No clouds? No clue? Let’s fix it together.
It’s one of the most frustrating vape moments: you press the button (or inhale)… and nothing happens. No vapour. No crackle. Just silence.
Before you assume your kit’s completely kaput, don’t worry — it’s often something simple. Whether you’re using a button-activated mod or a slick little auto-draw pod system, here are the six most common reasons your vape won’t fire — and how to get it sorted without the drama.
1. 🔋 Is Your Battery Actually On?
Let’s start with the obvious: is your device even turned on?
What to check:
- Most devices require five quick clicks of the fire button to turn on
- Some pod kits (like the Vaporesso XROS) are always on, but can lock accidentally
What to do:
- Try the 5-click trick
- If it’s auto-draw, try plugging it in — a totally dead battery won’t respond at all
- If it has a lock setting, consult your manual (or pop in and ask us)
2. 🔌 Has the Battery Fully Charged?
Even if the device is on, a low or dying battery can stop it from firing properly — especially with high-resistance coils or sub-ohm tanks.
Look for:
- Flashing lights or low battery indicator
- It fired earlier… but now won’t
- Vapour output was weak before it stopped completely
What to do:
- Give it a full recharge using the original USB-C cable if possible
- Some older USB ports don’t provide enough power — use a wall adapter for best results
- If the battery still won’t hold charge, it might be time for a new one
3. 🔄 Is Your Pod or Tank Properly Connected?
If the coil or pod isn’t making good contact with the battery, the device won’t fire — even if everything looks fine from the outside.
Look for:
- Loose-fitting pod or tank
- Wobble when you pick it up
- No error message, but still no vape
What to do:
- Remove the pod or tank
- Check for e-liquid around the contacts (those little gold pins)
- Wipe them gently with a cotton bud or tissue
- Re-seat the pod firmly and try again
This is the top culprit for pod systems like the Caliburn and Xlim — a little juice residue can cause total silence.
4. ⚠️ Coil Issues: Burnt, Dead or Not Detected
If your coil is dead, not installed properly, or incompatible, your vape won’t know what to do — so it just doesn’t fire.
Look for:
- “No atomiser” or “check coil” message on screen
- You just installed a new coil or pod, and now it won’t fire
- The coil is old and tasting off
What to do:
- Remove and reinsert the coil (or entire pod)
- Try a brand-new coil, making sure it matches your device
- Let new coils prime for 5–10 mins before using
- Still no luck? Bring it in — we can help test it
5. 🔒 Safety Lock or Mode Setting
Some devices have lock features or “stealth modes” that disable firing — often by accident.
Check for:
- Locked fire button (especially on mods or button kits)
- A screen that lights up, but nothing happens when you puff
- You recently clicked buttons randomly (we’ve all done it)
What to do:
- Check your user manual for the unlock sequence
- Try pressing fire + another button to unlock
- Some devices allow you to fire only when unlocked or out of stealth mode
6. 🧊 Is It Cold Outside?
Seriously — cold weather can affect auto-draw sensors and battery function.
- In freezing temps, auto-draw might not detect your inhale properly
- Cold batteries hold less charge and may refuse to fire under load
- Condensation can collect around sensors or connectors
What to do:
- Warm the device in your hands or inside pocket for a few minutes
- Dry off any condensation
- Try again once it’s had a chance to reach room temperature
Bonus Tip: Did It Take a Knock?
If your vape was dropped recently or has visible wear and tear, internal components might be damaged.
Bring it in if:
- Nothing listed above helped
- You hear rattling
- It turns on but behaves erratically
We can test it for you, try a new coil or pod, or recommend a reliable upgrade if it’s time.
Final Thoughts from the Counter
When your vape won’t fire, it’s easy to think the worst — but most of the time, it’s something small and simple. Dead battery? Dirty contact? Wrong coil? Tick through this list and 9 times out of 10, you’ll be back to cloud-chasing (or stealth-puffing) in no time.
And if not? Bring it to us. We’ll get you sorted — no fuss, no pressure.