Troubleshooting Common Vaping Problems

The 15 most common vaping problems - and how to solve them.

We’ve put together a handy troubleshooting checklist for you to refer to if any issues crop up with your vaping device.

 

Vaping should be an easy and enjoyable experience - but sometimes things can go wrong which can be pretty frustrating. You’ll be pleased to

know that most vape problems can be solved really easily; so we’ve compiled this troubleshooting guide to the most common vape issues we

get asked about.


Check this list the next time you run into problems with your vaping device, and quickly get back to enjoying your vape!

 

 

Problem 1: My vape battery isn’t working

 

Try the following:

Check power

 

 

1. Check if you’ve pressed the power

Check if you’ve pressed the power button too often and turned it off. The majority of vape mods and batteries can be turned on and off by clicking the firing button a number of times in quick succession. Dependent on the brand of battery, this may be 3, 5 or 6 times - check your user manual for details.

Check charge

 

 

2. Check if you need to charge it

If you think it should be charged, just double check that you are using the correct charger for your battery. Your battery will give you a signal to let you know that connection has been made and charging is in progress.

Clean connections

 

 

3. Check for connection issues.

Check for connection issues. The terminal between your battery and your tank needs to be clean. Use a cotton bud to clear away any dust particles and gunked up vape juice.

Check battery safety page

 

 

4. Check our Battery Safety page

Review our comprehensive guide to battery safety to ensure you haven’t compromised your battery in any way.

 

If none of that worked:


Like any rechargeable battery, your vape battery will lose storage over time. You can bring your battery in for us to check its capacity.

Alternatively, It might be time for a new battery. Check our extensive range for a replacement.

 

 

Problem 2: My mod’s OLED screen says there’s no atomiser

 

Try the following:

Check atomiser

1. Check your atomiser

Rotate your device whilst looking at the tank to see if it’s crooked. This is the most common reason for this message and is caused by the device being dropped, knocked, or transported in your pocket. If it is crooked, it may be repairable, or it may be time for a new tank

Check your 510 pin

2. Check your 510 pin

If your tank has an adjustable 510 pin, make sure it’s adjusted to suit your mod.

Check your coil

3. Check your coil

Check your coil to see if it’s loose, or has vape juice clogging the connection at the base.

Check your tank isn't overtightened

 

 

4. Check your tank isn't over tightened

Make sure your tank is not over tightened on the mod.

Check your terminals

 

 

5. Clean your terminals

Clean the connecting terminals to ensure your atomiser is making contact with the mod.

Check Check if your coil needs replacing

 

 

6. Check if your coil needs replacing

Check if the coil needs replacing (if it does, make sure you always follow our coil priming guide).

 

 

 

 

Problem 3: I’m not getting any draw from my vaping device

 

Try the following:

Check power and battery

 

 

1. Check battery

Make sure your battery is switched on and has enough charge.

Check liquid

 

 

2. Check liquid

Check that you have e-liquid in your tank.
 

Check connections

 

 

3. Check connections

Make sure that there is a clean connection between your coil and your vape battery..

 

 

If none of that worked:

 

The odd coil can be a dud - even if it’s fresh out of the pack and properly primed. Sometimes the cotton can get too tightly wound within the coil

which means no airflow can get through to give you the draw you’re used to. Change the coil for a new one, and let us know about the faulty

coil so that we can replace it for you.

 

 

Problem 4: I’m getting spitting and/or gurgling sounds when I vape

 

Try the following:

Flick the device to remove liquid

 

 

1. Flick the device

Remove the mouthpiece / drip tip (if possible) and flick the device towards the floor (preferably outside or into some tissue) to remove any excess vape juice from the coil.

Check liquid isn't overfilling

 

 

2. Check liquid isn't overfilling

Make sure that the tank is not overfilled or over tightened to the vape battery.

Soak the tank and dry well

 

 

3. Soak and dry tank

Take the tank apart and run it under warm water to clear out any excess juice - thoroughly dry with clean kitchen roll before putting your device back together. 

 

 

 

If none of that worked:

You may be inhaling too hard for the particular tank to handle. Try changing to a tank that’s better suited to Direct-to-Lung (DTL) vaping styles to allow you to take bigger hits.

