Vape pens are discrete, potent, and easy to use. However, using a vape pen isn’t without its challenges. Below, read some of the most common vape pen issues and how best to troubleshoot these issues for a smooth vaping experience. 

Common vape pen issues and troubleshooting

Slow to no airflow

If your vape pen is hitting weaker than it normally does — or if you are unable to pull from your vape pen at all — this issue can be an indicator of a number of things. However, the most common cause of slow to no airflow is a clogged mouthpiece. When you vape, condensation often settles inside of your mouthpiece. When it cools down, this condensation solidifies back into cannabis oil. Over time, this cannabis oil residue builds up and can lead to clogs or blockages in your mouthpiece. 

Troubleshooting 

There are multiple ways to clear a clog from your vape pen’s mouthpiece. 

1. For minor clogs, remove the mouthpiece from the vape pen and pull hard to remove any excess liquid or condensation. 
2. If the mouthpiece detaches from the cartridge, try forcefully blowing through the mouthpiece to dislodge the clog. 
3. If blowing through the mouthpiece won’t work, try clearing the clog gently with a paper clip or sewing needle. 
4. For major clogs, heat up your mouthpiece by submerging it in warm water or with a hair dryer. Hold the hair dryer about a foot away from the cartridge and heat for about 30 seconds. These methods will heat the built-up residue into an oil consistency which will run back down into the cartridge. 

Burnt or odd-tasting flavor 

If your vape tastes off or burnt, it could be due to a burnt or dried-out atomizer. When the atomizer in your vape cartridge is not submerged in oil, it can dry out or burn, causing the produced vapor to taste charred or otherwise odd. This burnt flavor most often occurs when there’s no more oil left in the cartridge. However, it can also show up when your oil settles on one side of the cartridge, and the atomizer cannot reach the settled oil. 

Troubleshooting 

When your vape tastes off or burnt, it could be an indicator that you need to replace your cartridge. However, it could also indicate that the oil has settled where the atomizer cannot reach. To troubleshoot this issue, heat your cartridge by submerging it in water or blowing it with a hairdryer. Hold the hair dryer about a foot away and make sure the cartridge is warm but not hot. The warm water/warm air from the blow dryer will heat the settled oil into a thinner consistency, which can then be redirected toward the bottom of the cartridge. This method will resubmerge the atomizer and help get your vape to return to its normal flavor. 

Poor connection

When the connection on your vape pen is damaged, it can cause your vape pen to malfunction. Poor connection on a vape pen can be caused by a number of things, such as a dirty connection. Screwing on a cartridge too tightly can also cause damage to your vape pen’s connection. When the connection is damaged, your vape pen’s atomizer is unable to connect to the heat source (the battery). Therefore, the oil is not heated up, and vapor is not produced.

Troubleshooting  

If your vape pen’s connection is already loose or damaged, it might be time to invest in a replacement battery. However, if your connection is malfunctioning but does not appear to be loose or damaged, it may simply need to be cleaned. Wiping it with an alcohol-soaked cotton swab will help remove any build-up from the connection that is preventing it from working properly. 

Battery won’t turn on

If you notice your vape is losing battery quicker than normal or if your battery will not turn on at all, it could be an indicator that it’s time to replace your vape pen battery. 

Troubleshooting 

Unfortunately, vape pen batteries do not last forever. If your vape pen battery cannot hold a charge or simply won’t turn on, it might be time to lay your pen to rest and purchase a new battery. 

Why use a vape pen?

Using a vape pen has numerous benefits. 

Where to buy a vape pen? 

When purchasing a vape pen, consider the features that would best amplify your smoking experience. Whether you desire adjustable heat settings. variable voltage, or battery indicator lights,purchasing your vape pen from a quality retailer like Vessel is a great way to ensure the smoothest smoking experience possible. When purchasing from a quality retailer, you can put your trust in the brand’s reputation and feel assured you’re getting the best quality vape pen that’s built to last. 

For example, Vessel produces reliable, high-powered vape pen batteries, such as the Core and theCompass . The Core is a smaller, more compact battery that doesn’t compromise strength and endurance. Powered by a high-quality 260mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery core, The Core comes with a six-month limited warranty as well as a number of convenience features, such as a battery indicator light, four voltage settings, and a wide 510-thread connection made to fit cartridges with a variety of diameters. Though the Core is designed with simplicity in mind, it carries the same reliability and precision engineering as the rest of the Vessel’s line. 

To Sum It Up

Though no piece of technology is built to last forever, there are steps you can take to ensure your vape pen lasts as long as possible while functioning the best it can. Learning how to troubleshoot common vape pen issues, buying from a trusted retailer, and generally keeping a clean connection and mouthpiece can help prolong the life of your vape and allow you the most straightforward and convenient smoking experience. 

FAQs

Why is my vape lighting up but not hitting?

If your vape pen is lighting up but not hitting, that’s a good indicator that your mouthpiece is clogged. If the clog is too severe to simply blow out or remove with a paperclip, try heating the cartridge with a blow dryer or warm water. This method will allow any built-up cannabis oil to flow back into your cartridge and clear your mouthpiece of any blockages. 

Why is my vape pen not hitting?

There’s a number of reasons why a vape pen could malfunction. Check the connection between your cartridge and battery, as well as your battery life. If your pen appears to be functioning correctly, it’s likely that your mouthpiece could be clogged with built-up residue. 

How do I know if my vape is faulty?

There are a number of signs that it could be time to replace your vape pen battery. If your battery will not hold a charge or if your airflow is weaker than normal (or nonexistent), those could be indicators that your vape pen battery is officially dying.