Why Your Disposable Vape Is Blinking & How to Fix It

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Fast and easy solutions for this common vape issue
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Are you trying to use your disposable vape but a light flashes every time you take a puff? Even though a disposable vape is ready to use right out of the box, a blinking light means that it isn’t working properly. Before you rush to get a new vape, a blinking light is a common issue that you can troubleshoot and fix at home. Keep reading to learn why your disposable vape pen keeps blinking and what easy repairs can make it start hitting again.

Things You Should Know

  • A dead battery is the most common cause for a disposable vape to blink. Plug your vape in if it has a charging port and try hitting it after 30 minutes.
  • If your vape blinks after taking a long draw, try taking shorter hits to prevent the puff-time limiter from overheating.
  • If your vape blinks and has a weak flavor, take off the vape’s mouthpiece and pour more e-liquid into the tank if it’s refillable.
Section 1 of 2:

Why is my disposable vape blinking?

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    Your vape’s battery drains a little bit every time you use it, but it can drain faster when it gets cold. Once your disposable vape’s battery is too low to heat up the vape fluid, the light will flash and no vapor will come out when you try taking a hit. [1]
    • How the light blinks varies between brands. Some disposable vapes may blink red or blue to signal a low battery, while other vapes could blink 3–10 times if they’re dead.
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    The puff-time limiter prevents the battery from overheating when you take hits from your disposable vape. If you inhale for a few seconds too long, the puff-time limiter will turn on, which will shut off the battery and make the light blink. [2]
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    If the light starts blinking and there’s a weak flavor when you take a hit, it could be a sign that there’s no more e-liquid left in the vape’s tank. Many vapes have a clear tank so you’re able to check the fluid levels at a glance when the light flashes. [3]
    • If you can still see fluid in your vape tank, then there’s a different issue causing the light to blink.
    • Most times, a disposable vape battery will die before you run out of fluid. This issue is more common on disposable vapes that are rechargeable.
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    If your vape has removable cartridges or a charging port, then it may only work properly with accessories of a certain brand or style. If you try screwing in a new cartridge or plugging in with a different charger than usual, then the light will blink to let you know they’re not compatible. [4]
    • Disposable vapes are meant to be thrown away when you’re finished, so many of them come as all-in-one units and this may be a less common issue.
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    If you drop your vape or if it gets wet, the battery may short-circuit and make the light blink so you know there’s a problem. When the light on your disposable vape flashes as soon as you try to use it for the first time, it could also be a sign that you received a defective model. [5]
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Section 2 of 2:

Fixes for a Blinking Disposable Vape

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    If you see a charging port on the end of your vape, connect it to a wall charger and plug it in. Charge your disposable vape for at least 30 minutes, or until the light turns off, before unplugging and using it again. [6]
    • Try to charge your disposable vape every 1–2 days so you never have to worry about the battery dying.
    • If you’re sure the battery is the problem but it’s not rechargeable, it’s best to throw your vape away. Taking apart a disposable vape to manually access and charge the battery could damage it or cause injuries. [7]
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    When the light flashes after taking a long hit, let your vape sit and rest for about 30 seconds so the puff-time limiter has a chance to reset. After that, try hitting your vape by inhaling for about 1 second. Give the vape a few seconds before taking your next puff to prevent the light from blinking again. [8]
    • Taking shorter puffs and letting your vape cool down between each hit can help make your battery last longer.
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    If you have a disposable nicotine vape with a refillable tank, pull off or unscrew the mouthpiece from your vape. Fill your vape by holding the tank at a 45-degree angle and dripping your favorite vape e-liquid inside. [9] If you have a marijuana vape, warm up your distillate on a hot plate and fill a blunt-ended syringe with the fluid. Pull the mouthpiece off your disposable vape and slowly add the distillate to the tank. [10]
    • If your disposable vape doesn’t have a removable mouthpiece, don’t try to force it off since you could damage it. It’s best just to get a new vape rather than trying to take the old one apart.
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    If your vape has a removable cartridge, try unscrewing it completely and reattaching it first to see if there was a bad connection. If your vape is still blinking, then try a cartridge that’s the same brand as your vape to ensure that it works properly. [11]
    • If the light on your disposable vape starts blinking after you plug it in, then the charger may be incompatible. Try using the cord your vape came with, or try a different cord you have at home.
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    If your vape isn’t hitting and starts blinking right out of the box, then there’s a chance you received a factory defect. Contact the store where you got your disposable vape and ask if they offer refunds for defective products. If they don’t take your vape, check the packaging and contact the manufacturer directly. They may be able to offer a replacement or a coupon for a new vape. [12]
    • Save the receipt from when you bought your vape so you have proof of purchase when you contact the manufacturer.
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      Tips

      • Check the manual or packaging that came with your vape to learn what each flashing light means.
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      Warnings

      • Avoid taking apart a disposable vape to recharge or refill it if it’s not meant to be since you could potentially damage the battery or hurt yourself. [13]
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      • Similar to smoking, vaping has known risks and side effects. The vapor can lead to lung irritation and contact with e-juices could irritate your eyes or skin. [14]
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      • Disposable vapes with nicotine can be extremely addictive, which could cause restlessness, irritability, or cravings. [15]
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      • Vaping may be illegal in your area if you’re younger than 21 or if you’re using marijuana. [16] Check with your state laws before purchasing and using a vape. [17]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://blogs.cuit.columbia.edu/vs2527/what-does-mean-when-my-elf-bar-vape-blink/
      2. ↑ https://vaping.news/why-is-my-disposable-vape-blinking/
      3. ↑ https://vaping360.com/learn/how-do-you-know-when-a-disposable-vape-is-empty/ ?
      4. ↑ https://thesmokeplug.com/blogs/news/a-blinking-disposable-vape-what-it-means
      5. ↑ https://rosedalekb.com/vape-pen-blinking-3-times-how-to-fix/
      6. ↑ https://www.ozvapour.com/how-to-recharge-a-disposable-vape/
      7. ↑ https://rosedalekb.com/how-to-fix-a-disposable-vape-that-wont-hit/
      8. ↑ https://rosedalekb.com/vape-pen-blinking-3-times-how-to-fix/
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/yI5p9Px64x0?t=158
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/uz__POff6NM?t=74
      2. ↑ https://thesmokeplug.com/blogs/news/a-blinking-disposable-vape-what-it-means
      3. ↑ https://rosedalekb.com/how-to-fix-a-disposable-vape-that-wont-hit/
      4. ↑ https://rosedalekb.com/how-to-fix-a-disposable-vape-that-wont-hit/
      5. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/Quick-Facts-on-the-Risks-of-E-cigarettes-for-Kids-Teens-and-Young-Adults.html
      6. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/Quick-Facts-on-the-Risks-of-E-cigarettes-for-Kids-Teens-and-Young-Adults.html
      7. ↑ https://www.aap.org/en/advocacy/state-advocacy/raising-the-tobacco-and-e-cigarette-purchase-age-to-21/
      8. ↑ https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Marijuana-Cannabis-2020_0.pdf

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