Why Is My Vape Hissing? Causes and How to Fix the Noise

If your vaping device hisses when you take a puff, don’t worry — this is usually normal. The sound comes from the e-liquid heating up and turning into vapour. However, if the hissing is unusually loud or sounds off, it can be unsettling. In most cases, it’s nothing serious. Still, understanding why it happens and how to fix it can be helpful.

Why Is My Vape Hissing?

Vape noise can be a frustrating issue for many vapers. Although it’s usually nothing to worry about, if you want to vape as discreetly as possible, it can be annoying. Let’s go through the most common reasons your vape might be making unexpected noises. We’ll share some tips on reducing or eliminating them. And we’ll also discuss when it’s best not to try fixing it but instead replace the vape altogether.

Why Is My Vape Hissing After I Hit It?

A soft hiss is generally a sign that the device is functioning correctly. Louder, more persistent hits could be caused by a flooded coil. When too much e-liquid soaks into the coil, it doesn’t vaporise properly, creating a bubbling or crackling sound. A simple way to fix this is to remove the tank and gently blow through the mouthpiece to clear any excess liquid.

Another possible cause is a low wattage setting. If the device isn’t heating the e-liquid efficiently, you might hear a bubbling noise instead of a smooth inhale. Try increasing the wattage slightly and see if the sound improves.

Sometimes, a loose or worn-out coil can also be the culprit. If the coil isn’t fitted securely, it won’t heat evenly, leading to strange noises like popping noises. Checking that everything is tightly in place can often solve the problem. While some hissing is standard, if it’s loud, persistent, or combined with leaking, it’s worth making these minor adjustments.

Why Is My Vape Making a Hissing Noise When Not in Use?

Compared to the previous cases, this could be an actual red flag. A vape should be silent when you’re not using it, so if you notice a hissing sound, even when you’re not taking a puff, something is incorrect. One possibility is that the fire button is stuck or faulty. If the button is jammed, the device might be firing continuously, which isn’t just annoying — it can be dangerous. A quick check to see if the button is stuck, followed by cleaning or replacing the device, can solve the issue. Ideally, remove the battery immediately until the problem is fixed.

PRO TIP: Keep in mind that whether you switch smoking to vaping to save money or to get rid of the toxic smoke from burning tobacco, using a damaged vape device is never worth it. It can be dangerous.

Could Your Vape Make a Hissing Noise From Auto-Firing?

Another common problem is a disposable vape hissing due to auto-firing. Some vapes, especially disposable ones with an auto-draw mechanism, can misfire if the sensor malfunctions. Tapping the device gently or blowing into the mouthpiece can sometimes reset it. However, if the hissing continues, the safest option is to stop using the device.

Is Your Vape Hissing Due to a Short Circuit?

A more serious cause could be a short circuit. If the wiring inside the vape is damaged, it might fire on its own, creating a persistent hissing noise. If your device feels unusually warm or keeps making noise, remove the battery (if possible) and stop using it immediately. A faulty vape isn’t worth the risk, so replacing it might be the best option.

Why Is My Disposable Vape Making a Hissing Noise?

Disposable vapes are designed to be hassle-free, but they’re not immune to problems. If the problem isn’t caused by auto-firing, as mentioned above, another common issue with disposables could be the e-liquid itself. With these devices, you don’t have control over the e-liquid thickness, and both overly thick and overly thin mixtures can cause hissing issues.

• Thicker vape juice (high VG content): E-liquids with a high percentage of vegetable glycerin (VG) are more viscous. This can make it harder for the coil to wick correctly, sometimes leading to uneven heating and a hissing or crackling sound.
• Thinner vape juice (overheated liquid): On the other hand, if it gets too thin — such as when exposed to heat — it can flood the coil more efficiently, leading to excess liquid bubbling and hissing when heated.

Keeping the device at a moderate temperature helps prevent extreme cases of both issues.

PRO TIP: Don’t forget that the ban on disposable vapes is approaching. Read our latest article, Why Are Disposable Vapes Being Banned in the UK and stay informed.

Could a Blocked Airflow Be Causing the Hissing?

A blocked airflow in your vaping device can also cause hissing sounds. If you notice that your vape isn’t hitting correctly, along with the noise, try gently blowing into the mouthpiece to clear any debris. However, the vape could be faulty if the issue isn’t temperature or airflow-related. Manufacturing defects are rare but not unheard of, so if your disposable vape won’t stop making noise, the safest option is to dispose of it and get a new one.

E-Liquid Issues of Hissing and Other Vape Sounds

E-liquid issues are a common cause of vape noise, even with refillable devices. One of the main factors is, once again, the viscosity of the e-liquid. Thicker e-liquids can create more resistance in the airflow system, leading to gurgling or hissing noises. On the other hand, thinner e-liquids can cause the coil to overheat, resulting in a sizzling sound. To prevent these issues, choosing the right e-liquid for your device is essential. Look for a balanced viscosity and a suitable PG/VG ratio.

Could Condensation Buildup Be Causing the Noise?

Quick answer: yes. Another source of unexpected noises while vaping is condensation buildup. When you vape, the coil heats up, and the e-liquid vaporises. However, as the vapour cools down, it can condense back into liquid, leading to a buildup in the airflow path. This often results in gurgling or hissing noises. To prevent condensation buildup, clean your vape device regularly and ensure proper airflow settings.

Fine-Tuning Your Vape: Getting Rid of Hissing and Other Unwanted Noises

How can you prevent all these different noises from happening in the first place? Aside from making your vaping experience smoother, this also helps you quickly recognise something wrong. Experienced vapers will tell you that adjusting the airflow settings is one of the best and most effective ways to fine-tune your vape and reduce unwanted sounds. Proper airflow helps minimise gurgling and hissing noises, giving you a more consistent vape.

Another key factor is experimenting with different coil resistances. Some coils are designed to produce a softer hiss, while others naturally create a louder sizzling sound. You can find the perfect balance for your device by testing different coil options. Once you’ve fine-tuned all the components of your vape setup, it’ll be easier to identify the cause of any strange sound.

Don’t Worry: A Hissing Vape Isn’t Always a Problem

Let’s quickly sum up: A slight hissing sound while vaping is entirely normal, but it's worth investigating if the noise is loud, persistent, or occurs when you’re not using the device. Simple adjustments like checking your coil, adjusting the wattage, or ensuring the fire button isn’t stuck can often fix the issue.

Vaping is an excellent alternative to smoking, so don’t get discouraged if your device requires occasional maintenance. Sure, cigarettes didn’t need any upkeep, but you paid the price with extremely high levels of toxic substances in tobacco smoke. No matter how complicated vaping might sometimes seem, switching to a less harmful alternative is more than worth it.

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