How to Fix a Burnt Vape

Nothing ruins a vaping experience faster than a burnt hit. If you’ve ever taken a puff only to be greeted by a harsh, unpleasant taste, you're not alone. A burnt vape not only tastes bad but can also damage your device if not addressed. Fortunately, there are ways to fix it — and even better, to prevent it from happening again. Here’s a complete guide on how to fix a burnt vape and get back to smooth, flavorful clouds.

What Causes a Burnt Vape?

Before jumping into solutions, it's important to understand why a vape burns in the first place. Common reasons include:

• Dry hits: When the coil isn’t properly saturated with e-liquid.
• Chain vaping: Taking multiple puffs in quick succession without giving the coil time to re-soak.
• High wattage settings: Using wattage levels that are too high for the coil.
• Old or damaged coils: Coils naturally wear out over time and can eventually burn.

Knowing the cause helps you choose the right fix and avoid further damage to your vape.

How to Fix a Burnt Vape

If you caught it early — meaning your coil isn’t completely destroyed — you might be able to save it. Here’s how:

1. Stop Vaping Immediately

The moment you notice a burnt taste, put your device down. Continuing to vape will only worsen the damage.

2. Check Your E-Liquid Level

A common cause of burnt hits is low e-liquid. Make sure your tank or pod still has enough juice. If it's low, refill it right away.

3. Prime Your Coil Properly

If you just installed a new coil and it tastes burnt, it might not have been primed correctly. To fix this:

• Remove the coil.
• Add a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the cotton ports.
• Reinstall the coil, fill the tank, and let it sit for 5–10 minutes before vaping.

Priming ensures the wick is fully saturated and ready for use.

4. Lower Your Wattage

Running your vape at too high a wattage can burn the coil quickly. Check the recommended wattage range printed on your coil and adjust your device accordingly.

5. Take Slower, Longer Puffs

Fast, repetitive hits don’t give the coil enough time to absorb more e-liquid. Slow down between puffs to allow proper wicking.

6. Clean the Coil (If Possible)

If the coil isn’t badly burnt, you can try cleaning it:

• Remove the coil and rinse it under warm water.
• Let it dry completely (ideally 24 hours).
• Re-prime and reinstall.

While cleaning might help temporarily, keep in mind that it's usually a short-term fix.

7. Replace the Coil

If the burnt taste persists, it's time for a new coil. Coils are consumables, and once burnt, they rarely return to full performance.

How to Prevent a Burnt Vape in the Future

Prevention is the best cure. Here’s how to keep your vape tasting fresh:

• Always prime new coils properly.
• Keep your tank topped up; don’t let it run dry.
• Avoid chain vaping; allow a few seconds between hits.
• Stick to the recommended wattage settings.
• Use the right e-liquid for your device (e.g., high VG liquids for sub-ohm tanks).

By following these steps, you'll extend the life of your coils and enjoy a consistently smooth vape.

Conclusion

Dealing with a burnt vape can be frustrating, but it's often avoidable with proper care and maintenance. If you experience a burnt hit, act quickly by checking your e-liquid, priming your coil, and adjusting your settings. When in doubt, replacing the coil is the best solution. With a little attention, you can keep your device running perfectly and enjoy every puff.