Ecigone

Troubleshooting Your Vaporesso Device: Common Issues and Fixes

By shane margereson

Vaporesso makes some cracking vape kit, but let's be honest - even the best devices can play up sometimes.

After years of selling Vaporesso gear and helping customers sort their issues, I've seen pretty much every problem under the sun.

The good news? Most Vaporesso issues have dead-simple fixes that don't require sending your device back or binning it. Let's dive into the most common problems and how to sort them without all the technical waffle.

Pod System Problems: XROS, Vibe, and Luxe Series

1. Device Not Firing or Activating

The Issue: You're puffing away on your XROS or Vibe, but nothing's happening - no vapour, no LED, nothing. This is probably the most common complaint we get about pod systems.

Even though Vaporesso makes a reliable kit, the compact nature of pod systems means they're more prone to connection issues, and the draw-activation can sometimes get temperamental after a few months of use.

I've seen this happen with brand-new devices, too, so don't immediately assume you've done something wrong.

First Checks:

  • Is it charged? Seems obvious, but you'd be surprised. Try plugging it in for 15 minutes.

  • For button-activated devices (like the XROS 4), is it turned on? Five clicks to turn on.

  • For draw-activated devices, is the airflow blocked by debris or liquid?

Fixes:

  • If it's not charging, try a different cable. The cheap cable that came with your phone might not be up to snuff.

  • Clean the connection between the pod and the battery with a cotton bud. Even a tiny bit of e-liquid here can break the circuit.

  • If the auto-draw isn't working, remove the pod and clean both the pod connectors and the inside of the device where they connect.

  • Try a different pod if you have one - sometimes it's just a duff pod.

When It's Proper Knackered: If none of that works, and you've tried different cables and pods, the internal switch or board might have given up the ghost. If it's under warranty, get in touch, and we'll sort it out for you.

2. Leaking Pods

The Issue: You pull your XROS out of your pocket, and your fingers are covered in sticky e-liquid. Proper annoying. Leaking is one of those problems that's plagued pod systems since day one, and even with Vaporesso's fancy SSS technology, it can still happen.

I've found that leaking issues often come down to user handling rather than actual device flaws. The way you fill, carry, and use your pod system can make a massive difference to whether you end up with juice-covered fingers or a leak-free experience.

Temperature changes are a particularly common culprit that most people don't think about - that transition from a warm house to the cold outdoors creates pressure changes inside the pod that can force liquid out.

Causes:

  • Filling technique (getting liquid down the central tube)

  • Temperature changes cause pressure changes

  • The pod did not click in properly

  • Tiny cracks in the pod

  • The coil is not wicking properly

Fixes:

  • Always fill with the nozzle against the side of the filling port, never down the middle

  • Don't overfill - leave a small air gap at the top

  • Make sure the pod is fully clicked in place

  • Check for hairline cracks in the plastic (hold it up to light)

  • If moving between temperature extremes (like a warm house to the freezing car), keep the airflow open

  • Some leaking through the airflow is normal condensation - just wipe it regularly

Pro Tip: Vaporesso's SSS tech in the XROS series makes them more leak-resistant than most, but no pod system is 100% leakproof. If you're having persistent issues, try a 50/50 e-liquid instead of high VG juices, which can be too thick for proper wicking.

3. Burnt Hits from Hell

The Issue: You take a puff and instead of tasty vapour, you get a harsh, burnt hit that makes you cough your lungs up. This is probably the most unpleasant vaping experience possible, and unfortunately, it's all too common with pod systems. The main culprit is almost always impatience - not giving a new pod enough time to properly saturate before that first puff.

Nearly every day, we get messages from folks who've just bunged in a new pod and taken a puff straight away, and now it tastes like they're inhaling fire. It's a rookie mistake, but one that even experienced vapers make.

Once you've scorched that cotton, there's no fixing it - just like you can't un-burn toast. Pod systems have tiny wicking channels compared to big tanks, so they really need that soaking time before use.

Causes:

  • Not priming new pods properly

  • Chain vaping without breaks

  • Using high VG juice in a pod system

  • Running at too high a wattage

  • An empty or nearly empty pod

Fixes:

  • When fitting a new pod, fill it and wait 5-10 minutes before your first puff. Patience!

  • Take breaks between puffs to let the wick re-saturate

  • Use 50/50 or 60/40 juice in pod systems, not the thick 80/20 stuff

  • If your device has adjustable wattage, stick to the recommended range for your coil

  • Keep an eye on your e-liquid level - don't let it get too low

Sad Truth: Once a coil is burnt, it's toast. No amount of cleaning or fiddling will bring it back. If you've burnt your coil, your only option is to replace it.

