Is your vape flashing and not working?
Probably the battery is your culprit. Sometimes low power, zero percentage, and a bad battery trigger the vape to flash.
That said, there are multiple reasons why the device flashes without hitting. Common problems include connection, coil, short-circuit, and temperature.
The good news is - most problems with flashing vapes are fixable. You just have to understand each vape signal and check the source causing it. Once you figure out the source, it gets easier to fix the flashes.
Understanding Vape Signals
Flashing Light
Flashing light may indicate a lot of different things. The reasons can be — low battery, issues with the battery, connection problems, short circuits, connection issues, overheating, or coil issues.
Moreover, vapes display different light colors— white, red, green, and blue. Mostly it implies the status of the battery percentage. Sometimes, it tells you that there are some hidden problems, especially if it’s showing white or red.
Beeping Sound
Vapes with a beeping sound can give you an alert for different issues. It’s alright as long as it signifies low battery. This means the device is demanding a recharge.
However, in some cases, it also means short-circuit or other malfunctions. In that case, we suggest you know about the source of the issue and resolve it accordingly.
What Does The Color Say?
White
You mostly see the color when the vape is powered on and puffed. That’s not the problem. However, some vapes can show white signals when it has a technical issue or a disconnected component.
Green
Most vapes have a green light which means that your vape is fully charged and ready to use. You’ll often see it in disposables like Myle Meta or mods like Smok-G. It mainly shows during charging.
In some vapes, it can also mean a high charge and stay on as long as it drops to 70%.
Green blinks are always a good sign so there's nothing to worry about.
Red
Red light indicates just 3 bad signs: a dead battery, a low battery, or a connection problem.
In almost all cases, the red light flashes when the battery dies. If you start charging the vape, it stays on until the power goes up and exceeds a certain percentage, usually 30%.
It may flash for a while or keep blinking until you solve the issue. In case, there’s a technical problem, the red light will continue blinking until your battery dies on you.
Blue
Blue light suggests a medium battery level in some vapes. It stays there when the power remains between the 30% and 50% range.
Usually, whenever you let the lithium-ion batteries deplete entirely, there’s a higher chance that it shortens their lifestyle. So, it’s better to use the indicator to your advantage and connect the vape to the charger. This way, you can maximize its longevity and avoid dead battery hassle.
Common Reasons Your Vape Is Flashing
Low or Dead Battery
Different vapes bear a tiny chip inside called a microcontroller. Its job is to monitor the power level of the battery.
So, when the power runs low or dies, it triggers the chip to flash the light and notify you. That’s how the vape lets you know it’s time to recharge or replace the battery.
Usually, most vapes will flash 5 times to indicate low battery. When it’s low, the device won’t be able to produce heat and vaporize the e-liquid.
In case the vape still doesn’t work even after a charge, there might be some other hidden issues. You can check out some effective solutions here.
Battery Faults
Sometimes, the light turns on when there’s a fault inside the system. The common culprit is the battery.
It’s normal for the battery to go bad over time. When this happens, the chip inside the vaping device stalls the function and starts flashing a light.
Connection Issues
Vapes with connection issues can trigger light flashing. Such problems occur due to different reasons. Let’s highlight some of them:
- Dirt or residue: Obstructions like dirt, lint, and residue buildup block connection points and end up flashing lights.
- Loose parts or misalignment: In case the parts aren’t connected tightly or there’s an alignment problem, the connection will be weak and your vape will start flashing.
- Lack of power source: Some vapes let you take out the battery. If you forget to attach it properly, the device may flash and not work.
- Damaged components: Mechanisms inside your vapes might get damaged. Mostly malfunctioning or deterioration is the culprit. This can lead to connection issues, triggering vapes to flash and not work.
Coil Problems
Your vape might have issues with the coil that can end up flashing light. Probably the coil got damaged or burnt. Usually, such issues happen because of these culprits:
- Overuse: When you use the vape a lot, it can make the coil go kaput.
- Improper wattage: The wrong power setting can overheat the coil and kill it.
- Bad-quality juices: Usually extremely thick or sweet e-liquids are super bad. They can harm the coil.
So, as the coil goes bad, it can’t heat your vape. When the chip detects such issues, it makes the light flash.
Overheating
Overheating vape will always bring different symptoms to let you know it requires a fix. Flashing is one of them. Your vape might increase its temperature due to different reasons.
- Chain vaping: Heavy vapers might face the issue. Using the device nonstop can heat it up.
- High wattage: Vaping at higher power settings, especially if it goes above 40-100 watts or more can cause the vape to overheat. Although high wattage helps produce large clouds, it may cause damage to the device.
- Blocked airflow: Debris and residues can cause obstructions around vents. This can block airflow and trap heat, resulting in overheating.
- Coil issues: Damaged, old, deteriorating coils can overheat the vape easily.
When the microcontroller notices the overheating, it prompts the device to stop working and flash the light.
5 Quick Fixes For A Flashing Vape
Charge Your Battery
Check your battery level. If the vape flashes because of a low or dead battery, then the only fix here is to charge it. It may take 1-2 hours for most vapes to charge.
All vapes have a common method of charging. However, you have to know how to do it properly. For this, we suggest checking out this blog.
Make sure to use proper charging components. Studies say that mismatching or wrong charging components can lead to multiple issues and accidents.
