Your vaping experience should be straightforward and enjoyable. But sometimes even the most basic electronic cigarette can bamboozle you, especially if you are a beginner. As with most things in life, the solutions are usually simple but only when you know what they are!

We have put together a comprehensive troubleshooting guide which should solve most of the issues that you encounter with your vaping hardware or e liquids. Hopefully, this will keep you puffing away happily every day. Remember that if you are experiencing a problem, it is likely that many other vapers have experienced it too.

In addition to exploring our troubleshooting guide, it is worth asking yourself exactly how do vapes work? and then taking some time to learn as much as you can about the devices. If you understand how vapes work, you may get to the bottom of any problems quickly. Here are the solutions to common issues with vapes and e liquids:

Troubleshooting your device

Why isn't my vape battery working?

• Check that you haven't accidently turned off your device. Most e-cigs are switched on and off by pressing the relevant button a prescribed number of times. It's quite easy to do that without realising it when your device in your pocket or bag.
• Check that the automatic cut off protection on your device hasn't shut down your mod. If you have accidently depressed the fire button for too long or you have taken several long draws in quick succession, your device might have automatically intervened to save your battery from overheating.
• Check that your battery hasn't run out of charge. If you think that you have charged your battery but it appears to be dead, ensure that you are using a compatible charger. There should be an indicator on your device that will tell you when a connection has been made and the battery is charging.
• Clean the connections between your battery and your tank or pod. A build up of dirt and debris is inevitable and will prevent the battery from firing your coil.
• Ensure that you haven't compromised your battery or batteries. Exposure to water, contact with metal objects and exposure to extreme temperatures can damage your battery and render it unsafe.
• Batteries don't last forever and so yours may simply have reached the end of its useful life.

Why doesn't my new vape tank connect to my battery?

1. Read the product descriptions and/or instructions for your battery and tank to ensure they are compatible with each other. Even equipment from the same brand may not be compatible.
2. If you are sure that your tank and battery are compatible, check the connections to see if they are faulty. You should contact your retailer regarding any faulty equipment.

Why isn't my vape charger working?

1. Check that you are using a compatible charger. It is best to use the charger supplied with your device or at least one from the same manufacturer.
2. Ensure that the terminals are clean. They can be cleaned with a cotton bud.
3. Check that the terminals are touching as they can be pushed in and so not make sufficient contact.
4. Try another charger to identify whether the issue is with your charger or your device.

Why isn't my device producing any vapour when I take a draw?

1. Ensure that your battery is charged.
2. Check that you have switched on your device. This will probably involve pressing the appropriate button a prescribed number of times.
3. Ensure that the connections between your tank and your battery are clean.
4. If these steps don't solve the problem, try changing your coil.

Why can't my mod detect that my tank, pod or atomiser is connected?

1. Check that your vape tank isn't crooked. If it is, this is probably the result of dropping your e cig or sitting on it. If the tank isn't positioned correctly, even the best box mod may not be able to detect that it is present. Alternatively, your mod's safety features might be sensing a problem and preventing you from firing your coil. You will probably need a new tank.
2. Check your connection and ensure that it is adjusted to suit your tank.
3. Look at your coil to see if it is loose or clogged by e liquid residue.
4. Make sure that your tank isn't connected to your mod too tightly.
5. Ensure that your tank is compatible with your mod.
6. Clean your connections.
7. If all else fails, try fitting a new coil.

Why am I experiencing spitting or gurgling sounds when I vape?

1. Remove the mouthpiece (drip tip), if that is possible, and flick the device sharply towards some tissue or a cloth to remove any excess vape juice from the coil.
2. Check that you haven't overfilled your tank. 3. Check that your vape tank isn't screwed too tightly to your mod or battery.
3. Clean your tank with water, dry it thoroughly and refill it with e liquid.
4. Try inhaling less aggressively. You could be inhaling so hard that your vape tank cannot cope.

Why is my eliquid leaking through my airflow?

