What Causes Auto-Firing in Vapes, Prevention Tips, and How to Troubleshoot

Imagine putting your vape down on the table, only to hear it suddenly crackling and firing up. On its own! That is what we call auto-firing, and it can be confusing and scary. You didn’t press the button, and you weren’t even touching the device, yet it just started heating up.

Auto-firing is when your vape device activates and starts heating the coil without you pressing the fire button or inhaling (for autodraw vapes). This is not normal and can be dangerous. It can burn the coil, drain the vape battery, or worse, damage the device.

Today’s guide is here to help you understand why your vape is firing on its own, what causes it, and what to do when it happens. We also give you some tips to better take care of your vape and prevent this from happening.

What Causes Auto-Firing in Vapes?

E-Liquid Leakage or Condensation Inside the Device

This is one of the most common causes of autofiring. When the liquid gets into the wrong parts of the vape where it is not supposed to, it won't mix well with the circuits and wires inside. Leakage can be caused by overfilling the pod or tank or when your coil floods.

Even condensation can interfere with the device's internal components. Condensation is the tiny water droplets that build up during use. When this happens, it can trick the device into thinking you are pressing the fire button.

Faulty Fire Button and Software or Chipset

Sometimes the fire button gets stuck or malfunctions. This can happen because of dirt, dust, or damage. If the button is physically stuck in the "on" position, your vape will keep firing even after you let go.

Similarly, if the software or chip malfunctions, it might send the wrong signals and start heating the coil. It can also lead to other unusual behaviours, such as wrong screen display, not turning off, or rapid battery drain.

Battery Problems

Another serious and common issue that causes autofiring is battery problems or short circuits. If there is an issue with the battery connection, the device might think it is supposed to fire. This can be caused by many things, including dirty battery contacts, battery not installed correctly, using damaged batteries, or e-liquid leaking into the battery area.

Coil or Pod Malfunction

Coils and pods are important parts of your vape. They ensure you get a smooth and consistent vapour and flavour throughout your sessions. If there is a problem with any of these two, it can lead to your device malfunctioning, like firing by itself.

Most issues with these are usually caused by not inserting them properly into the device. A bad connection can cause them to malfunction. Some pods or tanks with built-in chips may fire even without being triggered (due to an issue with the chip).

How to Troubleshoot and Fix Auto-Firing Safely: Step by Step

Step 1: Turn Off the Device Immediately

If you ever notice anything unusual with your device, like autofiring, the first thing to do is turn it off. Most devices have a feature called the 5-click method, which means quickly pressing the power button 5 times continuously to turn it on or off.

If your vape responds to the command and powers down, it means you have already stopped it from firing and can now check what’s wrong with it. If it doesn't turn off, it could be an issue with the software or the chipset, or the button may be stuck.

Step 2:  Remove the Pod or Tank

Once the device is off (or even if it is unresponsive), the next step is to remove the pod or vape tank. These are the parts that hold the e-liquid and are connected to the coil. If you remove them, it stops the flow of liquid to the coil, which automatically prevents it from heating up.

Removing these parts also prevents the liquid from leaking into the device, which can resolve the issue if leakage was the cause of the device's autofiring. Be careful here, especially if the device is hot.

Step 3: Remove the Battery

Not all devices have removable batteries, but if yours do, this is the next step. Removing the battery will completely cut off power, immediately stopping the device from firing, no matter the problem. Be careful and don't rush to yank it out.

Step 4: Let the Device Cool Down

If your device has an inbuilt battery and you can't remove it, just place it in a cool, dry place, like a table or countertop, and let it cool down.  Don’t put it on your bed, sofa, or anything soft and flammable. Give it 5 to 15 minutes, depending on how long it was firing and how hot it is, before you touch it again.

Step 5: Clean Everything

Once the device has cooled down, clean it well. Wipe off any vape juice leaks or buildup and remove any dirt. You can use a tissue or a soft cloth to wipe down the outside and a cotton swab to clean small areas around the button, battery contacts, pod connection, and charging port. Cleaning helps remove any mess that might be causing the firing and gives you a chance to inspect everything more closely.

Step 6: Inspect for Damage and Test

After cleaning, take a good look at all the parts of your vape, starting with the coil and pod, the battery, the fire button, and also the screen and the chip area. Do the coil and pod look burned or cracked? Does the battery have any dents, puffiness, or liquid on it? Is the fire button stuck or loose?

Look for anything that looks odd, such as melted plastic, black marks, cracks, or anything that just doesn’t seem right, and replace damaged parts. Once you've done all of these steps, try to turn on your device and see if the issue is gone.

If it seems normal and doesn’t start firing on its own again, the problem may have been fixed. Take a puff or two to test it and watch closely how it behaves. If it starts autofiring again, stop using it immediately. The chip or internal wiring might be damaged, and at this point, it is time to take it to a vape shop or consider getting a replacement.

How to Prevent Auto-Firing in the Future

• Clean your vape regularly. It can prevent 90% of the problems that lead to auto-firing. Simply wipe it down at least once a week, clean the fire button and screen, and don’t let e-liquid pool around the coil or pod. Also, keep the charging port clean and dry.

• Try not to drop or be rough with it. Use a vape case when not in use, and don’t leave it in hot places (like a car dashboard).

• Always buy your devices and parts like batteries, pods, tanks, and mods from trusted brands. Avoid super cheap prices unless you are sure the products are authentic.

• Don't overfill your tank to help prevent leaks and avoid chain vaping (taking puffs too often), as it causes condensation build-up.

• Turn your vape off when you are not using it, especially when carrying it in a bag or pocket.