- Your best bet is to buy a new vape. Replacing a dead battery can be dangerous, costly, and time-consuming.
- Try a few simple fixes, like clearing the airflow sensor or cartridge. Or, clean the battery contacts.
- If you decide to attempt to replace the battery or refill the cartridge, use caution and wear gloves and safety glasses.
Can you fix a dead disposable vape?
Maybe, but reviving a dead vape probably isn’t worth the effort. As you can probably guess from their name, disposable vapes aren’t meant to be reused. Trying to make a dead vape work can lead to burns, injuries, and exposure to harmful chemicals. It’s probably safer and cheaper to cut your losses and buy a new one. That said, if you're determined to try and fix your vape, we'll explain your options. However, it's a tricky and dangerous process to try and replace the battery or refill the cartridge. Many solutions to reviving a dead vape involve taking the vape apart and working with its internal components, so only proceed if you have experience working with electronics.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Unblock the airflow sensor. Disposable vapes use airflow sensors to detect when you take a puff. If the sensor is blocked by condensation, it may not trigger when you inhale, causing the vape not to hit. Try covering one of the intake vents with your finger to increase the pressure of the airflow.
Unclog the cartridge. Vape cartridges can get clogged by condensation or dirt, which often results in the vape not working. If the battery isn’t dead and you’re not out of e-liquid, try cleaning the cartridge using a toothpick or a thin needle. Be careful not to damage any internal components. Avoid storing your vape in a dusty or dirty area and keep it at room temperature to avoid further issues.
Unblock the battery connection. The connection between the battery and the coil can sometimes be blocked by debris or residue. Remove the battery and clean the terminal with a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol. Then, make sure the battery doesn’t have any cracks or leaks and reinsert it, ensuring it’s properly aligned with the coil and firmly set in place. Always be careful when cleaning the inside of a vape, as it’s easy to damage internal pieces. Wear protective gear like gloves and safety glasses to help prevent injuries.
Clean the battery contacts. If the battery connection is working correctly, there may be a problem with the contacts. If your vape allows you to do so, remove the battery and cartridge from the disposable vape. Use a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol to clean the contacts on the battery and cartridge. Make sure the contacts are completely dry before reassembling the vape. Because disposable vapes aren’t meant to be reused, many models may not allow you to remove the cartridge and battery. The best way to determine if this is possible is to consult your user manual and then remove the mouthpiece to access the inside compartment.
Toss the vape if it short-circuited. Because vapes are electronic, it’s possible yours suffered an electrical failure. The vape may have short-circuited due to moisture or another internal component may have failed. This is more common in lower-quality or cheaper vapes. There's no way to fix this, so you'll have to get a new disposable vape.
Recharging the Battery
Determine if the battery is rechargeable. Not all disposable vapes come with a rechargeable battery. The most obvious way to determine if your vape is rechargeable is to look for a USB port. Most rechargeable vapes use a lithium-ion battery and have a charging cable. Check the manufacturer’s website or your user manual for information on your battery type and how to charge it. Do not recharge a single-use battery. If your vape doesn’t have a USB port, it likely isn’t rechargeable, and recharging the battery could be dangerous. In disposable batteries, electricity moves in one direction. Trying to charge them could cause an electrical fire and injuries.
Charge the battery in 7-10 minute intervals. If your disposable vape has a charging port, you can recharge the battery. Make sure you use the correct charger that is compatible with your device. Many disposable vapes use a USB-C or micro-USB port. Let it sit for a few minutes while it charges. Most rechargeable vapes have an indicator light that will pulse or change color when they’re charging. Do not leave the battery unattended. If you see smoke or the wires start getting too hot, unplug the charger immediately.
Replacing the Battery
Replace the battery only if you’re experienced with electronics. When you replace the battery in a disposable vape, you’re exposing yourself to wires and other electrical elements. This process is tedious and involves processes like soldering and shrink tubing. Attempting to replace the battery could result in serious injury.
Identify your battery type. Just as you would with a rechargeable vape, you need to know the type of battery your vape uses when you’re replacing it. Check your user manual or the manufacturer’s website for details.
Disassemble the vape. This process might vary depending on the type of vape you have, but in most cases, you’ll remove the cover by sliding it toward the mouthpiece. This may require some force, as the cover is tightly connected to the rest of the vape.
Remove the battery. Once you’ve removed the cover, you’ll see the vape’s internal components and a single battery. Slide the battery out of the compartment and disconnect it from its tabs.
Replace the shrink tubing on the wires. Use an X-Acto knife to cut the shrink tube insulation off of the weld tabs and wires, exposing the solder joints. Use a soldering iron to desolder the tabs from the wires. Then, slip new shrink tubing over the wires.
Connect the new battery. Make sure the new battery is the exact same as the original. Solder the wires to the terminal tabs on the battery. Do not solder directly to the battery itself. Slide the shrink tubing over the terminal tabs and solder joints. Heat them up with a heat gun or hair dryer to shrink them into place.
