What to do if your vape battery isn't working

Since their initial creation in 2007, vape devices have taken off and become an integral part of many vapers lives. They have helped people switch from smoking to vaping, don't contain tar or carbon monoxide and are a more cost-effective way to get your nicotine hit.

With so many vape devices, you can choose between disposable kits, starter vape kits and sub ohm mods - but what happens when something goes wrong?

Battery issues are common with vape devices, and when there's something wrong, it can be frustrating. We get that.

Luckily, once you can identify the problem, you can take steps to fix it. This post will reveal typical battery issues and how you can fix them.

Check if the pen is on
Ok, we know what you're thinking, but the vape device being off is one of the most common reasons for a battery not working. So, before you take it to the shop and leave red-faced, check to see if the vape pen is on.

It's easy to accidentally turn your vape off when carrying it around in your pocket - especially when the button is located at the bottom of the device. Some vape pens have a five-click on/off mechanism, so if you've tried turning it on and it's not working, check to see if you need to click the button five times in quick succession.

If you’re using a disposable vape then you can ignore this step as they are always on and have no way of being turned off.

If your vape pen still isn't working after checking this, move on to the next step.

Check the battery connection
Another reason for a non-working battery is an issue with the connection between the atomiser/coil and the battery. Over time, this connection can become loose or clogged with dirt and debris, which prevents electrical current from flowing freely and causes your vape device to stop working.

To check this: 

·Look at the point where the tank/pod connects to the battery to see if any dirt or debris is causing the issue
·If you can see anything, give it a quick clean with a cotton bud or q-tip 
·Once you've done that, screw the atomiser back on and try turning on your device again

Is the coil faulty?
If you're still having trouble with your vape device, the coil is next to check. The atomiser/coil part heats up and turns the e-liquid into vapour, so if it's not working, your device isn't working either.

The quickest way to test this is to take out the cartridge and screw it onto another vape pen - if it works on the new pen, then you know that the issue lies with your battery. If not, there may be a problem with the coil, and you'll need to replace it.

Did you drop the device?
Vape devices are relatively sturdy, but that doesn't mean they're indestructible. If you drop the kit, the battery can become loose, or another component might fail, impacting the battery's health.

The best way to check this is to take the battery out and look inside - if you can see anything that looks damaged, then it's likely that this is the cause of the problem.

If your device has a built-in battery, we DO NOT recommend that you try to take the device apart.

In most cases, dropping your device once won't do severe damage, but being careless will result in inevitable damage.

Check the charger
If you're sure there's nothing wrong with the vape device itself, then the next thing to check is the charger. The battery needs the charger to run, so if there's an issue with the charger, then the battery won't work.

One of the most common problems is using the wrong charger - depending on the model of your vape device; you might need a specific type of charger. It's always best to check with the manufacturer or retailer before you buy a replacement.

All external batteries, such as 18650’s, should be charged within a battery bay charger. The USB charger on your device is only designed for short burst charges. To promote healthy, long-lasting batteries we always recommend using a battery bay charger.

Another problem is that the charging port becomes blocked with dirt and debris, which prevents the current from flowing freely and causes your battery to die. To clean this, use a cotton bud to remove any dirt from the port.

Prolonging the life of your battery
Vape batteries, like all batteries, have a limited lifespan. Even if you take good care of your device, eventually, the battery will die, and you'll need to replace it.

While most vape kits aren't expensive, many people find they need to upgrade to a mod kit as they become more experienced with vaping.

You must show you've taken care of your vape kit and prolonged the battery life, as misuse can render your warranty null and void.

There are a few things you can do to prolong the life of your battery:

·Choose a more convenient option: If worrying about your battery seems too much hassle, disposable vapes could be the best alternative. You unwrap them, puff away and then put them in the bin when the prefilled e-liquid runs out.

·Don't overcharge: Another common mistake is overcharging the vape device, which runs down the battery gradually and stops it from retaining so much power. We always recommend you do not charge them overnight.

·Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures: Hot weather can damage the battery, so try to keep it out of direct sunlight. Similarly, cold weather isn't good for batteries either, so don't leave it in the car on a cold day.

·Be careful with storage: You should also keep your vape kit in a dry place, away from extreme temperatures when you’re not using it. If you're not going to use it for a while, it's best to take the battery out and store it separately.

·Use the recommended charger: Using the wrong charger can damage your battery, so it's always best to use the one that came with the device or buy a replacement from the same retailer/manufacturer.

Final thoughts
With a bit of care and regular maintenance, you can enjoy your vape device for the long haul, but if you're unsure about vape kits, why not try a disposable pen? They're cost-effective, come in a range of flavours and are ultra-convenient.