1. Think about whether you have exposed your device to extreme heat. Your eliquid may have thinned as a result and therefore be more liable to leak.
2. Consider whether you have adopted a vaping style compatible with your device. If you are mouth to lung vaping with a direct to lung device, you might be causing it to overheat.
3. Check that you are using the correct type of e liquid. If your coil boasts a low resistance, it will feature larger airflow holes which are compatible only with higher VG vape juice.
4. Increase your power setting if you have a variable wattage device and this will cause your coil to vaporise more juice per puff and so minimise the potential for flooding.
5. Always empty your tank before taking a flight. The change in air pressure could force eliquid out of your tank.
6. If all else fails, try changing your coil.

Why is eliquid leaking from my tank?

1. Check that you haven't overfilled your tank as this could cause e-liquid to pool within the central chimney. If you leave a small amount of air within the tank, a vacuum will form, helping to stop vape juice from leaking.
2. Ensure that your tank isn't screwed too tightly to your vape mod or battery.
3. Check your O rings. These are seals like gaskets which prevent e liquid leakage, and they need replacing from time to time due to degradation.
4. Examine your vape tank for cracks. Small cracks can be difficult to see but will enable eliquid to escape.
5. Ensure that you are vaping a suitable e liquid. You will need high VG juice for sub ohm equipment.
6. When you are not vaping, leave your device standing upright.

Why isn't my OLED Screen working?

1. If your mod features a stealth mode, check that this hasn't been enabled. You might need to read the instructions for your device to ensure that you have chosen the right settings. Your screen will not light up in stealth mode.
2. See if there is a firmware update available for your device.
3. If these steps don’t resolve the issue, your screen may be broken. It could be replaceable but you might have to invest in a new device.

Why am I experiencing a burnt taste?

1. Your coil probably needs replacing. Coils don't last forever and will eventually deliver a burnt taste.
2. If you have recently replaced your coil, you may not have primed it correctly. You should fill your tank and then allow time for the wick to absorb e liquid before attempting to vape.
3. Check there is sufficient e liquid in your tank. There must be enough juice to cover the air holes in your coil.
4. Allow more time to pass between puffs. It could be that you are taking puffs in quick succession and not allowing the wick to absorb enough juice between draws.

Why am I not getting big enough clouds of vapour?

1. Check that your tank contains enough e liquid.
2. Switch to e liquid with a higher VG ratio as it is the VG that gives you impressive clouds. 3. Consider the equipment you are using. The lower the resistance of your coils, the hotter they get and the more vapour they produce. Low resistance (sub ohm) coils are suitable for high VG eliquid and require higher wattages to fire them.
3. Check your battery as it may be running low on charge. Some devices will moderate the output when the battery charge is low.
4. Try fitting a new coil.
5. Clean the contacts between your battery and your tank.

Troubleshooting your e-liquids

Why are my e liquids turning dark?

1. Think about how long your eliquid has been in your tank or opened bottle. Exposure to heat, UV light and oxygen can cause e-liquid to darken over time. E liquids containing freebase nicotine will darken more quickly than nic salts e liquids.
2. Check the nicotine strength of your eliquid as the higher the strength, the quicker your juice will oxidise and darken.
3. Always store your juice in a cool, dry place.
4. Clean your tank regularly to prevent a build-up of e liquid residue.

Why is Vaping giving me a sore or dry throat?

1. Drink some water.
2. Check that your tank contains sufficient eliquid.
3. Try replacing your coil as it may have burnt out.
4. Switch to eliquid with a higher VG content as PG can irritate your throat. Switching to high VG juice may necessitate an investment in a sub ohm tank, pod or kit that is compatible with the thicker consistency.
5. Reduce the number of puffs you take. If this leaves you craving nicotine, choose an eliquid with a higher nicotine strength.
6. Avoid menthol flavours as these can irritate your throat.

Why don't I get a powerful enough throat hit?

1. Try switching to a vape juice with a higher PG ratio as it the PG which gives you the hit.
2. Choose eliquid with a higher nicotine strength as the strength of freebase nicotine can make all the difference.
3. If you are vaping salt nicotine flavours, switch to those featuring freebase nicotine or a hybrid nicotine containing both freebase and salt nicotine.
4. Try new flavours. Menthol and citrus flavours deliver stronger throat hits than sweet flavours.
5. If you still aren’t satisfied, upgrade your device to one which gives you greater control over your output wattage, temperature and airflow. You can then experiment with your settings.

