Vaping can be an enjoyable experience until a burnt hit ruins the flavor of your favorite e-liquid. Burnt vapes occur when the coil overheats, burns the wick, or the e-liquid dries out, resulting in a harsh and unpleasant taste. Luckily, there are ways to fix a burnt vape and bring it back to life. This guide covers everything you need to know about unburning your vape and preventing future burnt hits.

What Causes a Burnt Vape?

Several factors can contribute to a burnt vape. One of the most common reasons is a dry wick, which happens when the e-liquid runs too low or the vape hasn’t been primed properly. Overusing the vape without giving the coil time to cool down between puffs can also lead to overheating and burning. Additionally, using high wattages or vaping with a damaged coil will result in burnt hits.

Signs Your Vape is Burnt

  1. Strange Taste: If you notice a harsh, acrid flavor while inhaling, it’s likely that the coil is burnt or the wick is dry.
  2. Reduced Vapor Production: A burnt coil often produces less vapor than usual, indicating that something is wrong.
  3. Gurgling Sounds: These sounds typically suggest that the e-liquid isn’t reaching the coil properly, leading to dry or burnt hits.

Steps to Fix a Burnt Vape

  1. Check the E-liquid Levels: Start by ensuring there is enough e-liquid in the tank. If the tank is nearly empty, refill it to avoid burning the wick. For disposable vapes, gently disassemble the device if possible, and add more vape juice if the cotton feels dry​.
  2. Let the Wick Soak: After refilling your tank or adding vape juice, allow the wick to absorb the liquid for 5-10 minutes before vaping. This step prevents dry hits and ensures the coil doesn’t overheat​.
  3. Prime Your Coil: If you’re using a refillable device, always prime the coil before use. To do this, add a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the coil and take a few short, dry puffs without pressing the power button​.
  4. Adjust the Power Settings: If your vape has adjustable wattage, try lowering the power setting. Vaping at too high a wattage can burn the coil and wick quickly. Start at the lowest recommended setting and increase it gradually until you find a sweet spot that produces a flavorful, smooth vape​.
  5. Clean the Coil: For reusable vapes, try cleaning the coil. Remove the coil, soak it in warm water, and gently scrub away any residue. Let it dry completely before reassembling the device.
  6. Take Primer Puffs: After reassembling your vape, take a few light puffs without fully inhaling. This helps to get the e-liquid flowing through the wick without overheating the coil​.

Preventing Burnt Hits in the Future

To avoid future burnt hits, consider these preventive measures:

  • Slow Down: Take shorter, slower puffs to prevent the coil from overheating. Chain vaping, or taking several long draws in quick succession, often leads to dry or burnt hits​.
  • Regular Maintenance: Clean your vape regularly to prevent the buildup of residue on the coil and wick. Accumulated debris can block airflow and lead to burning.
  • Avoid Overcharging: Overcharging your vape can damage the battery and cause inconsistent power output, which may result in burnt coils. Be mindful of charging times and unplug the device once it reaches full capacity.
  • Use the Right E-liquid: High-VG (vegetable glycerin) e-liquids tend to be thicker and may clog certain devices, leading to dry hits. Make sure to use e-liquids compatible with your vape device​.

When to Replace the Coil

Even with regular maintenance, vape coils have a limited lifespan. If the burnt taste persists despite cleaning and refilling, it’s time to replace the coil. Disposable vapes, in particular, may need to be discarded if the internal components are too damaged to be repaired.