Vape Not Hitting? 9 Common Causes and How to Fix Them

You take a puff and get almost nothing. No flavour, no vapour, no throat hit. It is one of the most annoying things in vaping, especially when you are sure the device was working fine yesterday.

The good news is that a vape that is not hitting is usually easy to fix. In most cases, it comes down to one of a few simple problems. This guide goes through nine of the most common causes and shows you what to do about each one. Start at the top and work your way down.

1. The Battery Is Low

This is the first thing to check, and it is the most common cause. A weak battery cannot heat the coil properly. The result is thin, weak vapour, or none at all.

How to fix it: Plug the device in and charge it fully. Use a USB-C cable or the cable that suits your device, and charge it from a wall plug or a laptop, not a weak charger. If the light flashes when you puff, the battery is probably the problem. Give it a proper charge before you try again.

2. The Pod or Tank Is Empty or Low

It sounds obvious, but many people miss it. If there is little or no e-liquid in the pod, the coil has nothing to heat. It will dry out and may even burn.

How to fix it: Look at the pod. If the liquid is below the coil, refill it or swap the pod. Do not keep puffing on an empty pod, because a dry coil can get damaged fast. If you use refillable pods, keep a bottle of e-liquid handy so you are never caught out.

3. The Pod Is Not Seated Properly

A pod that is slightly loose will not connect with the battery. Your vape may do nothing, flash a light, or feel weak.

How to fix it: Take the pod out, check that the bottom and the contact points are clean, and click it back in firmly. You should feel it settle into place. Many devices also show an error if the connection is poor. If you see one, our guide on fixing E2 errors walks you through it.

4. The Coil Is Worn Out or Burnt

Coils do not last forever. Over time, they get gunked up with residue from the e-liquid. The flavour gets flat or burnt, and the hit gets weaker.

How to fix it: On most pod kits, the coil is built into the pod, so you just replace the pod. If the taste is harsh or the vapour is thin even with a full battery and good liquid, a new pod is the fix. Not sure how often to do it? Check our tips on replacing your pod. As a rough guide, many people change a pod every one to two weeks, but it depends on how much you vape and what you use.

5. The Coil Is Not Primed

This one catches people out after they have just changed a pod. A new coil is dry. If you start puffing straight away, the cotton has not soaked up enough liquid, and you can get a dry, burnt hit.

How to fix it: After you fill or fit a new pod, wait five to ten minutes. This gives the cotton time to soak up the liquid. You can also take a few gentle puffs without pressing the button, if your device has one, to help pull liquid into the coil. Patience here saves a lot of trouble.

6. The E-Liquid Is Too Thick for Your Device

Thick liquid does not travel through the cotton as quickly. If your device is not built for it, the coil may not get enough liquid, and the hit can feel weak or dry.

The thickness of e-liquid depends on its mix of VG and PG. High-VG juice is thicker, and 50/50 juice is thinner. Small pod kits usually work best with thinner liquid.

How to fix it: Match your liquid to your device. For most small pod kits, a 50/50 e-liquid or a nic salt works well. If you want to learn how nic salts differ from standard juice, read our guide on salts vs regular juice.

7. The Airflow Is Blocked or Set Wrong

Vapes need air to work. If the airflow is blocked by dirt, lint or a loose part, you may find it hard to draw, or the hit may feel weak. On adjustable devices, an airflow setting that is too tight or too open can also change how the vape feels.

How to fix it:

• Check the air holes for lint or dust.
• Make sure nothing is covering the airflow slot, like a case or your fingers.
• On a device with adjustable airflow, try a different setting.

A quick wipe with a dry cloth often does the trick.

8. Your Nicotine Strength Does Not Suit You

Sometimes the vape is working fine, but the hit does not feel right to you. If the nicotine is too low, you may not feel satisfied. If you have recently cut back or switched from a stronger product, your body may also feel the difference.

How to fix it: Think about what strength suits your habits. Lower strengths feel smoother, and higher strengths feel stronger. You can browse by strength, such as 10mg or 20mg. If you mix your own juice, a nic shot lets you adjust the strength without buying a whole new bottle. Try a small change first, and give yourself a few days to adjust.

9. Vape Tongue or a Tired Nose

Here is one that has nothing to do with your device. Sometimes the vape is fine, but you cannot taste it. This is often called “vape tongue.” After using the same flavour for a long time, your taste buds get used to it. Colds, dry mouth and dehydration can make it worse.

How to fix it:

• Drink more water.
• Take a break from vaping for a few hours.
• Try a different flavour for a few days.
• Brush your teeth or use mouthwash to freshen your palate.

If the hit comes back with a new flavour, your device was never the problem. A few new short fills or a fresh nic salt flavour can be a fun way to reset your taste.

Quick Reference Table

When to Replace the Whole Device

If you have tried all nine fixes and the vape still does not work, the battery or the circuit may have failed. This can happen with older devices, or ones that have been dropped or got wet.

At that point, it may be cheaper and less stressful to upgrade. A simple new vape kit is often a good choice for everyday vaping. If you want more control, a mod gives you more power options.

Final Thoughts

A vape that does not hit is rarely a disaster. In most cases, it is a flat battery, an empty pod, a worn coil, or a small mix-up between your liquid and your device. Work through the list above, and you will usually find the cause in a few minutes.

If you are stuck, or you just want a fresh start, FogFathers has a wide range of vape kits, e-liquids and mods to get you back to a smooth, satisfying hit. Happy vaping!