So, we suggest using the one that comes with the device or the compatible one. Avoid fast-charging technologies because they can cause overheating and malfunctioning. Instead, go with standard cables and chargers that support not more than 10 watts.
Make sure to charge the device properly. Don’t overcharge or undercharge because both can affect the device.
Check Battery Faults
In case the fault lies in the battery, then sometimes resetting the vape can help turn off the flashing light. You can follow the reset guide from the packaging box, manual, or company website. If you can’t, we suggest you get it checked by a professional.
If the vape still keeps flashing after the reset and doesn’t work, this means the battery needs a replacement.
Check out to get the best batteries for your vape here.
This applies to the models that have replaceable battery options. In case they are rechargeable vapes, then sadly, you have to repair the vape or replace the whole stuff.
Inspect Connection Problems
If the vape is flashing light and not working because of connection issues, then try out the following:
Clean contacts: Wipe the threads on the tank and battery with a dry cotton cloth or Qtip. This should remove all the dirt or other residues that are interfering with the connection.
Check connection parts: Tighten the parts and align them properly. Make sure the O-rings on the tank are well intact as they work to ensure the proper connection. Check if the battery is well-attached.
In some cases, vapes have an option to be taken apart so you can directly see the internal connection issues. If you don’t want to risk damaging the device by taking it apart, have an expert do it. If the parts are all damaged, then replace the vape.
Replace the Coil
Burnt coils are fixable. You can get some useful tips from here. However, in case the coil is damaged, you have to replace it.
For this, follow the instructions:
- Turn off the device.
- Unscrew the tank from the battery or device. Most cartridges have a top cap or bottom so you can unscrew it and access the coil.
- Grip the base of the tank where the coil is screwed in.
- Gently unscrew the old coil from the base of the tank.
- Take the fresh coil and prime it if you think it requires a few drops of e-juice.
- Screw the new coil into the base. Make sure it’s tight but not overtight.
- Reattach the tank to the battery or device.
Allow The Vape To Cool Down
As soon as the vape overheats, you gotta stop using it immediately.
Give it at least 15-20 minutes to calm down. It’s even better if you turn off the device so it doesn’t get any chance to produce heat.
Place the vape somewhere in a cool, dry place. Allow it to enjoy proper ventilation so its body temperature reduces.
Make sure to vape at low or medium wattage, somewhere around 20 to 40 watts. The vape may not produce super large clouds but it’ll be decent enough while protecting the device from overheating.
Preventive Measures
Avoid Vaping Nonstop
Give it a break between each puff and use. Vaping incessantly causes the device to overheat which can result in damage. This break will ensure the longevity of your device.
Clean The Vape Regularly
Use cotton cloth or Q-tip to clean the vape’s external (and internal parts if possible). It’s better to do it every day. In case you can’t, then clean it once every week.
Check Airflow
Make sure the airflow vents have no blockage problems. Proper airflow helps regulate the temp of your vape. Check the airflow at least once every 15 days.
Don’t Over/Undercharge
Overcharging can deteriorate the battery, cause gassing, and explode the vape. On the other hand, undercharging can affect battery health, charging capacity, and your vape’s performance. Try to stay near the device and let it charge completely.
Replace Coil When Needed
The coil may last 1-4 weeks depending on the vape type, use frequency, and other factors. So, change it whenever the coil goes bad.
Don’t Overfill The E-Juice
When you overfill the tank, the E-liquid can end up leaking from the vape. Not only does it cause damage to the tank but the device as well.
When to Seek Professional Help
You should keep an eye on the health of the vape and look for potential issues. If it gets serious, this is when you seek professional help.
Taking help from an expert can work to ensure the proper functioning of your vape and prevent further hazards.
This is what you need to check:
Visible Damage
Cracks, leaking, melted components, discoloration, and warping. These signs are visible enough to realize the vape needs professional help.
Persistent Overheating
In case the cooling procedure doesn’t fix overheating problems, contact an expert to understand the underlying causes.
Battery Issues
Rapid draining, excess heat, unusual behavior— all need an expert's immediate attention.
Electrical Problems
If the vape has problems like flickering lights or strange electrical smells, you must consult an expert.
Unusual Noises or Smell
Noises like buzzing or humming. Smells like burning metal or plastic. These are the signs of potential issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Does My Vape Keep Flashing Even After Charging?
If the vape keeps flashing even after it’s fully charged, the most common causes— bad connection, bad coils, and a faulty battery.
Can I Fix A Flashing Vape On My Own?
Yes. You can fix the flashing vape yourself by recharging the device, resetting it if needed, and fixing connection problems. If the issue persists, then either take professional help or throw it away.
How Often Should I Replace My Vape Coil?
Replace the coil every 1-4 weeks depending on vape type and use frequency.
What Should I Do If My Vape Overheats Frequently?
Stop using the vape for too long and give it a break between each puff and use. Try to use the vape at moderate wattage.
Is It Normal For My Vape To Flash When I First Turn It On?
Yes. Some models of vapes may flash when you first turn it on to let you know it’s ready for use.
Can You Fix A Dead Vape?
You can fix some dead disposable vapes by charging them for around 20-30 minutes or reattaching the cartridge.
Fix Your Flashing Vape Yourself
You may not understand the root cause straightaway. However, you can get there by doing the basics like charging the vape, replacing the coil, solving connection issues, and cleaning the device. In case the problem lingers, contacting an expert will suffice.
Share your thoughts if you’ve tried different ways to fix flashing vape that worked for you.