A Guide to Troubleshooting the Most Common Vaping Problems

We’ve put together this handy troubleshooting guide for you to refer to if you encounter any issues with your vaping device or your vaping experience.

 

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 resolved 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!

 

Troubleshooting topics

I don’t think I’m getting enough puffs from my disposable vape kit

Monitor how long of a draw you’re taking

Puff count is based on an average draw length which you could be exceeding. If you’re consistently getting fewer puffs than you expect, it’s time to switch up to a refillable and rechargeable vape kit which will better suit your style of vaping, and be more cost effective/less wasteful in the long run.

A woman using a vape kit demonstrating how they work.

Take ‘vape breaks’

Make a conscious decision as to when you actually need to vape (as you would have done with a cigarette) rather than carrying your vape around with you in your hand, as you might be puffing away subconsciously. Keep it in your pocket/handbag when you’re out and about, or leave it in a designated vaping area when you’re at home.

Man and woman socially vaping
Nicotine to blood

Make sure you’re getting the right amount of nicotine

You may be drawing for longer, or taking more puffs than you realise, because you aren’t satisfying your cravings. Try moving up to a higher nicotine strength for a while until your cravings subside and you aren’t reaching for your vape as often.

If your disposable is the maximum 20mg already, then you may be vaping too much and taking in more nicotine that you did when smoking; thereby increasing your tolerance. Again, taking conscious ‘vape breaks’ will help you to naturally reduce your nicotine requirements.

Image of disposable vapes with different nicotine strengths

Consider that it may be from a faulty batch

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.

A faulty batch of disposable vapes

My disposable vape bar tastes burnt

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.

Woman carry disposable vapes around

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.

Woman tilting her disposable to get last bit of e-liquid

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.

A faulty batch of disposable vapes

My vape kit battery doesn’t stay charged for long

Consider how much you vape through the day

It may be that you have purchased a vape kit with a smaller battery capacity than is required to handle your vaping needs. Check the mAh rating of your device - the higher the mAh rating of the battery, the more charge it can hold, and thus, the longer it can power the device. Consider switching to a higher storage capacity if you aren’t getting a full day’s charge.

Man vaping throughout the day

Are you charging your vape kit correctly?

Rechargeable batteries will serve you for a long time, as long as you charge them correctly. Charging lithium-ion batteries to 100% can reduce their lifespan, so it’s recommended to cycle between 85% and 25% to prolong their longevity. Don’t leave your vape kit on charge overnight as it will overcharge; plus after every 30 charges, allow your battery to completely discharge before recharging.

Don't leave your vape kit charging overnight

Is your battery actually charging?

Check that your charging cable is free from damage, and that the connections are clean. When you plug your vape kit in to charge, it will give you a signal to let you know that connection has been made and charging is in progress.

Image showing vape kit not plugged in properly

Make sure your USB socket is free from debris

Check that your charging socket is free from fluff and crumbs. Use a toothpick, or similar, to dig out any debris to ensure a clean connection for charging.

Image of fluff removal from USB socket

My vape kit is leaking e-liquid

Don't overfill your vape kit

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

Image showing vape kit incorrectly overfilled with e-liquid

Don't over tighten your tank to the battery

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

Image showing person tightening vape tank on to mod

Check your pod/tank hasn't cracked

If your tank glass is cracked, then we stock replacement glass for a wide range of atomisers. If it’s your pod that has cracked, then it’s time to change to a new one.

Image showing vape kits with cracked tank glass

Has your vape kit been on its side for a while?

We would always recommend leaving your vaping device standing upright when not in use.

Image showing vape kit on its side leaking e-liquid

Have you just been on a plane?

If you’ve recently taken a flight, the change in air pressure will force your vape juice out of the pod/tank through any available gaps. Always empty your vape pod/tank before take-off.

Man on plane with vape kit leaking e-liquid into pocket

There is e-liquid build-up around the connections of my pod kit

A vape coil

Check the coil

If your coil is at the end of its life, it won’t be wicking the e-liquid effectively, causing e-liquid to gather at the connections. Try changing to a new coil, and priming it correctly, to see if this solves the problem.

Icon showing wattage

Check your wattage

The resistance of your coil will dictate the wattage range that you should have your vape kit set to. If the wattage is set too low for the coil you’re using, then the e-liquid won't vaporise quickly enough and will flood the coil, causing leakage through the connections. Try slowly increasing the wattage of your vape kit to vaporise more juice per puff.

Icon showing low battery

Charge the battery

If your battery is running low, then it may not be providing adequate power to heat the coil, causing flooding and leakage. Try charging your pod kit to see if that helps.

