Versed Vaper TeamThere is nothing more frustrating than a vape that isn’t working. Disposables are simple to operate, making it even more vexing when they don’t work. However, save your frustration, as there may be a simple explanation! In many cases, all it takes is a simple fix to get your disposable vape up and running again.
Today we’ll give you several areas to check if your brand-new disposable vape isn’t working. These fixes apply to most disposable vapes on the market today, so try these out before you throw your brand new disposable in the garbage!
Components of a Disposable Vape
Before we delve into how to fix a disposable vape, let’s explain a few technical terms so you can quickly and easily zone in on the relevant areas. Here are the common components of a disposable vape.
Ejuice Reservoir
The simplest disposable vapes will contain an integrated reservoir that holds ejuice. Generally, this component is not removable.
Coil
The ‘coil’ is the heating element within your vape, responsible for turning the liquid into vapor. Electrical power is pushed through the coil, causing it to heat. When the liquid comes into contact with the hot coil, it creates the vapor you inhale.
Battery
The battery forms the bulk of most devices. A draw-activated or pushbutton switch allows power from the battery to flow through to the coil. The battery may also include an LED indicator light, giving charge status and whether the device is firing.
Airflow Holes
To inhale the vapor produced by your device, air needs to be allowed to flow through the device and over the coil. Trying to vape with blocked airflow holes is akin to drinking a beverage with a blocked straw. Simply put, with no airflow, your vape won’t work effectively, even if it is firing.
Mouthpiece
The mouthpiece, as the name would suggest, is the part where you put your lips to inhale the vapor. They come in many different shapes and sizes. Some offer a roomy, airy draw, whereas others are tighter and more restricted.
How to Fix a Disposable Vape That Won’t Hit: 8 Faults and Fixes
Vape not working? There are a few common culprits if you get less than satisfactory results. Here are the most common areas for a disposable vape that won’t work, along with potential fixes to try:
1. Ensure Your Device is Charged
The first port of call if your vape isn’t working is to check the charge or level of your battery. Many devices come with a light or indicator to show when the device is charged and/or firing.
Check for lights when you try and fire the device. No lights mean the device has run out of battery. With some devices, the light will pulse or flash several times if the battery level is low.
Suggested Fixes:
- If your device is not rechargeable, then there isn’t too much you can do when it comes to dead batteries.
- If you have a rechargeable device, plug it into the charger. Pay careful attention to whether this causes any lights to come on. You may have a dud if the device’s light remains out even when charging.
2. Check the Mouthpiece
Your device may actually be firing, but something is blocking the vapor flow. The mouthpiece is the driving force behind sufficient airflow. It can be easily blocked (especially if you keep your vape in lint-ridden pockets).
Suggested Fixes
- If the mouthpiece is removable, remove it and hold it up to the light to see if there are any obstructions.
- With non-removable mouthpieces, use a toothpick or Q-tip to gently check if there is anything that could be blocking the mouthpiece.
3. Check The ELiquid Level
One key area that causes disposable vapes to malfunction is a lack of e-juice. While manufacturers often offer a suggested ‘puff count’, this is based on average use. If you hit your vape longer or harder, there is a good chance that the juice will be exhausted sooner.
Suggested Fixes
- It can be hard to check the eliquid level for most disposable vapes. A surefire sign of a lack of juice is a burned or harsh taste. If this is the case, it may be time to purchase a new one.
- On some disposables, you may be able to remove the mouthpiece. Underneath the mouthpiece there is usually a rubber seal, along with a wad of cotton that is holding the ejuice. If this cotton looks dried up, then that’s a good indication that your disposable is out of ejuice.
Related products
Binaries SV15000
The Binaries SV15000 is manufactured by HorizonTech, a vape brand that is known for their excellent tanks and superb build quality. This build quality extends to their disposable vapes and with their Binaries series, the quality control is unmatched. With that being said, you're very unlikely to pull one of these devices out of the packaging only to find that it doesn't work. During our testing, we had no troubles or issues with any of the 10+ devices that we tried over the course of a month. This gives us the confidence to easily recommend the Binaries SV15000.
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EBDESIGN BC5000
EBDESIGN's BC5000 disposables are one of the most popular disposable vapes around for a reason. Not only are they extremely flavorful, with 40+ flavors to choose from, but they're also very reliable. Each BC5000 will last for approximately 5000 puffs and can be recharged multiple times before the ejuice is finished.
