Auto-firing is when a vape device malfunctions and begins activating randomly on its own. This mainly occurs with MTL pod vaping kits that possess the inhale activation feature; an innovation which utilises a smart chip to activate the battery when it senses the user inhale on the device.

On rare occasions, users have found that their device gains a life of its own and begins to activate even while not being used, which can be frustrating or embarrassing if it goes off in your pocket.

Most vape kits these days are fitted with a cut-off timer which cuts the power to the battery after 8 seconds, so it’s not a major worry. In this article, we will discuss what causes a vape to auto-fire, what to do and how to prevent it from happening in the future.

What causes auto-firing?

Whilst auto-firing is rare, there are a number of factors that can cause a vape to randomly activate. Some of these are fixable and preventable with good practice and occasional maintenance whilst others may be an indication that you need to replace your kit.

1. Condensation and debris

The most likely cause of auto-firing (and an easy fix) is condensation and debris in the pod chamber. If you experience auto-firing, one of the first things you should do is pull out the pod and inspect the inside chamber of the device.

Pocket-lint and dust can stick to beads of moisture and end up clogging the sensors. This is easily remedied; grab some towelling paper or an earbud and wipe away any moisture or bits of pocket lint, paying particular attention to the sensors.

Condensation may come in the form of moisture from the air, small droplets of e-liquid or a larger leak of e-liquid into the device's pod chamber.

It’s worth removing your pod and checking the inside of the chamber every now and then and wiping any excess moisture from the inside of the chamber with a piece of towelling paper or an earbud during coil changes.

If you find that your device is still auto-firing after carrying out these steps, follow the next points.

2. Poor Connection

The next thing to check is your coil to make sure that it is properly installed as this will prevent any leaks and ensure that there is a firm connection to the device's sensors. Some plug-and-play coils will have an edge to them that will line up with an edge in the pod, so make sure that the coil is pushed in firmly and is flush at the base of the pod.

3. Faulty Coil

If your coil is burnt or heading towards the end of its life, it could confuse the sensor and cause auto-firing. It may also, on the rare occasion, be faulty. Either way changing your coil is a good way to narrow down the problem.

Coils have a 1 to 2 week lifespan, depending on use, and a good sign that your coil needs to be replaced is a burnt taste and/or a darkening of your e-liquid. Coil changes are also a good time to inspect the inside of the chamber and pod and wipe up any moisture.

4. Fault with the auto-draw sensor

The inhale activation function utilises a sensor that detects when you draw on your vape and activates the device. You can reset the sensor by placing the pod back into the device and blowing into the mouthpiece.

5. Overheating

Vape devices can get hot through regular use, especially if you vape frequently for long periods of time, and this could cause the sensors to malfunction and randomly auto-fire. Not only that but during the hottest months of summer there is a rise in the number of vape devices auto-firing; being left out on a table in the sun and then being used regularly will cause your vape to get hot quite quickly.  

Try to vape for shorter periods of time, chain vaping will cause the battery to heat the sensors which may result in a malfunction, and if you are out enjoying the sunshine, try to keep your vape from baking in the sun for long periods of time.

6. Faulty Chip

If you have followed all of the above steps and you are still experiencing auto-firing, then there may be an issue with the chip inside your vape device.

When the sensor in your vape detects that you are inhaling, the chip will switch the battery on to provide power for your coil. If it is faulty, it can cause the device to randomly activate, again, not to worry as your pod kit carries a safety cut-off feature that will shut the battery off after 8 seconds of continuous firing.

It’s also worth keeping the box and warranty card that comes with the kit just in case you need to return it.

7. Damage

At some point, you are going to drop your vape device, it's par for the course. An accidental drop doesn’t necessarily mean that your vape kit is done for but repeated drops may cause damage to the inner workings of the kit and result in a miscommunication between the chip and the sensors.

If you are accident-prone or work in an environment where this is more likely to occur, there are more durable models available such as the Uwell Caliburn Tenet or devices that come equipped with their own lanyards such as the SMOK Novo 2C that may be worth your consideration.

Conclusion

The auto-draw feature is an intuitive innovation that has made vaping even more step-free and accessible for beginners. With occasional spot checks, ensuring that the coil is installed correctly and regulating your vaping sessions, you should be able to prevent any future occurrences. If you have followed these steps and find that your device is still auto-firing, feel free to contact our customer support team who will be happy to assist you.

*Check out our clear and simple Beginners Vaping Guide for answers to all of your questions about the world of vaping.