Disposable Vape Not Hitting? 8 Fixes to Try

There are few things more frustrating than a disposable that won’t hit. The good news is that a device that seems “dead” often isn’t. Before you assume it’s defective, work through these simple fixes, starting with the easiest.

1. Check for Leftover Packaging

New disposables sometimes ship with a small sticker, cap or silicone plug over the mouthpiece or air intake. If anything is blocking airflow, the device can’t activate or draw properly. Give it a careful once-over.

2. Take a Gentler, Longer Draw

It’s tempting to pull harder when nothing is happening, but many draw-activated devices respond better to a slow, steady draw than a sharp one. Too hard a pull can also flood the coil. Try a gentle draw of two to three seconds.

3. Warm It Up

Vape oil thickens in the cold. If your device has been in a cold car or outside, it may struggle to draw. Hold it in your hand or keep it in a pocket for a few minutes to bring it back to room temperature. Never use a lighter, hair dryer or any other heat source on a vape.

4. Clear the Mouthpiece

Lint, debris or a little thickened oil can block the mouthpiece. Check it, wipe it with a clean, dry cloth and tap the device gently against your palm, mouthpiece facing up, to settle the oil.

5. Check the Battery

If your device has a charging port, charge it with a suitable cable and try again; a depleted battery is one of the most common reasons a device stops hitting. If it has an indicator light, watch what it does when you draw, as a blinking light often signals low battery.

6. Give the Coil a Rest

Taking draw after draw in quick succession can overheat the coil and cause harsh or weak hits. Set the device down for a few minutes and try again with shorter draws and longer pauses.

7. Store It Upright

Storing a disposable on its side or upside down can let oil pool where it shouldn’t. Keep it upright between uses. Our storage guide has more tips.

8. Make Sure It’s Not Simply Empty

Fading flavor, a slightly burnt taste and weaker vapor are classic signs a device is running out. Our guide to how long a 2G disposable lasts covers the signs in more detail.

Still Not Working? Contact Us

If you’ve tried everything above and a BULLET disposable doesn’t work out of the box, we’ll make it right. Contact us within 7 days of delivery with your order number and a photo or short video showing the problem. See our Refund & Returns Policy for the full details, or reach us through the Contact page.

New to BULLET? Browse the 2G Liquid Diamonds lineup. For adults 21+ only.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my disposable work but taste burnt?

Usually the coil is overheating from repeated draws, or the device is running low on oil. Let it rest for a few minutes and take shorter draws. If the burnt taste stays, the device is probably close to empty.

What does a blinking light on a disposable mean?

On many devices a blinking light signals a low battery, but meanings vary between models. Check the packaging or any instructions that came with your device.

Can I open up a clogged disposable to fix it?

No. Never pierce, open or modify a disposable; it can damage the device and the battery. Warm it to room temperature, clear the mouthpiece and tap it gently instead, and contact the seller if it still won’t work.