Why is My Vape Lighting Up but Not Hitting

It is every vaper's worst nightmare—you try to activate the vape to get the needed nicotine puffs, and the electronic device does not light up! What can be the cause of this? Well, this guide will help explain all because there can be one or even multiple reasons these common but fixable issues may occur.

From a blocked passage of airflow to battery malfunctioning, once you get to the root of the problem, you can get back to vaping as intended when you purchased your disposable vape, pod kit, vape pen or vape mod.

Check the Device Screen or LED Indicator

The type of device and tank or pod that holds your e-liquid will be the first indication of what may have caused the vape to hit despite lighting up.

Nowadays, many devices have display screens with error messages that highlight potential faults. This is the ideal scenario—like on the dashboard of a car—where it tells you the issue so you can address the problem straight away.

Alternatively, some devices (disposables especially) have LED indicators that flash during vaping. Below is an in-depth look at the warning signs explaining why your device is not hitting despite the vape lighting up:

1. Blocked Airflow

One of the most frequently overlooked reasons is when the passageway for airflow is blocked. This can be caused simply by covering the airflow hole which is sometimes tiny on the side of the pod kit or disposable vape.

With vape tanks on mods, the airflow is often much larger and therefore less easily blocked manually by human error. To keep the airflow clear, when you purchase the device and first use it, scan the vape before hitting it for the first time to check where the airflow vent or vents are and find a comfortable grip that doesn’t unintentionally block.

Many devices will also have a sticker or rubber stopper that must be removed before beginning to use the vape kit.

2. Battery Fault or Needs Charging

From time to time there can be complications with the internal or external battery of your vape kit. Whether you have a dual external battery power mod or an internal rechargeable pod vape, there should be instructions and a charger with the kit on how best to charge and the time it will take to fully charge.

Most pod and mod kits have a screen displaying whether there is an internal fault with the battery. If there is no screen and the LED indicator is blinking but no puff activation, it could mean you are low on battery! Most screens highlight how much charge is left but insert the charger and see whether the device starts to charge.

Should that still not work, there could be an issue with the battery or the charging cable. In most cases, trial and error works best. Swap for another type-c charging cable, and see if that is the cause.

If it is a single-use disposable vape such as an Elf Bar 600 with a standard pre-filled 2ml capacity, the battery should already be fully charged and ready for use. Should the indicator light up on the disposable but not hit, this means the device is faulty or possibly even counterfeit. Always check that there is a verification label when purchasing a device and that you’re buying from a respected and legitimate website.

3. Pod or Tank Clogged With Vape Juice

A vape pod or e-cigarette tank is often small and a key but intricate component. The main function is to store the coil, heat the e-liquid and offer a mouthpiece on the top comfortable enough for vaping. But sometimes there can be an issue where the tank or the pod is clogged with vape juice. This can be due to:

• A flooded tank due to the coil not being secured correctly
• Vape juice is touching the contact points of the pod accessory
• Overfilling the pod or tank with e-liquid

The best way to avoid these issues is to keep the vape juice at a reasonable level at all times. Should the pod or tank clog, remove all excess e-liquid with a cotton bud until dry. Follow the same process with a clogged mouthpiece, which may also have a collection of dust particles, preventing the device from firing.

4. Fire Button is Stuck

It sounds like an obvious fault that nobody would miss but you would be surprised how often it happens and is overlooked! Because most devices last one or two years maximum, and most people tend to find devices priced under £20, the quality is not always the best. And for that reason, the fire button if it is not an auto-draw activation vape can get stuck on occasion.

This may be because of trapped dirt or liquid that seeps underneath the button. Give it a thorough clean and make sure you have turned the device on correctly and are able to press the fire button as it could be in lock mode or not even turned on properly!

5. Fake Unverified Vape

One that we covered earlier but certainly something that we cannot stress enough is to check the verification of the device. With most single-use kits and refillable pod kits, there should be a verification barcode or product number displayed somewhere on the packaging to check it’s not a counterfeit product.

Check if it is a correct match by going to the official website of the manufacturer to make sure it is not a fake vape. If you have been unfortunate by investing in a fake product, that could be the reason it is lighting but not firing when prompted.

6. Device is Locked

Many devices now have lock features by pressing a combination of buttons or if you are lucky a switch or dial to keep the vape kit in lock mode, which is always handy when it is in your pocket or bag for additional safety. Double-check that your device is not in lock mode to ensure it is lighting up but not hitting for this reason.

7. Charger Not Connected Properly

If the battery is always running out quicker than expected, this could be due to the charger not being connected properly to the device. Always push the type-c or micro USB cable all the way in (but be careful of using too much force). Once the LED indicator flashes or displays it is charging on the display screen, you know it is charging correctly.

8. Problem With Coil

Finally, there can be issues with the coil. It may be faulty because of too many dry hits or simply overheating. This can create auto-firing when not intended or trick the internal system sensors. Any heating failure with the coil is the worst possible scenario because you need this key accessory functioning correctly to heat the e-liquid and turn it into vapour ready to inhale and exhale!

External Factors to Avoid

• Human error, such as an incorrect setup by not following the manufacturers instructions via their manual or YouTube guide provided
• Another problem caused by the user could be not puffing on the device correctly. Some devices are short or long puff-only kits
• Not storing the device or the e-liquids at the optimal room temperature may impact the ability to fire when called upon
• Vaping outside when it is too cold as the liquid may not vaporise correctly
• Puffing too many times on the device, as some kits have puff exceed limits, so always keep this in mind when vaping
• Any vape kit can suffer from too much pressure when carried on a plane. Always keep the tank or pod empty before taking off

And there you have it – a few straightforward fixes that should get you back to vaping in no time.

If you follow all of these instructions and the device is still not work, we are afraid to say that there is likely a device malfunction. Providing it is within the warranty and not the fault of the user, you can often raise a return for an exchange or refund with any respectable retailer.

At V2 Cigs UK, we pride ourselves on excellent customer service and prompt resolutions. If you have any concerns or doubts about the operation of your vape kit and it is lighting up but not hitting, feel free to reach out to the team and we will not hesitate to help you out!