Owning rechargeable disposable vapes is a no-brainer, especially if you enjoy regular puffing. They last long, allowing you to enjoy plenty of marijuana flavors without breaking the bank. Plus, you don’t have to toss out your vape when the battery runs out of juice; simply hook it to a charger and it’s ready for more vaping.
Your disposable vape pen not charging? That can be a huge bummer, particularly when you are out and about. It pays to know why your vape device isn’t getting charged so you can fix the issue before you crave more puffs.
In this article, we’ll walk you through 10 common reasons why your rechargeable disposable vape isn’t charging. Look ahead for tried-and-true ways to fix each issue.
10 Reasons for Rechargeable Disposable Vape Not Charging
Battery problems are among the most common culprits for disposable vape pens not charging properly. Others include restricted airflow, connection issues, and faulty USB charger or charging cable. Here’s how to figure out which problem is the cause and what you can do to fix it.
1. Dirty Charging Cable or Port
Your disposable vape pen can only charge if it can draw electricity from the wall through the charging cable. Unfortunately, over time, the charging port can accumulate lint, debris, and residue from vape juice or condensation, creating an obstruction that prevents a proper connection with the charging cable.
Even a small amount of gunk or buildup, especially in an USB C port, can disrupt the flow of electricity. It’ll cause your device to fail to juice up or charge inconsistently.
This issue is particularly common among vapers who carry their devices in pockets or bags. The same is true if your device doesn’t have proper anti-leaking features.
How to Fix: Clean the Charging Port
If dirt or gunk from vape juice is the issue, it’s a no-brainer to thoroughly clean your device’s charging port (the below video showing how to clean a phone charging port can be a good guide). Use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol or a can of compressed air to gently remove any lint, debris, or residue from the port. Ensure that the charging cable or port is completely dry before attempting to charge your device.
2. Incompatible or Faulty Charger
This should be your first port of call when any disposable vape pen isn’t charging. Using the wrong, incompatible, or faulty charger can draw too much or too little charge. It won’t take long before you’re staring at a dud that won’t charge.
Besides, the wrong charger can short circuit or overeat. This will cause in-built features for safety to kick in and prevent charging.
How to Fix: Use the Correct Charger
Double-check that you’re using the correct charger for your rechargeable disposable vape device. Using an incompatible charger can lead to charging problems or even damage to your device. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions or product documentation to ensure you have the right charger.
Once you have the correct charger, carefully inspect it for any visible signs of damage or defects before use.
3. Faulty Charging Cable
Vape charger cables can also wear out or become damaged over time, leading to charging issues with your rechargeable disposable vape. Frayed or broken wires within the USB cable can result in an intermittent or inadequate flow of electricity. That means your vape won’t receive enough power to charge properly.
Physical damages to the cable, such as kinks, cuts, and bent connectors, can also disrupt the electrical connection. Also, look out for low-quality or counterfeit charger cables that may not meet the required specs for your device.
How to Fix: Replace the Charging Cable
The first thing you should do is use a different working charging cable to rule out this issue. If it works, it’s time to Invest in a high-quality, compatible cable to ensure optimal performance.
4. Faulty, Damaged or Dead Battery
Usually, battery issues are the most likely culprit behind a disposable vape pen that fails to charge. You may be dealing with a faulty, damaged, or dead battery. If that’s the case, the battery won’t retain any charge or power up your device even if the charger is good.
Faulty vape batteries are often due to aging, excessive heat exposure, or physical damage sustained during use or transportation. Lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in vape devices, have a limited lifespan and can become increasingly unreliable as they approach the end of their cycle life. That’s typically 4 to 12 months.
Exposing your vape battery to extreme temperatures, either too hot or too cold, can accelerate its deterioration and lead to charging issues. Lucky for you, most vape brands have built safety features into your batteries. They will kick into action in case of damage, preventing your vape battery from exploding, catching fire, or overeating.
How to Fix: Replace Faulty Battery
If you’ve tried several troubleshooting steps and suspect that the battery itself is the root cause of your charging woes, it may be time to replace it. Look for these signs that indicate a faulty battery in need of replacement:
- Physical damage – Inspect the battery for any signs of physical damage, such as dents, cracks, or swelling. These can be indications of internal damage or a compromised battery cell.