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4. Check Airflow
The mouthpiece is not the only area to influence airflow. Many vapes have small air intakes that allow air to flow into your device. Due to the size of the holes, they can easily become blocked.
Also, some devices are activated by the vacuum effect of you sucking on the mouthpiece. Light puffs are sometimes not enough to activate the device.
Suggested Fixes
- As with the mouthpiece, a toothpick or pin can gently clear away debris in and around the airflow holes.
- If you have a draw-activated disposable device with more than one airflow hole, try covering up one of the holes and taking a draw. This increases the suction on the switch and also, due to the increased vacuum pressure, can sometimes clear debris from the other airflow hole.
5. Gently Tap and Shake
Sometimes air bubbles can form in your juice reservoir, meaning it isn’t in contact with the coil. This can lead to muted flavor or a burnt taste as the wicking in the coil dries out. This is an easy fix, especially if your device is brand new.
Suggested Fix:
Give your device a gentle tap or shake to dislodge any air bubbles. Wait for a few minutes, and then try hitting your device again to see if there is any improvement.
6. Take a Break
If you hit your vape often, the wicking material (responsible for ensuring juice flows to the coil) may be a little dry. This can lead to a weaker vape or, in extreme cases, a strong acrid or burned taste in your vape.
Suggested Fixes
- Give your device a little rest. Five minutes is good, but ten is better. If you think you may have dried out your coil, give your disposable vape a couple of gentle shakes and swirls to ensure the juice will soak into the coil and wicking.
- If your disposable vape is working and this happens often, consider reducing the number or strength of hits you take with each use.
7. Disassemble Your Vape
Most disposable vapes come with few options for complete disassembly. While there are guides that will show you how to do it, it is not advisable. The inner components can be quite delicate, and there is a strong chance that even if you succeed in taking your device apart, it won’t be as easy to reassemble.
If you are the kind of vaper who likes to take things apart or wants more reliability, a good suggestion would be to check out some pod vapes. This way, you can replace faulty components, like a bad pod, without discarding an entire device.
8. Consider a Return
Disposable vapes are mass-produced, and, as the name would suggest, they are generally a ‘use and throw away’ kind of deal.
Due to inconsistencies in mass manufacture, now and again a dud sneaks its way in!
Suppose you have tried all of the above steps without success. In that case, there is a strong possibility that you have just been unlucky and acquired a faulty device.
What can you do if your new disposable vape isn’t working?
As a ‘when all else fails,’ it is often a good idea to return to where you bought it from. If this is a brick-and-mortar store, they should be happy to exchange it with proof of purchase.
Online customers have a couple of options as well. You can either contact the manufacturer directly, or simply return the device for a replacement.
The bottom line
While disposable vapes are simple, occasionally, things can go wrong. Your best bet is to slowly and methodically work your way through the potential faults, then try our suggested fixes to rectify a faulty disposable vaping device.
In the worst case, you may have been unlucky and acquired a vape that cannot be fixed, so it may be time to invest in a new one. Don’t know what brands are good? Check out our list of the best disposable vapes, based on staff testing, community feedback, and numerous other factors.
Russ Ware
I bought a disposable. It’s got liquid. The brand is called Cream. I’m getting plenty of air. Also it’s lighting up but I’m getting just that. Air
We bought 2 king ape onee and when you vape you only get air. We have tried everything on this list but take it apart and it stills does nothing. They are fully charged. Need some suggestions
I bought a swft vape but whenever I charge it won’t turn on its just me sucking in air whts wrong with it??
This sounds like the battery is probably dead. If it’s rechargeable then you can try plugging it in. If not, I would contact the store where you bought it from for a refund.
i got my vape and its a disposable i recharged it and i went to go hit it again but no smoke came out….i check the wires if i broke any but nothing is wrong
Did you ever figure out what was wrong with it?
that happened to me aswell idk what is wrong with it
What was up wiv it mines like tha rn
I got the RandM 9000 and it died within a day, tried charging it and the light doesn’t turn on and still flashes red twice when hitting, no vapour comes out. any idea why?
I accidently dropped my rechargeable disposable vape and now although the smoke comes when i take a hit, there is no flavour or nicotine.. Is it fixable? if so, how?