The reasons why is my vape not working include:
If your disposable vapes don't work, the reasons might be:
Maintenance tips: Clean regularly, use quality e-liquid, store upright, and replace pods before they wear out.
Seek help if needed: Contact support, check the warranty, or consider replacing the device if problems persist.
There’s nothing more frustrating than going for a puff and realising your vape isn’t working. Whether you’re using a pod system, a disposable vape, or a refillable mod, this guide will walk you through the most common reasons your vape might not be hitting and how to fix it. So if you’ve been wondering, "why is my vape not working?" you’re in the right place.
Before diving into specific problems, start with the basics:
Even if your vape lights up when you try to use it, the battery might not have enough power to heat the coil. This is especially true for older devices or batteries that haven’t been fully charged.
How to Fix: Always start with a full charge. If your vape still isn’t hitting, it’s time to consider other causes. You can remove the pod and gently clean the connection point with dry tissue or cotton swab. If your battery is dead, consider replacing it or swapping the device if it is a disposable vape.
If the pod isn’t making a good connection with the battery, the device won’t fire. This is often caused by dirt or e-liquid buildup on the metal contact points.
Symptoms: You may hear a faint click but get no vapour when you inhale.
How to Fix: Use a cotton swab or tissue to wipe down the metal contacts on both the pod and the battery. This can fix connection issues caused by residue or dirt. Shop vape kits such as Vaporesso pods with great magnetic connections for a hassle-free experience.
Condensation, dust, or even bits of lint from your pocket can clog the airflow. When that happens, your device might power on, but you won’t be able to draw any vapour.
Symptoms: A tight draw, or nothing happening at all when you try to inhale.
How to Fix: Use a pin, paperclip, or toothpick to gently clear any debris from the mouthpiece or air holes. Don’t apply too much pressure—just enough to remove the blockage.
If the coil inside your pod is dry or burnt, it can’t heat the e-liquid effectively. This often happens if you vape too quickly after filling or if the pod is nearly empty.
Symptoms: A burnt taste or no vapour production at all.
How to Fix: Sometimes the issue is simply a faulty or burnt-out pod or coil. Replace it with a new one and see if the problem is solved. Keep extra pods or coils on hand to avoid downtime.
Over time, residue from e-liquid can clog the coil, especially if you're using sweet or thick juices. This problem is normal and easy to fix.
How to Fix: Try cleaning the coil gently with a cotton swab or rinsing it in warm water (for reusable coils only). If cleaning doesn’t help, it’s best to replace the coil. Check out all vape coils available at WizVape including popular Voopoo coils for your Voopoo vape kits.
If your pod is running low on e-liquid, the coil may not be saturated. This will stop it from producing vapour and can also damage the coil if used while dry.
How to Fix: Always refill or replace your pod before it gets completely empty.
Over time, e-liquid residue, dust, or pocket lint can build up inside your vape pods or tank, leading to airflow blockages. When this happens, you might notice it’s harder to inhale, or you may get little to no vapour despite the device being powered on. This is a common issue, especially if the device hasn’t been cleaned regularly.
How to Fix: Try blowing gently through the mouthpiece to loosen any blockages, or carefully use a paperclip to clear the airflow holes. If you see sticky residue or gunk buildup inside the tank or pod, disassemble it and give it a thorough clean with warm water or a soft cloth. Make sure everything is dry before reassembling.
Not all e-liquids work well with every device. Some vapes are made for thinner liquids like nicotine salts, while others are built to handle thicker, high-VG (vegetable glycerin) juices. Using the wrong type can lead to coil flooding, weak vapour, burnt hits, or clogs.
How to Fix: Always check your device’s manual or the manufacturer’s website to see what e-liquids are recommended. Matching the right e-liquid to your vape ensures smoother hits, better flavour, and longer-lasting coils.
Incorrect Airflow Settings: Airflow setting is too tight or too loose.
Incorrect Power Settings: Power setting is too high or too low for the coil.
Faulty Airflow Sensor: Airflow sensor in a draw-activated device is faulty.
Leaking Problem: E-liquid is leaking and affecting internal components.
Poor Quality Device: Device is a counterfeit or fake vape.
Even if your vape shows a full battery, it might still fail to produce vapour. This is especially common with disposable vapes. Here are the most likely reasons:
Just because the battery has power doesn’t mean the vape will work. In disposable vapes, either the battery or the e-liquid can run out first. Some devices run out of e-liquid while still having battery life, while others are designed to stop working once the battery drops to a certain level.
Signs it’s time to replace the device include:
If your disposable shows these signs, it’s probably finished and should be replaced. WizVape offers hundreds of options in our disposable vape collection from top brands. Shop now!
Sometimes a vape simply doesn’t work right out of the box. This could be due to a manufacturing defect, where the device is dead on arrival (DOA). You might notice that it never hits, doesn’t light up, or has airflow issues from the first use.
If this happens, check the packaging and contact the retailer or manufacturer. Many brands offer return policies or replacements for faulty devices—just make sure you have proof of purchase and act quickly.
To avoid any low-quality products, buy from trusted brands such as R and M Vape.
Using your vape too often in a short period—also known as chain vaping—can cause the device to overheat. Many pod systems and disposables have built-in safety features that shut them down temporarily to cool off.
Overuse can also burn the coil, especially if there’s not enough time for the wick to re-saturate between puffs. If your vape suddenly stops working, give it a rest for a few minutes, then try again. If the problem continues, the coil may be damaged and need replacing (if possible).
Taking care of your vape device can help avoid most issues:
If your device still isn’t working after all the above steps, it might be time to:
If your Gotek vape isn’t working, start by checking that the pod is firmly clicked into place. A loose connection can prevent the device from firing. If that doesn’t help, try using a new pod, as the current one may be faulty. Also, pay attention to the battery light—blinking patterns can indicate an error or safety lock, so refer to your user manual for what the flashes mean.
For a Sonder vape, first check the pod’s e-liquid level. If it’s too low or overfilled, the device may struggle to function properly. Make sure the contacts are clean and the battery is fully charged. Since some Sonder models use auto-draw, try switching to a new pod or gently blowing into the mouthpiece if the device doesn’t activate when you inhale.
There are 5 common answers to the question: Why is my vape not working?, which can be easily checked and avoided. Start with the basics: check the battery, clean the connections, and make sure your pod is in good shape. With regular maintenance and a bit of care, you can keep your vape running smoothly—and avoid the frustration of a device that won’t fire when you need it most.
If your vape doesn't work, the battery might be dead, the pod may have a poor connection, airflow could be blocked, or the coil might be burnt out.
A new vape could be uncharged, assembled incorrectly, or have a defective pod. Double-check the setup and try a different pod if possible.
There may be a clog in the airflow, the battery could be low, or the auto-draw sensor isn’t triggering. Clean the mouthpiece and recharge the vape device.
The vape might be locked, the contacts could be dirty, or there may be internal damage. Unlock the device (if applicable) and clean the contact points.
