Why Isn’t My Vape Producing Smoke?

From time to time, adult vapers may encounter a problem or fault with their device, and they might find that no smoke is coming out of the vape. First of all, it is important to remember that vapes do not produce smoke. Vaping devices should heat an e-liquid solution to produce a vapour which replaces the smoke seen in cigarettes. Unfortunately, problems with vaping devices may occur intermittently.

Vapes typically contain a number of parts that all work together, including a heating element, a wick, a battery, and a tank that holds the e-liquid. The e-liquid often contains nicotine, PG, VG, flavourings, amongst other potential ingredients. With many different components and ingredients, there are various reasons why a vape might start to produce little vapour - or stop producing vapour entirely. Before you investigate, make sure to always follow manufacturer guidance when troubleshooting a device. Here are some possible reasons why a vape might not be working correctly.

• Dead battery – A vape is unlikely to work properly if the battery is not sufficiently charged. Without ample power, the vapour production may be affected. If the battery is particularly old, it might need replacing – follow manufacturer guidance for more information on if this is possible. For more on vape charging issues, read our article My E-Cigarette is Charged But Isn’t Working.
  
• A faulty coil – In wick and coil devices, the vapouriser typically works by heating the internal coil and the e-liquid inside. It is generally important that the coil works sufficiently. Problems with the coil could impact your experience. A faulty coil might be the reason behind a vape not producing vapour.
  
• Insufficient e-Liquid - If a vape does not contain enough e-liquid, it might stop producing vapour. In some devices, you can refill the e-liquid tank to potentially resolve this. Many pre-filled cartridges are sealed, so there could be a blockage within the cartridge. This may be fixed by clearing the blockage - allowing free flow of the e-liquid once again, however you should check the manufacturer’s guidance before doing so. Unfortunately, on occasion, a disposable or pre-filled e-liquid device might be faulty (overfilled). In this instance, adult vapers may need to replace it.
  
• A flooded tank – This could happen when a tank has recently been refilled with e-liquid. When the tank contains too much e-liquid, saturation can sometimes make it difficult for the vape to function as it’s supposed to. Always fill a vape tank with the correct amount of e-liquid, according to manufacturer guidance.
  
• Electrical connection – Depending on your device, if a vape is not producing vapour, the connection between the vape and the atomizer could be responsible. Check the connection carefully, making sure to clean all the contact points on the battery and tank. Follow manufacturer guidance for detailed information on how to resolve connection problems.
  
• Incorrect e-liquid - The type of e-liquid in use depends on the type of device - and the manufacturer should have clear guidelines as to which e-liquid is correct. It is important to use a compatible e-liquid for your device.
  
• A faulty charger – A faulty charger may be another reason why a vape is not producing vapour, as the lack of power could prevent the device from vapourising e-liquid. Make sure you use the right charger, and if the issue persists, consider replacing it.

Those who have not used a vape before might be concerned about the sounds coming from inside. These noises could simply be due to the coils working and vapourising the e-liquid. However, louder or more unusual sounds - such as crackling and gurgling, could indicate a wider problem with the coil.

How to Look after a Vape

To ensure a device works properly, it is important to look after it. Some practical measures may be taken to help a vape work properly, and potentially prolong its condition, depending on the type of device. We have already discussed the necessity of tank refills when a device has run out of e-liquid – so take care not to overfill the tank, and do not over prime the coil as this could cause problems such as a spitting vape. This is where a vape “spits” e-liquid, rather than producing only vapour. It is usually important to prime the coil to a level where it can absorb enough e-liquid, but not too much that it causes the vape to leak or spit. Of course, these maintenance routines are only applicable to some devices and may not be relevant to your vape. Always follow manufacturer guidance when looking after your device.

Regular vape cleaning may also help keep it in the best possible condition. A potentially good time to do this is at the point of refilling the tank with e-liquid. Responsible care practices and storage, in line with manufacturer guidance, could help adult vapers maintain their vape.

IQOS Smoke-Free Products

For those finding their vape isn’t producing vapour, it may be reassuring to know there are smoke-free options available that could replace the device. With a variety of options that may fit an adult smoker’s or adult vaper’s criteria, IQOS is a provider of smoke-free products.

IQOS heated tobacco devices heat the tobacco instead of burning it like cigarettes do. The consequence is IQOS produces less smell than cigarettes. IQOS leaves less lingering smell than cigarettes. IQOS leaves less lingering smell on hands, hair and clothes than cigarettes. As IQOS produces less smell than cigarettes, it is less likely to bother people around you. IQOS has extensive and robust clinical evidence* showing that using IQOS presents less risk to your health than continuing to smoke. IQOS devices use HEETS tobacco sticks, which are designed to slot inside the IQOS device. HEETS come in a range of flavours - find an intensity and aroma to suit your taste. Find IQOS heated tobacco and HEETS online.

Important information: IQOS is not risk-free and provides nicotine, which is addictive.

*  Based on the totality of evidence available for IQOS in comparison with continuing to smoke.

Those looking for a device that encapsulates the latest in smoke-free design might want to explore IQOS ILUMA. IQOS ILUMA provides real tobacco taste and satisfaction, and it features an all-new SMARTCORE INDUCTION SYSTEM. The accompanying TEREA tobacco sticks slot inside the device. Furthermore, IQOS ILUMA emits on average 95% lower levels of harmful chemicals compared to cigarettes.* Based on the scientific evidence to date, switching completely to IQOS ILUMA is likely to present less risk to your health than continuing to smoke. Discover IQOS ILUMA and the accompanying TEREA sticks online.

Important information: IQOS ILUMA is not risk-free

* Average reductions in levels of a range of harmful chemicals (excluding nicotine) compared to the smoke of a reference cigarette. It does not necessarily equal a 95% reduction in risk.

IQOS products are not risk-free and provide nicotine, which is addictive. The best decision any adult smoker can make is to quit tobacco and nicotine use altogether. IQOS products are not alternatives to quitting and are not designed as cessation aids.

Those with more questions about vape devices should head to the FAQ page.

This article is for general information and educational purposes. Some of the information in this article is based on external, third-party sources and we make no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the accuracy, validity or completeness of such information.