propylene glycol (PG).

This is usually displayed on the label as a ratio. An example is VG:PG 50:50, which stands for 50% vegetable glycerine and 50% propylene glycol.
More propylene glycol (PG) leads to a greater throat hit, while more vegetable glycerine (VG) leads to greater vapour production.

If the throat hit is too weak, you may need a higher-PG vape juice, such as Halo Originals. If it is too strong, you may need one with more VG such as Vampire Vape Bar Salts Shortfills.

That said, I find that a VG:PG ratio of 50:50 is about right for the vast majority of vapers (and is also my go-to choice).

ii. You’re using the wrong nicotine type
Throat hit is also affected by nicotine type.

Nicotine salt (the type of e-liquid used in disposable vapes) is smooth. The original type of nicotine used in e-liquid (called freebase) has a stronger throat hit.

If you need the catch on the back of your throat, choose a freebase e-liquid (also sometimes called ‘regular’ eliquids). Or you can do what I do, and switch between the two depending on what you fancy!

iii. Using low-nicotine e-liquid
A third factor that impacts throat hit is nicotine strength. Quite simply, the more nicotine, the stronger the throat. (In fact, the very reason nicotine salts were invented was to reduce the throat hit at higher nicotine levels.)

Unfortunately, if you are working down through nicotine levels to try and quit nicotine entirely, this might be something you just have to put up with.

iv. Using the wrong device
Some devices produce a stronger throat hit than others.

Tank and pod systems generally produce more throat hit than cigalikes (devices that closely resemble traditional tobacco cigarettes) and disposable vapes.

At the other end of the scale, some modern tanks have massive airflow. If you have these set to wide open, you may find the vape too airy to provide a decent throat hit.

If a strong throat hit is important to you, it’s hard to do better than the Aspire PockeX.

v. Flooded tank
Alternatively, your tank may be flooded - see our section further down this post for tips and advice on what to do.

7. Why does my vape taste burnt?
It’s my least favourite experience in vaping - when you take a deep inhale expecting your favourite flavour and instead get the taste of burnt cotton. Like many of the problems we’ve experienced, technology has reduced how often this happens, and if you follow the tips here, you should be able to eliminate it entirely.

i. You’re using the pod/tank straight after filling
Have you let your vape juice soak in? Most tanks and pods should be left for five minutes or so after filling to allow the juice to soak into the coil. If you haven’t done this, you will probably get a horrible burnt taste!

It’s also a good idea (and essential with low-resistance coils) to prime the coil first.

To do this, simply drip a few drops of vape juice directly onto the coil and into any ports in the coil.

ii. You’ve used the same coil/pod for too long
Coils (that’s the part that heats the vape juice) don’t last forever. Most modern vape tanks come with replacement coils, and you will usually need to change the coil every few days or weeks depending on its resistance and how often you vape. If you use a tank, pod or cartridge with a fixed coil, you will need to replace the whole thing.

Tip: The longer you hold down the button, the quicker the coil will burn out. It’s best to give your device a few seconds break between each puff.

iii. Insufficient vape juice
Coils usually have little holes which soak in the vape juice from the tank. Always ensure there is enough liquid in the tank to cover these holes and prevent the coil from drying out.

(This is one of the reasons we prefer clear tanks or pods - as you can always see how much e-liquid is left in them!)

8. I’m not getting enough flavour/I can’t taste anything!
If the taste of a new e-liquid is poor, the first thing to check is the type of e-liquid you are using. Until a few years ago, e-liquid flavours were more subtle. When disposable vapes entered the market from China a few years ago, these flavours became much sweeter and more concentrated.

If you’re used to these tastes (or have a sweet tooth), you should try ‘bar salts’ or ‘double concentrate’ e-liquid, as these replicate those strong, sweet flavours.

i. Blow on the tank or pod
Try gently blowing back through the tank or pod (don’t blow too hard or you will get vape juice into the centre tube, leading to flooding issues). This can work surprisingly well at releasing flavour.

ii. Change your pod or coil
You may have noticed I’ve already mentioned changing the coil before. That’s simply because coils are consumables, and their performance deteriorates over time. If the coil is at the end of its life, there’s a chance it will stop producing any flavour. Simply change the coil or pod and you should resolve the issue.