 

 

Problem 5: I’m getting e-liquid leaking through the airflow

 

Try the following:

No direct heat

 

 

1. No direct heat

Make sure it hasn’t been left in a hot place causing the device to overheat and the e-liquid to thin.

Check if coil needs replacing

 

 

2. Check coil

Check to see if the coil needs replacing (if it does, make sure you always follow our coil priming guide).

Do you vape direct to mouth or mouth to lung

 

 

3. Mouth to lung or Direct to lung?

Examine how you’re vaping - if your device is designed for Direct-To-Lung vaping, but you’re Mouth-To-Lung vaping, you may be causing the device to overheat.

What's your level of PG vs VG?

 

 

4. What E-liquid are you using?

Check what e-liquid you’re using. If your coil is low resistance then it has bigger airflow holes which are designed for use with higher VG (thicker) vape juice. If your eliquid contains too much PG (thinner) then it can end up leaking out of the airflow.

Increase the power of your vape

 

 

5. Increase power

Increase your power setting to vaporise more juice per puff and prevent leakage from a flooded coil.

Empty tank if you are flying

 

 

6. Empty your tank before getting on a plane!

Empty your tank before getting on a plane! If you’ve recently taken a flight, the change in air pressure will force your vape juice out of the tank.

 

 

 

 

Problem 6: I’m getting e-liquid leaking from the tank

 

Try the following:

 

 

Trouble shooting overfilled to hole

1. Don't over fill liquid

Check that you haven’t overfilled the tank causing e-liquid to pool within the central tube. Leaving a small amount of air within the tank also creates a vacuum which helps to stop vape juice leakage.

 

 

Trouble shooting check threads

2. Don't overtighten your devices

Make sure that all of the components are properly threaded, but not over tightened.

 

 

Trouble shooting check rings

3. Check your O-ring

Examine the O-ring and seals within the tank to see if they need cleaning or replacing.

 

 

Trouble shooting cracked glass

4. Check your tank hasn't cracked

Check that the tank glass isn’t cracked - if it is, we stock replacement glass for a wide range of atomisers.

 

 

Trouble shooting leave upright

5. Always leave vape device upright

Leave your vaping device standing upright when not in use.

 

 

 

If none of that worked:


Your vaping style may be more suited to a different tank; or you might be vaping a high PG liquid that is unsuited to the style of tank and coil that you’re using. Talk to us about which of our wide range of atomisers might work better for you.

 

 

Problem 7: My OLED screen is blank and won’t turn on

 

Try the following:

 

1. Check if the mod has been put into stealth mode

Check if the mod has been put into stealth mode. Certain mods have an option within the menu to allow you to vape in ‘stealth mode’ without the screen lighting up. If your mod has this option, click the fire button 3 times to enter the menu and turn stealth mode off.

 

2. Check firmware

 

Check to see if there is a firmware update available for your mod.

 

If none of that worked:


Your screen may be broken. If the mod is still within warranty (and you bought it from us), you can either choose to complete our returns form 

online, or get in touch to discuss a replacement.

 

 

Problem 8: My e-liquids are turning dark

 

Try the following:

 

1. Liquid storage

Store your e-liquid bottles in a cool, dark, dry environment.

 

2. How long has your vape juice been there?

Think about how long the vape juice has been sitting in the tank - exposure to heat, UV and oxygen can cause e-liquid to darken over time.

 

3. Check what nicotine strength your e-liquid is

Check what nicotine strength your e-liquid is - higher nicotine levels will oxidise faster and cause your vape liquid to darken more quickly.

 

4. Make sure your tank is clean

Make sure your tank is nice and clean - any residue of old e-liquid can affect the new juice in the tank.

 

 

5. Check what nicotine strength your e-liquid is

 

Check to see if the coil needs replacing (if it does, make sure you always follow our coil priming guide)..


Please note:


Vape juice will darken over time, regardless of environment. Also, e-liquid that contains freebase nicotine has a shorter shelf life than nic salt 

based liquid due to the effects of oxidation.

 

 

Problem 9: I’m getting a dry hit / burnt taste when I vape

 

Try the following:

 

1. Does the coil need replacing?

Check if your coil is in need of replacing. Coils don’t last forever, and when they wear out, they can deliver an unpleasant burnt taste. How often they need replacing depends on a number of factors (find out more in our guide).

