What Does It Mean When a Disposable Vape Blinks?

Disposable vapes are simple to use and nearly maintenance-free, making them a hugely popular choice for many vapers. Yet, while they provide the perfect puff-and-go combination, they can still experience issues, indicated by a blinking light. When your vape blinks, it could mean several things. Here’s what you need to know.

Why is Your Disposable Vape Blinking? 

The blinking light on a disposable vape could indicate several different issues, but generally, it's a sign something’s awry. Once a light appears, we advise stopping use of the vape until you identify the cause. Here are the most common reasons for a blinking light.  

The Battery is Dead   

The batteries in disposable vapes can last anywhere from 300 and 6000 puffs, depending on the model and inhalation strength. The most likely reason behind a blinking light is the dead battery. 

If your disposable vape is rechargeable, note that even rechargeable devices will only last two or three charges or until the juice runs out. Try recharging if you see a blinking light. 

Sadly, if it isn’t rechargeable, that's the end of the road, and it’s time for a replacement.  

The Juice is Finished 

Another common cause of a blinking light is the disposable has run out of juice. Disposables are wonderfully convenient but have a short life cycle, as mentioned, and if you start to notice a weakness in the vapour, it's probably the juice.    

Over-Puffing 

Almost all vapes come with a built-in shutdown mechanism to prevent overheating. Overpuffing typically occurs because the person using it takes exceptionally long puffs or does so in rapid succession. The strain on the vape heats the coil to the point that it cuts out. Most vapes have a puff timer of between 8 and 10 seconds.  

Overheating   

Another reason a light might appear is that the vape knows it is reaching dangerous temperatures. 

Sometimes, overheating occurs due to user error. The device may be charging near a heat source. Using the wrong charger that supplies too high voltage can also cause overheating issues.

More advanced disposables like the WAKA Smash have built-in over-voltage protection to prevent this issue. However, not all disposables do, so the brand is something to keep in mind. 

Overheating vapes is a serious danger and can lead to fires or even explosions. It’s crucial to practice battery safety when charging a disposable.

A Short Circuit 

Like any complex mechanical device, disposable vapes sometimes experience short circuits. It's uncommon for disposables to detect short circuits and shut down, mainly because the manufacturer doesn’t design them with servicing in mind. Still, it doesn't mean it’s impossible. 

A short circuit may have occurred because of severe damage to the vape. It could also be an issue of a faulty product with cheaper options.    

What Do Different Blinking Patterns on a Disposable Vape Mean? 

Sometimes, the clue to the issue can be in the pattern of blinking. Here’s what to know about vape blinking patterns.

Slow Blinking 

A slow blinking light typically indicates that the vape is running out of battery or has entered its power-saving mode. A low battery means the vape cannot heat its atomiser and produce the required vapour. If the battery is still good, this could also indicate that the juice has run out.  

Fast Blinking 

A fast-blinking light could indicate various things. When a new vape is activated, it will blink quickly for a short period. This rapid blinking should stop by the time you start vaping. 

If you've been using the vape without issues and then see a fast blinking light, it probably indicates some error or malfunction. The most common error is that whoever is using it is over-puffing.      

Constant  

Constant light or rapid blinking is not a good sign. It means a serious malfunction somewhere inside, and you should stop vaping immediately.

Unfortunately, this light pattern means it’s probably the end for this particular vape. Dispose of it safely, and purchase a new one.     

How To Fix Your Blinking Disposable Vape 

Depending on the problem, there are various ways to fix a blinking vape.  

Low Battery  

If you believe the problem concerns the battery, you can recharge it if it has a recharging port, usually a micro-USB or USB-C port on either the vape's back or side. 

Most disposables don't come with chargers, which would significantly push the price, but a typical Android USB connector will do just fine. 

Importantly, do not plug a vape directly into the mains. Their small batteries cannot handle this voltage level and will overheat quickly without built-in over-voltage protection. Use a PC or laptop instead. 

Leave it charging for 30 minutes and try again. If it's still blinking, it'll be something different.  

No Juice   

If you have a blinking light but have just fully charged your vape, the following most likely reason is that it's run out of juice. Unfortunately, you can do nothing about this except purchase a new disposable vape.  

Over-Puffing  

If you see a fast blinking light and feel slightly lightheaded, it could mean you are not giving the coil enough time to cool down. Remember, most vapes have an 8 to 10 seconds puff timer, meaning anything over that will cause the vape to shut down. 

If this is the problem, shorten your puffs, and everything should be fine.  

Overheating   

Vapes are sensitive little devices, and a fast blinking light might indicate that it is overheating. It could be because you are using it too much. 

If so, take it easy for 30 minutes and see if anything changes.

Another reason the vape is overheating could be because of the environment. It could be down to its storage, perhaps in direct sunlight. 

If this is the case, stop using it immediately and place it in a cool spot for 30 minutes or enough time to cool down.

If the light persists, it's most likely a sign of a more severe problem.  

Malfunction 

If you've tried everything else and a fast blinking or constant light remains, it's probably a sign of a significant error or malfunction. In this case, few options remain except safe disposal and a brand-new purchase.  

What Should You Do if Your Brand New Disposable Vape Blinks? 

A flashing light on a brand-new disposable vape almost certainly indicates an internal fault that has nothing to do with you. While it might be tempting to persist with it or even try to fix the problem yourself, a faulty vape should be returned to the shop immediately and replaced. If you purchased it online, you can take a picture and contact the seller regarding their returns policy. 

Final Thoughts 

Disposable vapes are convenient devices, but their lifespan is short and mechanical problems can still occur. If your vape has a blinking light, try the abovementioned steps to resolve the matter. 

If your vape is coming towards the end, it's time to head over to Waka for a new disposable vape. With advanced over-voltage protection and 23 standard battery tests, you can find a reliable vape lasting up to 6000 puffs.