Why are the throat hits I experience too powerful?

Switch to using e liquid with a higher VG ratio as it is the PG in your juice that provides the throat hit. You will need a sub ohm device to vape high VG e liquids.

1. Choose vape juice with a lower nicotine strength. 3. Switch to vaping flavours featuring salt nicotine as this provides smoother hits than freebase nicotine.
2. Don't vape menthol or citrus flavours as these are harsher on your throat.

Why are my draws not satisfying my nicotine cravings?

1. Switch to eliquid with a higher nicotine strength.
2. If you have a variable wattage vape mod, increase the output.
3. Take longer draws.
4. Try replacing your coil.
5. Ensure that your battery isn’t running low on charge.
6. Try nic salts flavours as salt nicotine is absorbed more quickly by the body and so delivers more immediate and longer-lasting relief of your cravings.

Why does vaping give me a headache or induce nausea?

1. Try reducing the nicotine strength of your eliquid as it will likely be the nicotine that is causing you issues. If you have switched to sub ohm vaping but have not reduced the nicotine strength of your juice, you may be overdosing on the nicotine. If you have recently quit smoking and were a light smoker, you may have chosen vape juice with a nicotine strength that is too high.
2. Take less puffs to reduce the amount of nicotine you are absorbing each time.

Why am I not getting strong enough flavour from my eliquid?

1. Blow gently through your mouthpiece to improve eliquid flow and to release flavour.
2. Take a drink to refresh your palate.
3. Check to see if your e liquid has darkened due to oxidation as this can impact flavour.
4. Clean your tank connections.
5. Clean your tank.
6. Try a different favour profile to perk up your taste buds.
7. Consider whether you may be suffering from a cold or other health issue that impacts your sense of taste.
8. Why is my eliquid getting into my mouth?
9. Don't vape lying down or in any position where your device is tilted downwards.
10. Don't overfill your tank.
11. Ensure that you don’t drip eliquid down your coil's chimney when filling your tank.
12. Check that your coil is fitted correctly.
13. Take some tissue, roll it up and insert it into your chimney to remove any excess eliquid.

Troubleshooting For Vapers

Why am I suffering anxiety shortness of breath after quitting smoking?

Smoking causes extensive damage to your lungs. When you quit smoking, your lungs begin to repair themselves and need to expel excess mucus that has accumulated. This is why you might start coughing and feel that your breathing is worse than ever. Yes! You will be breathing worse after quitting smoking! But you will soon find that your breathing improves and that your cough goes away. Our blog features an article that provides detailed information on this subject. Any anxiety you may feel is entirely normal and will lessen as you become comfortable with vaping.

Can quitting smoking cause constipation?

You may experience a variety of annoying health issues after quitting and that includes constipation. This may be caused by nicotine withdrawal, stress or dietary changes. Vaping will resolve any

Problems with nicotine withdrawal and could prevent you from comfort eating. For further information, read the relevant article on our blog.

Can quitting smoking cause aches and pains?

It is possible that you will experience body aches after quitting smoking. These pains are caused by nicotine withdrawal and will disappear over time. However, vaping will give you the nicotine hits you need to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Always see your doctor if you are experiencing pain to ensure that you are, indeed, experiencing nothing more than body aches after quitting smoking.

Can quitting smoking cause acne?

Smoking causes terrible damage to your skin and so it can be extremely annoying to discover that your skin could look worse before it improves after quitting. Many ex-smokers have reported that they developed acne after quitting. The causes for this haven't been confirmed but are likely stress, dietary changes and the body beginning to repair itself. Find out more here.

How long does vape rash last?

Some vapers are sensitive to or allergic to propylene glycol (PG), an ingredient of e liquid. Sensitivity usually manifests itself as a rash on the skin. If you develop redness or bumps around your mouth when vaping, you should seek medical attention immediately. Vape rash caused by PG will not subside unless you stop vaping.