4. Spitting and Gurgling

The Issue: Your Vaporesso pod is making gurgling noises and spitting hot e-liquid into your mouth. Lovely. This is both unpleasant and surprisingly common with pod systems, including Vaporesso's range.

The fundamental issue is that too much liquid has made its way into the coil chamber instead of staying in the wicking material where it belongs. Spitting and gurgling usually happen together because they're essentially two symptoms of the same problem - a flooded coil.

It's particularly common in cooler weather when e-liquid gets thinner and flows more readily through the wicking ports. I've also noticed it happens more often with pod systems that have been carried in tight pockets or bags where pressure might be applied to the pod, essentially squeezing more liquid into the coil than it needs.

Causes:

  • Flooding in the coil chamber

  • Condensation build-up

  • Too much pressure when inhaling

  • E-liquid is too thin for the device

Fixes:

  • Remove the pod and blow gently through the bottom of it (where it connects to the battery) while holding a tissue over the mouthpiece.

  • Flick the pod downward (like an old thermometer) to force excess liquid out of the coil chamber.

  • Don't pull too hard when inhaling - gentle, steady draws work best

  • Try slightly higher VG juice if you're using very high PG

  • Clean the chimney with a cotton bud or tissue

Quick Fix: Sometimes, just taking the pod out, wiping everything down, and leaving it to stand for 10 minutes will sort gurgling issues as the vacuum inside the pod stabilises.

5. Poor Flavour or Weak Vapour

The Issue: Your pod is firing, but the flavour's muted or the vapour production is weaker than a wet paper bag. This is typically a gradual issue rather than a sudden one - you might notice over days or a week that your vape just isn't delivering the same experience it did when the pod was new. It's easy to underestimate how much coil lifespan varies depending on your vaping style and juice choices.

A pod that might last three weeks for one person could be done in five days for someone else. Sweet, dark e-liquids are particularly tough on coils, gunking them up with residue that mutes flavour and restricts vapour flow.

I've seen XROS pods come out looking like they've been dipped in tar after just a week with some dessert juices, while the same pod might stay almost clean for weeks with a clear menthol liquid.

Causes:

  • Coil is old and gunked up

  • Airflow setting isn't optimal

  • Battery level is low

  • Juice doesn't suit the device

  • Vaper's tongue (temporary loss of taste)

Fixes:

  • Replace the pod/coil if it's more than 1-2 weeks old

  • Play with the airflow - more closed for flavour, more open for clouds

  • Charge your device - most perform better above 50% battery

  • Try a different e-liquid (sometimes your taste buds just get used to a flavour)

  • Drink more water and try smelling coffee beans to reset your sense of taste

The Reality Check: If your pod is more than 2 weeks old, diminished performance is normal. No coil lasts forever, especially with sweet or dark e-liquids.

Sub-Ohm Kit Problems: Gen Series, Armour, and iTank

1. Coil Issues and Tank Leaks

The Issue: Your Vaporesso tank is leaking from the airflow, or you're getting dry hits despite a full tank.

Ask any vaper what their biggest headache is, and tank leaks will be right up there. Been that way since vaping began, really.

Vaporesso makes decent tanks, but they can still leak if not set up right. Unlike pods where it's mostly about the pod itself, tank leaks usually come down to how you've put it together, whether the O-rings are shot, or if you're using juice that's too runny for that particular coil.

With all those separate bits screwing together, there's more places where things can go wrong. Most times I see leaky tanks, it's because someone's rushed putting it back together after a coil change or missed one of those tiny O-rings that look like nothing but actually does a massive job keeping everything sealed up.

Causes:

  • Coil not properly installed
  • O-rings damaged or missing
  • Tank not assembled correctly
  • Using wrong PG/VG ratio for the coil
  • Coil is worn out or damaged

Fixes:

  • Check all O-rings are present and undamaged (tanks usually come with spares)
  • Make sure the coil is screwed in properly - hand-tight, not gorilla-tight
  • Verify the tank is assembled correctly with all parts aligned
  • Use higher VG juices (70/30) with sub-ohm tanks and coils
  • Replace the coil if it's more than 2-3 weeks old

Tank Leak Emergency Fix: If you're out and about with a leaky tank, close the airflow, empty the tank, disassemble it completely, wipe everything down, and carefully reassemble making sure all parts are properly aligned and tightened.

