How to Get Air Bubbles Out of a Disposable Vape

If you've ever taken a puff from your disposable vape only to get weak vapor—or no vapor at all—an air bubble might be the culprit.

This small issue can lead to dry hits, inconsistent flavor, or even cause your device to stop working temporarily. Fortunately, it's a common and usually fixable problem. As a disposable vape supplier, we often get this question from customers, and in this post, we'll walk you through:

• Why air bubbles happen

• How to remove them safely

• When it might be time to replace the device

Let's get started.

Why Do Air Bubbles Form in a Disposable Vape?

Air bubbles typically form in the e-liquid chamber or around the cotton wick. Here's why:

• Sudden temperature changes (like moving from cold to hot environments)

• Rapid puffing or chain vaping, which can create suction gaps

• Storage or shipping that causes the liquid to shift

• Device orientation—for example, if it's left mouthpiece down for too long

These air bubbles prevent the cotton wick from being fully saturated, which affects vapor production.

Signs Your Vape Has an Air Bubble Problem

Not sure if your device has an air bubble? Look out for these signs:

• Weak or no vapor output

• Dry or burnt taste

• Gurgling or popping noises

• Visible gap in the e-liquid chamber

• You need to puff harder than usual

How to Get Air Bubbles Out of a Disposable Vape

Here are some safe and simple methods to remove trapped air bubbles and get your device working again:

1. Tap or Flick the Device Gently

Sometimes, all it takes is a light tap.

How to do it:

• Hold your vape upright (mouthpiece up)

• Use your finger to tap gently on the side of the device

• Do this a few times to dislodge trapped air bubbles

This helps the e-liquid flow back to the coil and re-saturate the wick.

2. Warm It Up Slightly (Safely)

Air bubbles may form due to thickened e-liquid in cold temperatures. Gently warming the vape can help.

How to do it:

• Place the vape in your hand or pocket for 5–10 minutes

• Avoid using any direct heat (hairdryers, radiators, etc.)

This can make the e-liquid thinner and allow air bubbles to rise naturally.

3. Flip It Upside Down Briefly

Reversing the position helps redistribute the e-liquid.

How to do it:

• Turn the vape upside down for 10–15 seconds

• Flip it back and wait a moment before taking a puff

This movement encourages trapped bubbles to escape from around the wick.

4. Take Gentle Priming Puffs

If the coil is dry due to an air bubble, gentle airflow can pull the e-liquid back in.

How to do it:

• Take 2–3 light, quick puffs without fully inhaling

• Avoid pulling too hard to prevent flooding or more air entering

This technique is especially effective for newer devices that haven't been used much yet.

What NOT to Do

When dealing with an air bubble in a disposable vape, avoid the following:

• Don't shake the device aggressively — You could damage internal parts

• Don't poke or pry the mouthpiece open — Most disposables are not designed to be taken apart

• Don't use heat sources like a microwave, hair dryer, or open flame — It's dangerous and can permanently damage the device

When to Replace the Vape Instead

If you've tried all the methods above and still experience:

• No vapor at all

• Burnt taste on every puff

• Visible damage or leakage

…it may be time to dispose of the device responsibly and replace it.

Remember, disposable vapes are not designed for long-term repairs or refills. Once the coil is dry-burned or the battery is depleted, the device cannot be revived.

Pro Tips to Prevent Air Bubbles in the Future

• Store your vape upright, especially when not in use

• Avoid rapid temperature changes (like leaving it in a hot car or cold bag)

• Take slower, consistent puffs to allow even e-liquid flow

• Check the expiry date or manufacturing date if possible—older vapes may wick less efficiently

Final Thoughts

Air bubbles in disposable vapes are a minor but frustrating issue. Thankfully, they're easy to fix in most cases with a few gentle tricks like tapping, warming, or priming puffs.

If you're a regular user, knowing how to handle this can extend your vape's usability and improve your experience. And if you're a retailer or supplier, this is a helpful guide to share with customers facing similar issues.

At LAVANDE, we strive to not just supply reliable disposable vapes, but also share practical tips to help you get the best performance out of them.