Vape pens are incredible advances in technology, but like all tech products they can run into issues. If your vape pen has stopped hitting, charging, or is flashing lights at you, something’s up.
We’ve compiled the most common vape pen issues to help you troubleshoot and get your device working again. And if you still can’t find the answer to your issue here, bring your vape pen into Queen City — our friendly budtenders would be happy to take a look at it and help you get it working again.
Common Reasons Your Vape Pen Isn’t Working
While your vape pen may stop working for several reasons, there are a few common issues that vape pens may run into.
Battery Issues
Battery issues are among the most common vape pen problems. If your vape pen isn’t working, it’s natural to immediately check if the battery is charged. However, sometimes even plugging your device in doesn’t do the trick.
Common battery issues with vapes include:
- Battery is dead
- Battery won’t charge
- Battery says it is charging but won’t power the device
- Battery won’t hold a charge for very long
Connection Problems
Connection issues can interrupt the flow of power throughout the device, preventing you from using your vape pen as intended. Oftentimes, this has to do with contacts between the battery itself and the vape cartridge.
Resolving these issues may be as simple as gently cleaning the contacts and allowing them to dry before reassembling your device. However, if the hardware itself has been damaged or shifted, it may be a more difficult issue to repair.
Clogged Cartridge
The concentrates and oils used inside vape pens are thick and viscous and may cause clogs in the cartridge, preventing air from moving through. This is an incredibly common problem with vapes, especially when they’re not stored in the upright position at room temperature.
Clogs may also occur if your vape pen is running at a high temperature for long periods. Ensure you’re operating within the recommended temperature range for your vape pen in order to avoid clogs (as well as burnt material.)
Faulty or Damaged Cartridge
Sometimes things just don’t work. Getting a faulty or damaged cartridge is unusual, but it can happen and it’s quite frustrating to bring home a new cart only to find out there was a failure in quality control.
If you’ve had your vape pen for a while, the coil may also run into problems, burning out or malfunctioning. When this happens, it may just be time to replace your vape cartridge.
Troubleshooting Your Vape Pen: Quick Fixes
Fixing Battery Issues
If your pen stops working, the battery may simply be dead. Connect it to a charger and let it sit for a few hours. Make sure your battery connection port isn’t dirty. If it is, carefully use a small thin item, like a toothpick or a paperclip, to clear any resin or debris.
If your vape stops charging, the battery may be out of position. You can try to move it back into position by gently pulling up on the battery contact with a fingernail, paperclip, or even a pen cap to level it.
Ensure you’re using the proper charging cord for your vape. Some generic chargers may not be strong enough to charge your device – it’s always best to use the cord that comes with your vape cartridge. You can also try using a different outlet in your house.
Adjusting Connections
If your vape pen isn’t hitting, the cartridge may not be attached properly. This is a common problem with 510 thread vapes – the threads get sticky and the vape won’t hit.
Remove the cartridge and ensure the connection port is clean. If it’s dirty, you can clean it with a cotton swab or Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol. Ensure the threads of your cartridge are also clean and then reattach.
Ensure that your vape cartridge is screwed on tightly – but not too tightly. The cartridge must be firmly connected to the base, but it shouldn’t be screwed in so tight it’s a challenge to untwist.
Clearing a Clogged Cartridge
If you suspect your cartridge is clogged, you have a few options.
For clogged mouthpieces:
- Try to de-clog it with a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove any resin or dried concentrate
- Place your vape cartridge into a bowl of hot water (without your battery) and wipe out the mouthpiece with a paperclip or toothpick.
For clogged chambers:
- Warm it up with your hands or the lowest setting on a hair dryer. The oil may have congealed in the hole and warming it up can help dislodge it. Depending on the cartridge, you may also be able to poke a toothpick in the hole to de-clog it.
Handling Faulty Cartridges
If you purchased a faulty or damaged cartridge from a dispensary, they may be able to help. While most dispensaries aren’t able to take returns of opened items, they may be able to issue you a store credit or a replacement cartridge.
However, if your cartridge is damaged because you sat on it, put it through the wash, or left it in a hot car upside down and the oil ran out, you’ll have to accept the cost of replacement.
Read The Manual
Every vape pen comes with an instruction manual. These can be great resources for troubleshooting problems, especially for vapes with proprietary technology, like Airo. Your instruction manual will walk you through what different lights mean, the ideal temperature range for your pen, common user issues, FAQs, how to charge and store it, and more.
If you tossed your instruction manual while unboxing your vape, check out the manufacturer’s website or social media channel for troubleshooting how-tos.
