“Ohms Too High”? Here’s How to Fix Your Vape Instantly

You’ve just picked up your vape, pressed the fire button, and instead of a satisfying cloud, you’re staring at an “Ohms Too High” error message on the screen. What the heck does this mean? The good news is that this is one of the most common vape problems, and it’s usually a quick fix. In most cases, you can get your device working again in just a few minutes with some basic cleaning or a simple coil replacement.

How to Fix Ohms Too High: A 4-Step Guide

Let’s get straight to the solution. Follow these steps in order, testing your vape after each one to see if the error clears.

1. Reseat Your Tank or Pod

Start with the simplest fix first. Often, your tank or pod just isn’t making proper contact with the device.

• For tanks: Unscrew your tank completely, then screw it back on firmly. Not too loose, not too tight; just right.
• For pods: Remove the pod from the device and push it back in until you hear or feel a click or noticeable magnetic tug into the device.

Press the fire button. If the error’s gone, you’re done. If not, move to step two.

2. Clean All Connection Points

E-liquid residue, dust, grime or condensation can block the electrical connection between your coil and battery. This is probably the most common cause of the “ohms too high” error.

Here’s how to clean it:

• Remove your tank or pod from the device.
• Take a cotton bud or clean cloth and wipe the 510 connector (the threaded metal part on top of your vape where the tank screws in).
• Clean the bottom of your tank or pod where it makes contact with the device. Look for any sticky residue or liquid.
• If you have a replaceable coil, unscrew it and wipe the threading and connection points.
• Let everything dry for a minute, then reassemble and test.

This simple cleaning step fixes the problem about 70% of the time.

3. Check and Reseat the Coil

If cleaning didn’t work, the issue might be with how your coil is installed.

• Remove your tank or pod.
• Unscrew the coil from inside the tank (or pull it out if you’re using a pod system).
• Check that the coil looks undamaged and isn’t burnt or discoloured.
• Screw the coil back in, making sure it’s straight and tight. Don’t force it, but ensure it’s secure.
• Reinstall your tank or pod and test again.
• If you’re using a kit that uses disposable pods with fixed coils, you won’t be able to try this step and should skip to pod replacement.

Sometimes a coil can become slightly loose from normal use, breaking the electrical connection just enough to trigger the error.

4. Replace the Coil

If you’ve tried everything above and the error persists, your coil is likely faulty or burnt out. This happens naturally over time as coils wear down.

• Install a fresh coil from the same pack or a new one that’s compatible with your device.
• Make sure it’s properly seated and screwed in tight.
• Prime your new coil by adding a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the cotton wick before installing it.
• Let it sit for 5 minutes after filling your tank to allow the wick to saturate fully.

A new coil should resolve the error immediately. If it doesn’t, the problem may be with the device itself rather than the coil.

“Check Atomiser” vs. “Ohms Too High”: What’s the Difference?

You might also see other error messages that seem similar. Here’s what they mean:

Ohms Too High:

• The device can detect the coil, but the resistance is higher than the maximum allowed range.
• Usually caused by a poor connection or a worn-out coil.
• Fix: Clean connections or replace the coil.

Check Atomiser / No Atomiser:

• The device can’t detect a coil at all.
• Often caused by dirty connectors, a missing coil, or a completely faulty coil.
• Fix: Clean all contact points thoroughly or install a new coil.

Atomiser Short:

• The resistance is lower than the minimum range, which can be dangerous.
• This is a more serious error and often means the coil is damaged or incompatible.
• Fix: Stop using the device immediately and replace the coil. Don’t try to fire it.

Most of these errors share the same root causes—dirty connections or faulty coils—so the troubleshooting steps are nearly identical.

How to Prevent the “Ohms Too High” Error in the Future

You don’t need to wait for the error to appear. A little routine care can save you the hassle.

Clean your connections regularly:

• Wipe down the 510 connector and tank or pod contacts every time you refill or change your coil.
• Use a dry cotton bud or a clean cloth. It takes 30 seconds and prevents most connection issues.

Install coils properly:

• Always screw coils in snugly, but don’t force them. Overtightening can damage the threading.
• Make sure the coil is seated straight, not at an angle.

Use the right coils:

• Only use coils designed for your specific device model. Check the resistance range printed on your vape or in the manual.
• Mixing incompatible coils can cause errors or even damage your device.

Replace coils before they burn out completely:

• Most coils last 2-4 weeks, depending on use.
• If you notice a burnt taste or weaker flavour, swap the coil out before it fails completely.

These small habits can dramatically reduce the chance of seeing error messages and keep your vape running smoothly.

Conclusion

The “ohms too high” error looks scary, but it’s usually just a sign that your coil connection needs attention. In most cases, a quick clean of the contact points or a fresh coil will get you back to vaping in minutes.

Start with the simple fixes: reseat your tank or pod, clean the connections, and check the coil. If those don’t work, a coil replacement almost always solves the problem.

If you’ve tried a brand-new coil and the error still appears, the issue may be with the device itself. In that case, it’s worth contacting the manufacturer or visiting a vape shop for further help.

Keep your connections clean, use the right coils, and you’ll rarely see this error again.