Other things you can try are:

·Using a more restricted airflow
·Increasing the wattage
·Ensure you are priming your coil
·Cleaning your coil

If using a tank you can also try:

·Ensuring the drip tip is clean
·Using a narrow bore drip-tip

It’s also worth experimenting with different devices. For the best flavour, we recommend trying the Vaporesso Xros 4 or Uwell Caliburn G3 Pro.

9. Why do I get a gurgling noise when I vape?
If you get a gurgling noise when using your vape device, you probably have a flooded tank or pod. Possible causes include:

·Shaking the pod/tank too much or too vigorously
·Inhaling too hard
·Overfilling the tank or pod
·Cross-threading the tank (always give a half turn anti-clockwise first to ensure correct threading)
·Screwing the tank onto the battery too loosely or too tightly
·Pressing the button too long before you inhale
·Incorrectly filling the tank (e.g. accidentally filling the centre tube that runs through the tank).

Solutions to try include:

·Removing the drip tip and blowing through it
·Cleaning or changing the coil
·Removing the tip and running some rolled-up tissue paper through it
·Draining the e-liquid and cleaning the pod/tank with some tissue paper
·Cleaning the tank by running it under hot but not boiling water. If you do this, ensure the coil and tank are completely dry before using again.

10. Why isn’t my vape charger working?

i. You’re using the wrong vape charger
We have found that many problems are caused by using the wrong charger or plug. If you’re having problems, try using a Veho plug and AnyVape USB charging cable. Avoid charging vape devices with phone or laptop chargers.

ii. The terminals aren’t clean
Ensure that the charger and battery terminals are clean – if not, clean them with a cotton bud.

iii. The terminals aren’t touching
Sometimes it’s possible for the charging terminals to be pushed in and not making proper contact.

(The terminals are the shiny metal bits at the bottom of the tank/pod and at the end of the battery device. They need to touch in order for the device to work.)

While this isn’t too difficult to fix, for both safety and warranty reasons, it’s best to contact the seller about this rather than trying to fix it yourself.

Do note this tends to happen more with tanks and mod devices rather than with modern pod devices.

iv. There’s an issue with the USB charger you are using
Before reporting an issue to your vape vendor, it’s worth doing some checking to isolate the problem. Charging with a different USB charger will identify whether the problem is with the battery or the USB charger. It’s also a lot cheaper to replace the USB charger than the whole device!

11. Why is my vape spitting when I press the fire button?
Spitback is when your tank spits back a little bit of hot vape juice. If you get a little pop when you first fire up your vape, you’ll know what we’re talking about. You won’t find it happening much with modern disposables or entry-level pod systems, but if you’re using a mod or tank device, it might still occur.

The problem is usually caused by the coil being flooded, so many of the steps listed above could help here. The two top things to try are blowing into the mouthpiece a few times and changing the coil.

If you continue to have problems with spitback, you might want to consider switching to a device designed to eliminate it. The Vaporesso Luxe XR uses leak prevention technology which can reduce condensation and spitback.

Alternatively, if you don’t want to change your device yet, simply point your vape away from you when you press the fire button.

12. My screen is blank
Stealth mode hides your screen when you are vaping, so it’s worth checking to see if you have accidentally put the device into stealth mode. Controls for this vary depending on mod, but if you have lost your instructions you can:

i. try pressing the fire button three times to enter the menu
ii. press the up and down buttons together.
If that fails, the manufacturer will usually have the manual on their website.

Wrapping up
I’ve tried hard to cover all the problems you’re likely to come across. However, if you have a problem we haven’t covered here, please do get in contact with us and we’ll add it to the list here.
Until then, I wish you the best of luck in fixing your vape - and a trouble-free vaping experience after that!