2. Mod Not Turning On or Charging

The Issue: Your Gen or Armour mod is completely dead - no screen, no response to button presses. This is one of the more alarming issues you can face with a vape mod, as it often makes people assume their device is completely broken beyond repair.

The good news is that in many cases, what seems like a dead mod is actually something quite fixable. Power issues can stem from various sources, from simple battery problems to firmware glitches.

External battery mods like most of the Gen series actually have fewer charging-related issues than internal battery devices, as the replaceable cells mean you're not dependent on the USB port working perfectly.

I've rescued countless "dead" mods that just needed their batteries put in the right way round or a quick reset to clear a software hiccup.

Causes:

  • Battery issues (external battery devices)
  • Charging port damage
  • Board failure
  • Firmware glitch

Fixes for External Battery Mods:

  • Remove and reinsert batteries, checking they're inserted correctly
  • Try different batteries if possible
  • Clean the battery contacts with a cotton bud
  • Try a reset: remove batteries, press fire button for 30 seconds, reinsert batteries

Fixes for Internal Battery Mods:

  • Try a different charging cable and wall adapter
  • Attempt a reset by holding all buttons for 10 seconds
  • Let it charge for at least 30 minutes even if no charging indicator appears

Last Resort: If your mod has upgradeable firmware, try connecting it to your computer and reinstalling the firmware. Vaporesso's website has the software and instructions.

3. AXON Chip Errors and Screen Issues

The Issue: Your screen's showing error messages like "Check Battery" or "No Atomizer" or "Short Circuit." The AXON chip in Vaporesso mods is actually pretty clever at figuring out what's wrong and telling you about it. These aren't just random error codes - they're the mod's way of telling you exactly what needs sorting.

That's much better than getting some vague error or, worse, a mod that just doesn't work with no explanation.

When you see these messages, it's usually the safety systems doing their job, not the chip itself being faulty.

Most times, these errors are actually preventing something worse happening, like a short circuit or battery issue that could be dangerous if ignored.

Common Error Messages and Fixes:

"Check Battery":

  • Check battery orientation
  • Try different batteries
  • Clean battery contacts
  • If using very old batteries, they might need replacing

"No Atomizer" or "Check Atomizer":

  • Check the coil is properly installed
  • Clean the 510 connection on both tank and mod
  • Try a different tank if available
  • Check for liquid in the 510 connection

"Short Circuit":

  • Remove tank and see if error clears
  • Try a different coil
  • Check for signs of damage to the coil or tank
  • Ensure the coil isn't touching the chimney

"Too Hot":

  • Let the device cool down
  • Check you're within the coil's wattage range
  • Ensure airflow isn't restricted

Pro Tip: If your mod is stuck in a weird mode or showing strange settings, try doing a factory reset. On most Vaporesso devices with the AXON chip, this is done by holding the + and - buttons while the device is turned off, then pressing the fire button.

4. Performance and Power Issues

The Issue: Your sub-ohm kit isn't hitting like it used to - weak vapour, poor flavour, or inconsistent performance.

This is usually a gradual issue that develops over weeks or months rather than an overnight problem.

Many factors can contribute to declining performance, from battery degradation to settings drift to simple build-up of gunk on critical connections.

External battery mods are particularly susceptible to contact issues, as the removable nature of the batteries means there are more metal-to-metal connections that can develop resistance over time.

Even tiny amounts of oxidation on these contacts can lead to noticeable performance drops. The AXON chip's adaptive power delivery is usually very good at compensating for minor issues, but eventually, these problems can become significant enough to affect your vaping experience.

I've resurrected many "underpowered" mods simply by giving them a thorough cleaning and battery refresh.

Causes:

  • Battery degradation
  • Carbon build-up on connections
  • Airflow issues
  • Coil compatibility problems
  • Settings not optimized

Fixes:

  • For external battery devices, try new batteries - they do degrade over time
  • Clean all connections with isopropyl alcohol (with batteries removed)
  • Check that your coil is compatible with your mod's wattage range
  • Try Vaporesso's Smart Mode to automatically detect optimal settings
  • Update firmware if available
  • Reset to factory settings if performance is inconsistent

Wattage Reality Check: Different coils need different wattages. A common mistake is using the same wattage for all coils. The Gen series has Smart Mode that suggests the right range, but if you've turned that off, check what's printed on the coil.