Check our Vape UK Coil guide page

 

2. Check you've primed your coil

If you’ve recently replaced the coil, make sure you primed it properly..

 

3. Let the coil absorb the liquid

If you’ve recently primed the coil, make sure you’ve left enough time for the e-liquid to completely saturate the cotton wicking material before

taking a hit.

 

4. Check that your tank contains enough e-liquid

Check that your tank contains enough e-liquid to cover the airflow holes in the coil to avoid the coil drying out.

Check your liquids level is high enough to cover the coil holes in your device

 

If none of that worked:


It’s possible that you’re taking too many puffs in quick succession which means that the coil doesn’t have enough time to wick new liquid through before you take the next hit. Consider giving your e-cig a rest between puffs. Alternatively, check if your tank has an option for a coil with larger airflow holes to allow more vape juice into the coil.

 

 

Problem 10: I’m getting a dry / sore throat when I vape

 

Try the following:

 

1. Take a drink of water.

Check the VG/PG ratio of your e-liquid - VG is the ingredient that produces the big clouds so, if you’re not satisfied with your vapour production,

you should consider switching to a vape juice with a high VG content.

 

2. Reduce the number of puffs

Reduce the number of puffs you take in quick succession.

 

3. Check that your tank contains enough e-liquid

Make sure there is enough e-liquid in your tank so you’re not getting a dry hit.

 

Check your liquids level is high enough

 

If none of that worked:


You might want to consider switching to a higher VG e-liquid as PG delivers a stronger throat hit and can be responsible for a dry throat feeling. Another point to consider is how long ago you stopped smoking cigarettes. Smoking cessation is a form of withdrawal, and one of the symptoms is a sore throat.

 

 

Problem 11: I’m not getting big enough clouds from my vape

 

Try the following:

 

1. Check that your tank contains enough e-liquid

Check the VG/PG ratio of your e-liquid - VG is the ingredient that produces the big clouds so, if you’re not satisfied with your vapour production, you should consider switching to a vape juice with a high VG content.

 

2. Check battery

Make sure your vaping device isn’t in need of recharging.

Check charge

 

3. Check coil

Check that the coil isn’t dry and doesn’t need replacing (if it does, make sure you always follow our coil priming guide).

 

4. Clean contacts

Clean any dust or e-liquid build up from the connections using a cotton bud.

Clean connections

 

 

If none of that worked:


It might be time for you to upgrade to a more powerful device: more power = bigger clouds. We stock a wide range of high wattage mods for a cloud chasing vaping experience.

 

 

Problem 12: I’m not getting enough of a throat hit from my vape

 

Try the following:

 

1. Check the VG/PG ratio

Check the VG/PG ratio of your e-liquid - PG is the ingredient that provides throat hit so, if you’re not satisfied, you may want to switch to a higher PG vape juice.

 

2. Check the nicotine strength

Check the nicotine strength of your e-liquid - the more freebase nicotine, the stronger the throat hit.

 

3. Consider the your flavour

Consider the flavour of your e-liquid - menthol and citrus flavours deliver more of a throat hit than their sweeter counterparts.

Consider the flavours your vaping

 

If none of that worked:


It might be time for you to upgrade to a device that offers you more control over power, airflow, and temperature. We stock a wide range of variable wattage mods for a completely customisable vaping experience.

 

 

Problem 13: I’m getting too much of a throat hit from my vape

 

Try the following:

 

1. Check the VG/PG ratio

Check the VG/PG ratio of your e-liquid - VG is the ingredient that delivers a smoother vape, whereas PG is responsible for throat hit.Switching to a higher VG vape juice may improve your experience.

 

2. Check the nicotine strength

Check the nicotine strength of your e-liquid - the more freebase nicotine, the stronger the throat hit. Reducing the nicotine strength of your vape juice could be the answer.

 

3. Check the nicotine strength

Alternatively, if you’re not ready to reduce the nicotine strength, you might want to consider switching to a nicotine salt based e-liquid. With

nicotine salts, you can maintain a very high nicotine dose without a harsh throat hit.

