Vape pods are an important vape accessory; they are easy to carry and don’t demand much maintenance. But like any piece of kit, they’re not perfect. Sooner or later, something might go wrong, such as no vapour, poor taste, leaking, or something else. Knowing what to look for (and how to fix it) saves you a lot of stress and stops you from spending money on replacements you don’t need.
In this guide, we’ll go through the common problems, why they happen, and how to fix vape pod issues.
What are the Common Vape Pod Issues and Problems?
Here are some common issues that can happen with both prefilled and refillable pods:
Burnt Taste or Dry Hits
“I’m getting a dry hit / burnt taste when I vape” is one of the common questions we tend to hear from vapers. The scorched feeling at the back of your throat usually happens because of the burnt coil. It can ruin the entire vaping experience and even damage your device if not cleaned/replaced on time.
Why Does It Happen?
- You didn't let the coil soak properly
- You're chain vaping with no breaks
- The coil is past its lifespan
- Wattage is set too high on variable wattage devices
How to Fix a Vape Pod Not Hitting
If you’ve just filled a fresh pod, always give it at least 5–10 minutes to soak before using it. If your device has wattage control, check that it’s within the recommended range for the coil.
It also helps to avoid constant puffing. Give the coil a moment between drags so the wick can re-saturate. If your pod looks nearly empty, top it up before you run it dry.
Still getting that burnt taste? It’s time to replace the pod or coil. We’ve explained more about how coils work and how often to change them in our Guide to Coils.
E-Liquid Changing Colour
Ever noticed your pod turning darker after a few days? Or the e-liquid tasting poor halfway through?
Why Does This Happen?
- Exposure to light, heat, or air
- Coil residue is building up
- Using old or expired e-lquid
How to Fix
Store your juice in a cool, dark cupboard. Avoid windowsills or your car dashboard. Once air gets into the bottle, oxidation starts. That’s fine for short periods, but if your bottle’s been open for weeks, it might not taste the same. Always check the expiry date on your liquids, and shake before use.
Spitback or Gurgling Sounds
Hearing gurgling when you take a puff or getting hot juice in your mouth? That’s spitback. It’s not harmful, but it’s annoying.
What Causes It?
- Flood coil
- Drawing too hard
- Overfilling the pod
- Thin e-liquid
- Condensation buildup
How to Fix
Remove the pod and blow through the mouthpiece gently onto a tissue. If there’s too much liquid in the container, that usually clears it. You can also press the fire button a few times without inhaling to burn off the excess.
Pods from brands like Oxva, Voopoo, and Aspire tend to have well-built tanks, but they still need regular cleaning. If you see e-liquid building up inside the mouthpiece, a cotton bud works well.
Vape Pod Not Hitting
One of the most frustrating things is when you pick up your replacement pod, take a puff, and nothing happens. When it’s not hitting, there is something seriously wrong.
What Causes It?
- Dead battery
- Poor contact between the pod and the device
- Faulty or burnt-out coil
- Pod not properly seated
- Auto-draw sensor not working (for draw-activated devices)
How To Fix It
Start simple. Charge the device fully. Then remove the pod and check for dirt or condensation around the contacts. Use a cotton bud or tissue to clean both the base of the pod and the inside of the connection area.
If you’re using a refillable pod from brands like Voopoo, Vaporesso, or Geekvape, ensure the pod clicks into place securely. A loose connection won’t let the battery fire properly.
If the pod still doesn’t fire, try a new one. Sometimes coils just die, especially if you’ve used them for a while or accidentally let them run dry. You can learn more about replacement pods in detail in our Vape Pods Guide.
Leaking Vape Pod
A bit of moisture or condensation is normal. But if you’ve got e-liquid all over your device or in your pocket, something’s wrong.
Common Causes
- Overfilling the pod
- Damaged or worn-out seals
- E-liquid is too thin (especially high-PG juices)
- Repeated pressure changes (like flying or driving at altitude)
How to Fix
Refillable pod users should stick to the fill line if there is one. Pods like those from Smok or Aspire often have side or bottom fill ports with rubber seals. Don’t pull or stretch them too much, as they can tear.
Also, store your device upright. Lying it down constantly allows liquid to seep into areas it shouldn’t.
If you’re using 50/50 or higher PG liquid in a large wick pod, consider switching to a thicker option. You can use our Vape Juice calculator to adjust ratios if you're mixing your own.
Weak or No Flavour
You’re getting vapour, but it just doesn’t taste right or at all. There are a few reasons this might happen.
Possible Reasons
- Old or burnt coil
- Flavour fatigue (your taste buds get used to one flavour)
- Wrong type of e-liquid for the coil
- Coil not fully primed
How to Fix
Some prefilled pod systems last about a week or two. However, refillables from Vaporesso, Geekvape, or Innokin can stretch further depending on use.
Try changing the flavour you’re using. Also, check that the e-liquid matches the coil’s capabilities. High VG liquids don’t work well in tiny coils. For full guidance, see our vape juice guide.
Auto-Draw Not Working
If your pod has no buttons and relies on inhale activation (auto-draw), and it’s not responding, a few things could be causing it.
Check For
- Condensation blocking the airflow sensor
- Loose pod
- Sensor failure (especially if the device is old)
How to Fix
Remove the pod and inspect the airflow holes. A cotton bud can soak up excess moisture. Try puffing a few times without the pod inserted to clear any blocked sensor pathways.
If the problem keeps happening even with a fresh pod, the sensor may be on its way out. It’s more common on budget models or heavily used devices.
Poor Battery Performance
If your pod device isn’t lasting as long as it used to, it may be because of the battery.
Things to Check
- Are you using the right charger?
- Is the cable in good shape?
- Has the battery degraded with age?
How to Fix
USB-C devices like those from Voopoo, Uwell, or Smok usually charge faster and more reliably, but only when using proper cables. Avoid charging with random phone plugs and stick with what came with your device or a vape-safe alternative.
If your battery drains faster than normal, even after a full charge, and the device is over a year old, the battery may be reaching the end of its life. In that case, consider replacing the device or battery (if possible).
Pod Not Recognised by Device
You insert the pod, and nothing. No light, no fire. It’s like the device doesn’t know the pod exists.
Why Does it Happen?
- Dirty or corroded connection points
- Misaligned pod
- Incompatible pod
- Damaged pod base
How to Fix:
Start by removing and inspecting the base of the pod. Look for anything out of place: bent pins, liquid, or debris. Clean the contacts with dry tissue. If that doesn’t work, test the pod in another device (if you’ve got a spare).
Double-check compatibility. Not all Uwell, Smok, or Voopoo pods work across the full range. For example, the Voopoo Argus pods won’t work in the Voopoo Vinci without an adapter.
Final Thoughts
Most pod problems aren’t a big deal if you catch them early. Cleaning the contacts, using the right e-liquid, and replacing coils or pods when needed will solve nearly all of them.
If you’re unsure what’s causing an issue, it helps to go through the basics one by one: battery, pod seating, coil condition, e-liquid level, and airflow. And don’t forget, our guides on vape kits, coils, tanks, pods, and e-liquid are always here if you want more details.
A bit of regular care goes a long way. It keeps your vape running well, keeps your flavours tasting right, and helps your pods last longer.