Preventing Future Vape Pen Issues
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
The best way to prevent issues with your vape pen is to keep it clean. Regular maintenance of the pen and the connection port for cartridges can help keep your vape pen functioning smoothly. Your cartridges can also get dirty and require cleaning. Don’t complicate it – rubbing alcohol and Q-tip go a long way towards clearing resin and dried oil.
Proper Charging Habits
Reusable vapes have rechargeable batteries and just like your phone, your battery can run out of juice over time. Don’t wait until the vape cart is completely dead before charging it – heed the warning lights that alert you of a low battery and plug it in ASAP.
Let your vape fully recharge before using it again. Letting the battery charge for 10 minutes before hitting it again can deplete it over time.
Transporting and Storing Your Vape Pen Properly
Vape pens can be quite finicky devices. To preserve the life of your pen for as long as possible, it’s vital to store your pen properly. You must store the pen in an upright position to prevent leaks. If you’re carrying it around with you, try to keep the pen in a small pocket in your purse, or in the upright position in the front pocket of your pants. Do not store your vape pen in your back pocket as it’s easy to sit on the pen and break it (or forget about it and put it through the washer.)
Vape pens must be kept at room temperature to keep the concentrate at the right viscosity. Don’t leave your vape pen in a hot car, out in the sun, or the freezer.
When Is It Time To Replace Or Upgrade My Vape Pen?
Long-Term Wear and Tear
If you’ve had your vape pen for years and it just doesn’t hit like it used to, it’s time to consider a replacement. Just like your lighters run out of juice and your phone eventually slows down, vape pens are not made to last forever. If the body of your pen is scuffed from being dropped, it doesn’t hold a charge for as long as it should, or it isn’t heating up as fast as it used to, it’s time to invest in a new vape pen.
Vape Technology Advancements
The vapes of 5 years ago are not the vapes of today. Technological advancements improve the vaping experience, whether it’s providing a longer battery life, a better mouthpiece, or a more user-friendly interface. If you want the best vape tech on the market, you need to upgrade to a new vape pen.
Issues That Can’t Be Fixed
If you have a faulty vape cartridge or vape pen, you may not be able to fix it yourself. A crack in the cartridge can’t be mended and a burnt coil means the end of your beloved vape. Not all issues can be fixed at home – sometimes, you just need a new vape pen entirely.
Recommended Queen City Vape Products
Ozone Grandaddy Purple
The iconic Grandaddy Purple is easier than ever to enjoy, in this flavor and aromatic vape cartridge from Ozone. With notes of lavender, berries, and grapes, every hit of this cartridge delivers a wave of relaxation (and perhaps the munchies.) This cartridge has a 510 thread base so it can easily connect with any 510 thread battery.
- THC: 85%
- Size: 0.5 grams
- Cost: $40
Buy Ozone Vape Carts at Queen City
Fernway Lavender Dream
Infused with a botanical blend of steam-extracted terpenes, you’ve never had a vape cartridge as flavorful as this one. The sweet taste of vanilla and the floral notes of lavender deliver a euphoric yet ultimately relaxing high that’s perfect for nighttime. A 510 thread base makes it simple to enjoy.
- THC: 83%
- Size: 0.5 grams
- Cost: $50
Buy Fernway Vapes at Queen City
Airo Black Mamba
Beloved vape brand Airo takes its cartridges to the next level by combining high-quality cannabis oil with steam-extracted terpenes in delicious blends. This Black Mamba cartridge is infused with limonene, myrcene, and pinene to create a fruity and sweet taste with just a hint of pine – no weed oil or extraction aftertaste. Airo cartridges are only compatible with Airo vapes.
- THC: 81%
- Size: 1 gram
- Cost: $75
Buy an Airo Cartridge at Queen City
Rythm Brownie Scout Live Rosin
This solventless live rosin perfectly preserves the complex and aromatic compounds in the cannabis plant, creating a faithful extract that tastes just like Brownie Scout flower, with notes of chocolate, spice, and gas. A relaxed yet uplifting effect comes with each toke and this strain is ideal for dinnertime or bedtime.
- THC: 78%
- Size: 0.5 grams
- Cost: $75
Buy Rythm Live Rosin at Queen City
Troubleshoot Your Vape At Queen City
When you buy vape devices and cartridges from Queen City, you can rest assured they’re high quality and reliable. Of course, running into unexpected issues with your vape pen can still happen, and though it’s frustrating there’s no need to chuck it in the trash immediately. If you hit a wall trying to figure out what the problem with your pen is or how to solve it, bring it into Queen City. Our knowledgeable budtenders are happy to help you fix the problem.