- Leakage – If you notice any leaking or corrosion around the battery terminals, it’s a clear sign that the battery needs to be replaced immediately. Leaking batteries can be dangerous and should be handled with caution.
- Poor performance – If your vape device is not holding a charge for as long as it used to, or if the battery drains quickly, it may be a sign that the battery’s capacity has degraded significantly.
If you’ve confirmed that the battery is the issue, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, safety guidelines, or consult a professional vape shop for replacement batteries. You can also follow the step by step guide provided by this video.
5. Connection Issues
In some cases, the charging issue may stem from a poor connection between the battery and the vape cartridge. The cat could be oversized or the coil is deformed, causing your device to clog, leak, and fail to charge.
If the connection is loose, dirty, or obstructed, it can prevent the flow of electricity, leading to charging difficulties.
How to Fix: Check for Connection Problems
Cleaning should be your first move. Use an alcohol-dipped cotton swab to get rid of any e-liquid gunk on the terminals or the battery itself. Ensure the cat and battery are dry before using or recharging your device.
Make sure the battery and the cartridge are securely attached and properly aligned. If the connection is loose or misaligned, it can disrupt the flow of electricity and prevent charging. Gently adjust the components to establish a proper connection.
6. Blocked Airflow
While it may not seem directly related, blocked airflow can indirectly contribute to charging issues with most disposable vape pens. This causes a buildup of residue, condensation, or debris around the connection points between the battery and the cartridge. It causes connection problems and prevents a proper electrical connection.
That’s usually the case if you dab, use the same mouthpiece for several cartridges, or puff waxy cannabis concentrate. Poor airflow can also cause your device to work harder and draw more power from the battery, potentially leading to premature battery drain.
How to Fix: Ease the Airflow
First, check the mouthpiece for any debris or residues. If you see gunk, de-assemble it from your entire vaporizer. Clean the residue using a piece of alcohol-dipped cotton swab or toothpick. Try to charge your vape pen after re-installing the mouthpiece.
For best results, it’s always wise to invest in disposable vape pens with dual airflow technology or similar anti-clogging techs.
7. Defective or Faulty Device
In some rare cases, your brand new disposable vape may simply be defective or faulty straight out of the box. Manufacturing defects, quality control issues, or damage sustained during shipping & handling cause lead your device not charge.
How to Fix?
While reputable brands and manufacturers strive to maintain high-quality standards, the possibility of receiving a defective unit cannot be entirely ruled out. If your new pen isn’t charging right out of the box, you may be eligible for a replacement device or a refund.
8. Internal Problems
While less common, internal issues with the circuitry and components of your disposable vape pen can also cause your device not to charge. These issues can arise due to manufacturing defects, damage sustained during use, or simply wear and tear over time.
Internal damage and defects may affect various components within the device. That includes circuit, voltage regulator, or other electronic components essential for operation.
How to Fix?
In a lot of cases, attempting to troubleshoot or repair an internal issue may not be feasible, and a replacement device may be necessary. If you’re still within your warranty period, you’ll likely get a free replacement.
9. Safety Features Activated
Many modern vape devices come equipped with built-in safety tech and features designed to prevent overheating, short-circuiting, or other potential hazards. If these safety mechanisms are triggered, they can temporarily disable charging to protect the device and user.
How to Fix?
Look out for any red blinking light. That’s usually a sign of failure.
In some cases, resetting or reinstalling the battery can help resolve charging problems. Carefully remove the disposable battery, wait a few moments, and then reinstall it, ensuring a proper connection.
This can sometimes reset the device and clear any temporary glitches and software errors within the battery’s firmware. If this persists, contact the manufacturer and consider replacing either the battery or your vaping device altogether.
10. Low or High Temperature Conditions
Most rechargeable vape batteries are designed to operate within a specific temperature range. Charging your device in extremely cold or hot environments can interfere with the battery’s ability to charge properly or cause safety features to activate.
How to Fix?
In the majority of disposable vape pens, the blue LED lights up when the temps are too low and the device isn’t charging. That’s because most vape makers use Li-ion batteries that won’t charge when the temperatures dip below 3⁰C (37.4⁰F). The best solution is to wait until the device temperature comes back up.
