Why Is My Vape Getting Hot? 7 Causes & Easy Fixes

Worn-out coils, caramelised residue, or blocked airflow—these are just a few reasons your vape might feel too hot to handle. So, why is your vape getting hot?

Vapes naturally warm up during use, but excessive heat can make vaping uncomfortable and even unsafe. The good news? 9 times out of 10, it’s a simple issue you can fix yourself.

If you’re tired of dealing with a vape that’s too hot or a drip tip that feels like it’s burning your lips, read on. Here are the most common causes of overheating and how you can fix them fast.

Top Reasons Why Your Vape Is Getting Hot

1. Chain Vaping

What’s Happening?
Enjoying your vape too much? If you’re puffing non-stop, the coil doesn’t have enough time to cool down, causing heat to build up quickly.

How to Fix It:

• Use the puff counter on your vape (if available) to track your intake.

• Switch to a higher nicotine strength to get more satisfaction from fewer puffs.

• Take short breaks between inhales—15-30 seconds is ideal.

If you’re new to vaping, check out our [Beginner’s Guide to Vaping]

2. Superlong Puffs

What’s Happening?
Holding down the firing button for extended periods or taking extra-long puffs overheats the coil, making your vape uncomfortably hot.

How to Fix It:

• Reduce your inhale time to 3-5 seconds per puff.

• Use a vape with a power cutoff feature—many devices stop firing after 10 seconds to prevent overheating.

3. Using the Wrong Coil

What’s Happening?
Low-resistance coils (below 0.8 ohms) heat up faster, especially during extended sessions. If your device isn’t set up for sub-ohm vaping, overheating is more likely.

How to Fix It:

• Switch to a high-resistance coil (above 1.0 ohm) for cooler, smoother draws.

• Consider mesh coils, which distribute heat more evenly and reduce hot spots.

4. Coil Crust

What’s Happening?
E-liquids contain vegetable glycerin (VG), a sugary substance that can caramelise on your coil over time. This “coil crust” reduces airflow and traps heat.

How to Fix It:

• Replace the coil every 1-2 weeks or whenever you notice reduced performance.

• Opt for mesh coils—their larger surface area makes them less prone to residue build-up.

5. Blocked Airflow

What’s Happening?
If the airflow inlet is blocked or closed too tightly, cooling air can’t reach the coil. This not only increases heat but can also cause burnt hits.

How to Fix It:

• Adjust the airflow slider to allow a steady stream of air.

• Aim for a balance—while tighter airflow boosts flavour, ensure there’s enough ventilation to prevent overheating.

6. Wattage Is Too High

What’s Happening?
Every coil has an optimal wattage range. If your vape is set too high, the coil will overheat, leading to burnt flavours and excess heat.

How to Fix It:

• Check the recommended wattage on the coil or its packaging and adjust your settings accordingly.

• Use devices with Smart Mode, which automatically sets the ideal wattage for your coil.

7. Battery Issues

What’s Happening?
If your vape has a faulty or old battery, it can cause overheating. This is particularly common in devices with removable batteries.

How to Fix It:

• Test your device with a new battery if it uses removable ones like 18650s.

• Stick to high-quality batteries from trusted brands.

Caution: If your vape is too hot to hold or makes hissing sounds, stop using it immediately. Move it to a safe area and dispose of the battery safely.

If your vape tastes burnt, check out this guide Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt?.

Keep Your Vape Cool

Overheating issues are common, but they’re almost always fixable. Here’s a quick summary of what you can do:

• Take breaks: Avoid chain vaping and give your device time to cool.

• Check your settings: Use the right wattage for your coil.

• Maintain airflow: Adjust the slider to allow proper cooling.

• Replace coils regularly: Prevent crust build-up for smoother, cooler vaping.

If none of these fixes work, it might be time to invest in a new device.

Final Thoughts

A hot vape can be annoying, but with the right care, you can keep it running smoothly. Most issues—like chain vaping, clogged coils, or improper wattage—are easy to solve with simple adjustments.

Still having trouble? It’s probably best to replace your vape or consult a professional. Stay safe, and enjoy a cooler, more comfortable vaping experience!