A vape that won't fire, flashes at you or shows an error code is almost always telling you something specific. This guide explains what the common flashing lights and error codes mean, how to fix a vape that lights up but won't hit, and what to do about a sticky button or a hissing or crackling sound. It also covers the warning signs that mean you should stop using a device altogether.
Start here: a five-step check
Work through these in order. Many problems are fixed in the first three steps.
- Charge it. A battery can have enough power to light the LED but not enough to heat the coil. Charge it fully with the cable that came with the device, then try again.
- Check it's switched on and unlocked. Many devices with a fire button switch on and off with five quick clicks, and it's easy to switch one off in your pocket without noticing.
- Reseat the pod. Take the pod out, wipe the metal contacts on both the pod and the device with a dry tissue or cotton bud, and push the pod back in until it clicks.
- Check the pod. If it's empty, running low, or tastes burnt, the pod or coil needs replacing. Try a new one.
- Check the airflow. Make sure nothing is blocking the air holes, including leftover packaging stickers or seals on a new device.
If the problem comes back with a brand-new pod and clean contacts, the fault is probably in the device itself.
What do the flashing lights mean?
Most vapes use flashing lights to report a problem, then stop firing to protect the battery and coil. The exact patterns vary between brands and models, so your device's manual is the final word. Many devices follow a similar pattern, though:
| What you might see | What it usually means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| A few flashes (often 3), then the device stops | Battery too low | Charge the device |
| More flashes (often 5), then the device stops | Short circuit or a pod or coil fault, or the device can't detect the pod | Clean the contacts, reseat the pod, then try a new pod |
| Device cuts out mid-puff and flashes | You've drawn for too long in one go (a safety cut-off) | Take shorter puffs |
| Repeated flashing after heavy use | Device too hot | Stop and let it cool down |
If your device keeps showing a short-circuit warning with a new pod, don't keep trying to fire it.
What does E2 mean on a vape?
On vapes with a small screen, E2 usually means the device can't make a proper connection with the pod. It's most common on prefilled pod kits. The usual causes are a pod that isn't fully inserted, e-liquid or condensation on the metal contact points, or a fault inside the pod itself.
To fix it:
- Take the pod out.
- Wipe the metal contacts on the pod and inside the device until they're clean and dry.
- Push the pod back in firmly.
- If E2 comes back, try a different pod. If a new pod fixes it, the old pod was faulty.
If E2 appears with two different pods and clean contacts, the fault is in the device. Error codes aren't standardised, so E2 and other codes can mean slightly different things on different devices. Check your manual if the steps above don't clear it.
Why is my vape flashing and not working?
A vape that flashes when you try to use it but doesn't produce vapour has usually detected a problem and cut the power. The three most common reasons are:
- Low battery: charge it fully.
- Poor pod connection: reseat the pod and clean the contacts.
- A faulty or shorted pod or coil: replace it.
Count the flashes and check them against your manual. It's the quickest way to tell these apart.
Why is my vape pen blinking red?
On most devices, a blinking red light points to a low battery. Charge the device fully and try again. If it keeps blinking red after a full charge, or blinks a different number of times than usual, it's more likely a pod or coil fault: clean the contacts and try a new pod.
Why is my vape lighting up but not hitting?
If the light comes on when you draw, the sensor has detected your puff, so the problem lies between the battery and the coil. Check these in order:
- The pod isn't making contact. Remove it, clean the contacts, and reseat it firmly.
- The pod is empty. Check the liquid level and replace or refill it.
- The battery is too low. It may power the light but not the coil. Charge it.
- The coil has burnt out. A burnt taste or no vapour from a pod with liquid in it means it's time for a new pod or coil.
On prefilled pod kits, a firm reseat of the pod after wiping the contacts is the first fix to try. If a new pod works and the old one doesn't, the old pod was the problem.
How to fix a vape pen button
If the fire button doesn't respond:
- Check the device isn't switched off or locked. Try five quick clicks.
- Clean around the button. Dried e-liquid and pocket dust can make a button stick. Wipe around it with a dry cotton bud. Don't use water or spray anything into the device.
- Charge it. A flat battery can make it seem as if the button isn't working.
If the button is physically broken or stuck in, stop using the device. A button stuck in can keep firing the coil. Don't open the device or try to repair it yourself. Fire services advise never tampering with vape devices or batteries, because it increases the risk of malfunction or injury.
Why is my vape hissing or crackling?
Where the sound comes from matters more than the sound itself.
- Crackling or popping while you're vaping usually comes from e-liquid on the coil. A little sizzle is normal. Loud crackling, gurgling or spitting usually means the coil is flooded. Stop, wipe any liquid from the mouthpiece and air holes, and take slower, lighter puffs. Our guide to why vapes leak and gurgle explains how to clear a flooded coil.
- Hissing from the battery or device when you're not using it, or while it's charging, is a warning sign. Stop using it immediately (see below).
When to stop using your vape
Vapes contain lithium-ion batteries. Fire services advise that if a device or battery appears damaged, overheats or doesn't work correctly, you should stop using it and dispose of it safely. Stop using it if you notice:
- a swollen, cracked or damaged battery or device
- leaking from the battery area
- unusual heat, a strange smell or hissing
- a fire button that's stuck in
When charging, London Fire Brigade advises using only the charger that came with your device, never leaving a vape charging unattended or overnight, and not covering it while it charges. Never carry a vape or loose batteries in a pocket with keys or coins, which can cause a short circuit.
Don't put a broken vape in the bin. See our guide to recycling vapes and batteries.
When to replace your vape
If your device still won't work after a full charge, a new pod and clean contacts, the fault is in the device. If it's still under warranty, contact the retailer you bought it from. If you bought it from us, get in touch and we'll help.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my vape not working when it's fully charged?
If the battery is charged, the problem is usually the pod: it isn't seated properly, the contacts are dirty or wet, or the pod or coil is faulty. Clean the contacts, reseat it, and try a new pod.
Why does my vape keep cutting out?
Most devices stop firing after a set time to protect the coil, usually after a few seconds, depending on the model. If yours cuts out on shorter puffs, it may be a low battery or a loose pod connection.
Can I fix a vape that got wet?
Stop using it and don't charge it. Liquid inside a device can damage the electronics and battery. If it doesn't work normally once completely dry, replace it and recycle the old one.
Is it safe to keep using a vape that shows a short-circuit warning?
No. A short-circuit warning means the device has detected an electrical fault and cut the power to protect itself. Replace the pod or coil. If the warning continues with a new one, stop using the device.