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:

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.

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.

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.

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:

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
2. Check your 510 pin
If your tank has an adjustable 510 pin, make sure it’s adjusted to suit your mod.
3. Check your coil
Check your coil to see if it’s loose, or has vape juice clogging the connection at the base.

4. Check your tank isn't over tightened
Make sure your tank is not over tightened on the mod.

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

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:

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

2. Check liquid
Check that you have e-liquid in your tank.

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:

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.

2. Check liquid isn't overfilling
Make sure that the tank is not overfilled or over tightened to the vape battery.

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:

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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:
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.
2. Don't overtighten your devices
Make sure that all of the components are properly threaded, but not over tightened.
3. Check your O-ring
Examine the O-ring and seals within the tank to see if they need cleaning or replacing.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.