I’m getting e-liquid leaking through the airflow of my vape pod/tank

No direct heat

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

Image showing vape kit being left in direct sunlight
A vape coil

Check the coil

If your coil is at the end of its life, it won’t be wicking the e-liquid effectively, which can cause leakage when you draw. Try changing to a new coil, and priming it correctly, to see if this solves the problem.

Vaping Style

What’s your vaping style?

Examine how you’re vaping - if your device is designed for DTL vaping, but you’re MTL vaping, you may be causing the device to overheat and the e-liquid to thin.

Mouth-To-Lung vaping style MTL
Image of woman MTL vaping

Mouth-to-lung (MTL) is the vaping style that most closely replicates smoking. Most people switching from smoking will start by MTL vaping as it feels the most natural way for smokers to inhale.

Direct-To-Lung vaping style DTL
Image of man DTL vaping

Direct-to-lung ( DTL) is most commonly employed by experienced vapers. For transitioning smokers it can feel like a strange way to inhale.

VG/PG ratio
A vape coil

What e-liquid/coil combination are you using?

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

Image showing incorrect e-liquid and coil combination causing leakage
Icon showing wattage

Check your wattage

The resistance of your coil dictates the wattage range that you should have your vape kit set to. If the wattage is set too low for the coil you’re using, then the e-liquid won't vaporise quickly enough and will flood the coil, causing leakage through the airflow. Try slowly increasing the wattage of your vape kit to vaporise more juice per puff.

My vape kit isn’t working

Check if it’s turned on

Have you pressed the power button too often and turned it off? The majority of vape kits can be turned on and off by clicking the firing button a number of times in quick succession. Depending on the brand of battery/kit, this may be 3, 5 or 6 times - check your user manual for details.

Image showing vape kit being turned on
Icon showing low battery

Charge the battery

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

Image showing vape kit not plugged in properly

Check for connection issues

The terminal between the battery and the pod/tank needs to be clean. Use a cotton bud to clear away any dust particles and gunked up vape juice.

Image showing vape kit connections being cleaned with a cotton bud

I’m not getting any draw from my vaping device

Icon showing low battery

Charge the battery

Make sure your vape kit is switched on and has enough charge.

Is there enough e-liquid in your tank/pod?

Make sure that the wicking holes in the coil are always submerged so your vape juice can be soaked up by the coil and transformed into vapour.

Image of two vape kits with e-liquid above and below the coil wicking holes
A vape coil

Check the coil

If your coil is at the end of its life, it won’t be wicking the e-liquid effectively. Try changing to a new coil, and priming it correctly, to see if this solves the problem.

Check for connection issues

The terminal between the battery and the pod/tank needs to be clean. Use a cotton bud to clear away any dust particles and gunked up vape juice.

Image showing vape kit connections being cleaned with a cotton bud

My e-liquids are turning dark

Where are you storing your e-liquids?

Store your e-liquid bottles in a cool, dark, dry environment. Read our guide to proper vape juice storage for more information.

Image showing vape juice changing colour in direct sunlight

How long has your vape juice been in the pod/tank?

Exposure to heat, UV and oxygen can cause e-liquid to darken over time. If you don’t vape very often, then consider only half filling your pod/tank to avoid colour changes.

Image showing vape juice darkening over time

What is the nicotine strength of your e-liquid?

Higher nicotine levels will oxidise faster and cause your vape liquid to darken more quickly.

Image showing high nicotine strength e-liquid darkening quickly

Make sure your tank is clean

Any residue of old e-liquid can affect the new juice in the pod/tank.

Image showing proper cleaning of vape tank
A vape coil

Check the coil

If your coil is at the end of its life, then particles from the heating element could be contaminating your e-liquid. Try changing to a new coil, and priming it correctly, to see if this solves the problem.

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

A vape coil

Does the coil need 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 dedicated guide to vape coils).

Icon showing coil being priming

Have you primed your new coil correctly?

If you’ve recently changed to a new coil, make sure you’ve left enough time for the e-liquid to completely saturate the wicking material before taking a hit. Find out more in our dedicated guide to coil priming.

Check your wattage

Check your wattage

The resistance of your coil will dictate the wattage range that you should have your vape kit set to. If the wattage is set too high for the coil to handle, then you will burn the wicking material.

Is there enough e-liquid in your tank/pod?

Make sure that the airflow holes in the coil are always submerged to avoid the coil drying out.

Image of two vape kits with e-liquid above and below the coil wicking holes

I’m not getting big enough clouds when I vape

VG/PG ratio

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. Make sure that you have the correct vape kit/coil combination to handle high VG liquids.

Image showing cloud production of various ratios of VG/PG
A vape coil

Check the 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)

Icon showing low battery

Check if your vape kit needs charging

Make sure the battery has enough charge to deliver the power needed to heat the coil effectively.