 

Freebase vs Nic Salts

 

 

4. Consider the flavour of your e-liquid

Consider the flavour of your e-liquid - menthol and citrus flavours deliver the most throat hit, so you might want to try some of the sweet flavours on offer.

Consider the flavours your vaping

 

 

 

Problem 14: I’m not getting enough of a nicotine hit from my vape

 

Try the following:

 

1. Consider the nicotine strength

Consider the nicotine strength of your e-liquid - most traditional e-liquids contain freebase nicotine which delivers nicotine into the blood more slowly than cigarettes. Switching to a higher nicotine strength might be best for you

 

2. Increase the power of your device

Increase the power of your device to get a bigger hit.

Increase the power of your vape

 

3. Check your vaping style

Check your vaping style - long, gentle drags on your e-cig will produce the best hit.

 

4. Check your battery

Make sure your battery has enough charge.

Check charge

 

5. Check your coil

Check if your coil needs replacing (if it does, make sure you always follow our coil priming guide).

 

If none of that worked:


You might be better suited to an e-liquid that contains nicotine salt, rather than freebase nicotine. Nicotine salts deliver the nicotine into your bloodstream at a rate that is comparable with combustible cigarettes. They are also a lot smoother at higher nicotine doses than their freebase counterparts. Check our comprehensive guide to find out more.

 

 

Problem 15: I’m not getting enough flavour from my e-liquid

 

Try the following:

 

1. Blow gently through the tank

Blow gently through the tank to get the liquid flowing and release flavour.

Blow through your tank

 

2. Take a drink

Take a drink of water to flush your taste buds.

 

3. Consider how old your e-liquid is

Consider how old your e-liquid is - oxidation can lead to degradation in the flavour of vape juice over time.

 

4. Clean your tank and connections

Clean your tank and connections to make sure that no grubby build-up is affecting flavour delivery.

 

Check connections

Soak the tank and dry well

5. Change to a different flavour

Change to a different flavour for a while - if you’ve been vaping the same flavour for a while, you may be suffering from vaper’s tongue (also known as olfactory fatigue, vaper’s fatigue or flavour fatigue). Don’t worry, switching your flavours around periodically usually does the trick.

 

If none of that worked:


Do you currently have a cold? Our sense of taste is hugely affected by our sense of smell, so a cold can often be the culprit of things tasting bland or nasty. Also, stress, certain infections and/or medications can lead to a temporary change or loss of taste.

 


So, there you have it! These are the most common vaping issues that we get asked about, and our recommendations for solving them. We will keep this list updated as and when new problems become commonplace. However, in the meantime, if you have a question about vaping that doesn’t appear in this troubleshooting guide, get in touch with one of our vaping experts.

Problem 16: My disposable vape bar tastes burnt

 

Try the following:

1. Give the wick chance to resoak

If you vape all of the liquid contained within the coil, without giving it a chance to soak up more juice, you will end up sucking on burnt cotton. Countering this is simple. After you’ve taken a couple of puffs, put the device down and leave it a minute before you go in for another draw.

2. Change the position of the vape bar

If the tank is nearly empty, just tilt the device, or tip it upside down for a while, to make sure you get the last of the juice into the coil. Also, if the wick is getting to the end of its life, it might not be soaking up the liquid as well as it did at the beginning. Just letting it sit for a while could give you a bit longer with your disposable device.

3. Your disposable could be faulty

These are electronic devices with multiple components. They are perfectly capable of going wrong every now and again. If you think the device is at fault, just get in touch with us. Our customer service team will happily talk you through your options and, if necessary, replace your faulty device.

 

If none of that worked:

 

Ultimately, these are disposable vape devices. They aren’t designed to last forever. Once the reservoir of e-liquid is empty, or the battery runs out of charge, it’s time for a new one. Disposable vape bars are intended to replace the approximate number of puffs you would expect from a packet of cigarettes. However, it still varies from brand to brand. If your current vape isn’t giving you enough bang for your buck, check the other disposable options for one with a larger vape juice volume, or switch to a refillable vape kit.




So, there you have it! These are the most common vaping issues that we get asked about, and our recommendations for solving them. We will keep this list updated as and when new problems become commonplace. However, in the meantime, if you have a question about vaping that doesn’t appear in this troubleshooting guide, get in touch with one of our vaping experts.