Reassemble the vape. Insert the battery back into its compartment, securing it with electrical tape. Slide the cover back on and ensure all the pieces are where they need to be.
Replacing the Cartridge
Determine if the e-liquid cartridge is removable. In most cases, disposable vapes don’t allow you to remove the e-liquid cartridge, but occasionally, you can. To know if this is possible check with the manufacturer or consult your user manual to determine if you can remove it and what type to replace it with. If the manufacturer does not state that the cartridge is removable, do not attempt to take it out.
Open the vape. Disassemble your vape according to the instructions for your model. Typically, this will involve removing the mouthpiece.
Remove the empty cartridge. Hold the battery in one hand and the cartridge in the other. Twist the cartridge counterclockwise until it comes off.
Install the new cartridge. You should be able to find a new cartridge at any vape store or through the manufacturer’s website. Once again, you’ll hold the battery in one hand and the cartridge in the other. Then, align the threads on the cartridge to the ones on the battery and twist the cartridge clockwise until it’s snug. Make sure not to overtighten the cartridge as this could damage the battery. Dispose of the old cartridge properly. Since empty vape cartridges still contain traces of nicotine, they can be harmful to wildlife, pets, and the environment. Rinse the empty cartridge under running water to help remove nicotine particles. Then, reach out to your local hazardous waste authorities to determine the best way to dispose of the cartridge.
Refilling an Empty Cartridge
Wear gloves, safety glasses, and a mask. While it is possible to refill an empty cartridge, it isn’t recommended. It often results in leakage and can expose your skin and eyes to harmful chemicals. If you still want to try, remember it can be a tricky process, so be gentle and take precautions.
Open the vape. The best way to do this depends on the type of vape you have. You may just have to unscrew the mouthpiece, or you might have to use a screwdriver to pry the vape open. Watch your fingers and be careful not to injure yourself.
Fill a syringe with e-liquid. Your user manual should tell you what type of e-liquid to use, and you should be able to find refills at any vape store. Measure the correct amount of e-juice you need to refill the cartridge. On average, you’ll probably need about 2 milliliters, but some vapes hold less and others hold more.
Add the e-liquid to the cartridge. Place the tip of the syringe to the small opening at the top of the cartridge and insert the liquid. Keep the cartridge connected to the battery to help prevent spillage or overfilling.
Reassemble the vape. Use the same method you used to take the vape apart to put it together again. Once everything is back in place, the vape should be in working order.
Signs Your Vape Is About to Die
A decrease in vapor If your vape is noticeably producing less vapor when you puff, this is a good indication it’s nearing the end of its life. Smaller and less dense vapor clouds are often a sign your vape is running low on e-liquid or the battery is getting weak. Try gently tapping your vape to try to clear the airflow or experiment with different ways of puffing to see if you get a better reaction.
Flavor loss Disposable vapes tend to have an intense flavor, so yours might be dying when the flavor quality declines. The taste might be muted or less pronounced than when the vape was new. If your vape allows you to refill the e-liquid cartridge, it might be time to do so. Otherwise, the heating coil may be burnt. In this case, it’s best to dispose of the vape and get a new one. If your vape lacks flavor, it could also be a sign you’re vaping too often. If your vape seems to be in working order, try cutting back and drinking more water.
Reduced battery life You’ll probably notice you need to charge or replace your battery more frequently. When this happens, you’ll know it will probably be time for a new vape soon.
Difficulty drawing You’ll notice resistance when trying to hit, or you’ll have to draw harder to get vapor. This could signal that the vape is clogged, the airflow sensor is failing, or the battery is running low.
Inconsistent performance As your vape ages, it won’t perform as well. This could be uneven vapor production, intermittent firing, or the vape sometimes not working at all.
Leakage You might notice e-liquid leaking out of the vape. This is because the seals are deteriorating and other internal components aren’t functioning properly.
Gurgling sounds Hearing a bubbling sound when you puff is a sign e-liquid has accumulated in the airflow chamber. This often affects vapor production and overall performance.
Dry hits When the vape’s wick doesn’t get enough e-liquid, it results in a dry hit with a burnt taste. If you’re getting more dry hits than usual, the e-liquid might be running low or the wick isn’t effectively saturating.
How to Make Your Disposable Vape Last Longer
Choose a high-quality pen. Do some research to see which disposable vapes have the best reviews. Vapes that are quality-tested and built with better materials will likely last longer than cheaper options.
Purchase from a reputable seller. Get your vape from someone who won’t lie about its lifespan. The amount of puffs advertised on the vape should be the amount you get out of it.
Take smaller puffs. The bigger the puff you take, the fewer you’ll get. Try to take small-to-average sized puffs for a longer-lasting vape.
Keep your vape at room temperature. Cold temperatures can drain the battery faster, while high temperatures may degrade the e-liquid.
Keep your vape clean. Handle your vape with care so the vents and sensors don’t get blocked. The better you care for it, the longer it will last.
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