Check for connection issues

The terminal between the battery and the pod/tank needs to be clean. Use a cotton bud to clear away any dust particles and gunked up vape juice.

Image showing vape kit connections being cleaned with a cotton bud

I’m not getting enough of a throat hit when I vape

VG/PG ratio
A vape coil

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. Make sure that you have the correct vape kit/coil combination to handle high PG liquids.

Image showing throat hit increases with PG content

What kind of nicotine does your e-liquid contain? 

Freebase nicotine delivers a sharper throat hit than nicotine salt, so if that’s the effect you’re after, consider switching to freebase vape juice. If you’re already vaping freebase, is the nicotine strength high enough? As nicotine strength increases, so does the throat hit.

Image showing effects of e-liquids on throat hit
Icon respresenting flavour

What is the flavour of your e-liquid?

Menthol, tobacco, and citrus flavours deliver more of a throat hit than sweet, fruity, and creamy options.

Image showing effects of e-liquid flavours on throat hit

I’m getting too much of a throat hit when I vape

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 VG vape juice. Make sure that you have the correct vape kit/coil combination to handle high VG liquids.

Image showing throat hit decreases with VG content

What kind of nicotine does your e-liquid contain? 

Freebase nicotine delivers a sharper throat hit than nicotine salt, so if you dislike the effect, consider switching to nic salt vape juice. If you’re already vaping nic salts, is the nicotine strength too high? As nicotine strength increases, so does the throat hit.

Image showing effects of e-liquids on throat hit
Icon respresenting flavour

What is the flavour of your e-liquid?

Menthol, tobacco, and citrus flavours deliver the most throat hit, so you might want to try switching to one of the many sweet, fruity, or creamy flavours on offer.

Image showing effects of e-liquid flavours on throat hit

I’m not getting enough of a nicotine hit when I vape

Nicotine Strength

What strength of nicotine does your e-liquid contain?

Have you reduced the nicotine strength of your vape juice too quickly to adequately satisfy your cravings after quitting smoking? You may need to increase the strength for a while until your cravings are under control.

What kind of nicotine does your e-liquid contain?

Freebase nicotine e-liquids deliver nicotine into the blood more slowly than cigarettes, which can leave you thinking that you’re not getting the instant hit that you did when you smoked. Try changing to a vape juice that contains nic salts, as they have a far faster nicotine absorption rate.

Image showing effects of Freebase and Nic Salts on nicotine absorption
Icon representing vaping styles
Icon representing nicotine absorption

What’s your vaping style?

Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) vaping is achieved by long, gentle drags on your vape kit, which will produce the best nicotine hit. If you’re trying to vape a high nicotine vape juice in a Direct-to-Lung (DTL) style, you will not benefit from decent nicotine absorption.

A vape coil

Check the 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)

I’m not getting enough flavour from my e-liquid when I vape

Try having a drink

If you have perfume/aftershave on, or a scented candle burning, after a while you become ‘nose blind’. The scent hasn’t gone away, but your ability to detect it has. The same can apply to flavour; it’s called olfactory fatigue. Take a swig of water to flush your taste buds to see if that helps.

Flavour detection improving after a drink of water

How old is your e-liquid?

Oxidation can lead to degradation in the flavour of vape juice over time. If you find that your bottles of e-liquid are lasting you a while, try switching to smaller bottles, and make sure that you’re storing your vape juice correctly.

Image showing vape juice losing flavour in direct sunlight
A vape coil

Check the 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)

Flavour options

Change to a different flavour

If you’ve been vaping the same flavour for a while, and you only vape one flavour, you may be suffering from vaper’s tongue (which is just like olfactory fatigue mentioned above). Switching your flavours around periodically usually does the trick. Even if there’s only one flavour you like, try changing brands as different manufacturers will use different food grade flavourings that could solve your problem.

Check for connection issues

The terminal between the battery and the pod/tank needs to be clean. Use a cotton bud to clear away any dust particles and gunked up vape juice to make sure that no grubby build-up is affecting flavour delivery.

Image showing vape kit connections being cleaned with a cotton bud

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

Try flicking your vape kit

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.

Image showing someone flick device to remove excess vape juice from the coil

Try blowing into your vape kit

Power off your device and alternately blow and draw gently through the mouthpiece to clear any excess vape juice from around the coil.

Image showing man blowing through vape kit to clear excess vape juice

Don't overfill your vape kit

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

Image showing vape kit incorrectly overfilled with e-liquid
A vape coil

Check the coil

If your coil is at the end of its life, it won’t be wicking the e-liquid effectively, which can cause spitting and/or gurgling when you draw. Try changing to a new coil, and priming it correctly, to see if this solves the problem.

Thoroughly clean your pod/tank

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

Image showing proper cleaning of vape tank

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.