5. Firmware and Update Issues

The Issue: You're trying to update your Vaporesso device's firmware but running into problems. Firmware updates can be a double-edged sword - they can add new features and fix bugs, but the update process itself can sometimes create issues if not done correctly.

Vaporesso has been good about providing firmware updates for their devices with the AXON chip, but the process isn't always as straightforward as we'd like. Connection issues between the device and computer are common, as are interrupted updates that can leave your device in a semi-functional state.

The most important thing to remember with firmware updates is that if your device is working perfectly fine, there's no urgent need to update unless the new firmware specifically addresses an issue you're having.

I've seen many perfectly functioning devices develop quirks after unnecessary updates, so it's often a case of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".

Common Update Issues:

  • Computer not recognising the device
  • Update software crashing
  • Update fails midway
  • Device behaves oddly after update

Fixes:

  • Make sure you're using the official Vaporesso software, not third-party apps
  • Try a different USB port (preferably directly on your computer, not a hub)
  • Use the cable that came with the device
  • For connection issues, install the proper drivers from Vaporesso's site
  • If an update fails, try again with the device at full charge
  • If the device is bricked after a failed update, contact support

Word of Warning: If your device is working fine, don't rush to update the firmware just because a new version is available. Sometimes newer isn't better, and updates can introduce new quirks.

General Vaporesso Maintenance Tips

Preventative Maintenance

A bit of regular TLC goes a long way in preventing problems before they even start. Most vape issues don't happen overnight - they develop gradually as residue builds up, connections get dirty, and parts experience wear and tear.

Just a few minutes of maintenance each week can dramatically extend the life of your device and help it perform at its best. Think of it like changing the oil in your car - a small regular effort that prevents much bigger problems down the line.

I've had Vaporesso devices that have lasted years longer than expected simply because I took good care of them from day one.

The cleaner you keep your device, the more reliable it will be, especially around those crucial electrical connections where even invisible residue can cause resistance problems.

Weekly Pod System Maintenance:

  • Remove pod and clean connections
  • Check for liquid buildup around airflow
  • Wipe down the entire device
  • Check charging port for lint or debris

Weekly Sub-Ohm Kit Maintenance:

  • Remove tank and clean 510 connection
  • Check O-rings for damage
  • Clean threading on tank and mod
  • Inspect batteries for damage to wraps
  • Clean battery contacts

When to Replace vs. When to Repair

Knowing when to try fixing your device versus when to call it a day and get a replacement can save you a lot of time, money, and frustration.

Some issues are simple fixes that anyone can handle with basic tools and a bit of patience, while others indicate more serious problems that likely aren't worth the effort to repair.

With Vaporesso devices being relatively affordable compared to some high-end brands, there comes a point where repair attempts don't make economic sense. That said, I'm always reluctant to bin a device that might have life left in it, especially when the fix might be something simple.

I've had customers ready to throw away perfectly good mods that just needed a thorough cleaning or a reset.

Before making the decision to replace, it's worth going through the troubleshooting steps to determine if you're dealing with a minor issue or a fundamental failure.

Generally Worth Fixing Yourself:

  • Leaking tanks (usually just needs proper assembly or new O-rings)
  • Connection issues (usually fixed by cleaning)
  • Most pod issues (typically solved by replacing the pod)
  • Minor battery door issues on external battery mods

Probably Time for a Replacement:

  • Any mod that's been dropped in water
  • Physical damage to the board or chip
  • Screen failure
  • Charging port completely broken off
  • Battery problems with internal battery devices
  • Any device that gets unusually hot during normal use

My Experience with Vaporesso Support

If you've tried everything and your device is still under warranty, Vaporesso's support is actually quite decent. Their website has all the contact details, but a few tips from my experience:

  • Take clear photos of the issue if it's visible
  • Be specific about what you've already tried to fix it
  • Have your proof of purchase handy
  • Be polite - they're generally quite helpful if you're not having a go at them

Final Thoughts

Vaporesso makes some of the more reliable vape gear on the market, but nothing electronic is perfect.

Most issues you'll run into are easily sorted with a bit of cleaning, a coil change, or a quick reset.

The key thing to remember is that regular maintenance prevents most problems before they start. A quick weekly clean and checking your coils regularly will save you a lot of headaches.

If you've got any particularly tricky Vaporesso issues that I haven't covered here, drop us a message. After sorting problems with these devices for years, I've probably seen it before and can help get you sorted.

Happy vaping, and remember - if you're getting frustrated with a device issue, step away for five minutes before you start taking things apart.

A cool head usually makes for better troubleshooting!