“No atomiser,” it says. What does that mean? Ciggies never did this to you. But they were killing you, so this is still preferable, confusing messages notwithstanding.
But the question remains: What does no atomiser mean on a vape? There’s almost always a simple solution to this issue that can get your vape up and running again without the need for a pricy fix. Let’s review some of the root causes of the common “No Atomiser” message.
What Does It Mean When a Vape Says No Atomiser?
When your vape screen says no atomiser, it means that the mod/battery cannot detect an atomiser.
First things first: an atomiser is a coil. I know a few readers just went “Ooohh” at that revelation, so keep it in mind. “Atomiser” is the manufacturing term for a vape coil.
There are a few reasons your vape might be saying “No Atomiser”, even if you can see an atomiser/coil securely in place:
Tank Issues
- The tank’s 510 thread isn’t connected to the vape battery.
- Debris or old e-liquid is muddying up the connection point between the tank and the battery.
- The tank’s 510 pin is faulty (boo, requires a replacement)
Coil/Atomiser Issues
- The coil hasn’t been fitted/connected properly
- The coil has been damaged from a dry fire (being used unmoistened)
- The coil has seen out its lifespan, and your vape no longer recognises it
- “Dud coil” (hardware fault, interior short-circuit)
Battery/Mod Issues
- Damaged 510 connection insulator (causes short-circuits)
- Faulty mod board (poor soldering, interior juice leaks, etc)
Coil and atomiser issues are easy fixes; tanks can be, too. But a faulty mod is a pain I can only offer you sympathy for. If that’s the case, you’re probably going to need a new mod.
BUT! It usually isn’t that. So, let’s look at some easy fixes for the classic No-Atomiser issue.
How Do You Fix a No Atomiser?
Fixing a ‘no atomiser’ issue usually isn’t too tricky. In a worst, WORST case scenario, you may need a new vape kit, but that’s the least likely solution to your issue, so don’t panic yet.
Not all of these solutions will be compatible with your setup, as I need to consider both tank and pod users, who often install coils differently.
Fix#1: Check and Clean Your Tank Connections
The most common cause of “No Atomiser” is also the easiest to fix. A blend of poor connections and device hygiene/maintenance can result in the area where the tank and battery connect.
- Unscrew your tank and remove it from the battery
- Clean the 510 pin connection point on both the tank and the mod, ideally with a kitchen towel, cotton buds, and a strong cleaning solution to cut through the baked-in sugar.
- Allow to dry completely (takes very little time with an alcohol-based cleaner)
- Reattach the tank, screwing it in firmly but not so aggressively that it’s hard to remove again.
Fix#2: Check Your Coil Installation
If even just slightly misaligned or cross-threaded, a coil is unlikely to connect with the overall device. This is another straightforward fix:
- Remove your coil from the tank/pod completely
- Give the coil a once-over for any design kinks, dents or issues with the threading (more of an issue for tank users)
- Reinsert the coil firmly and carefully. If using a tank with screw-in coils, ensure the threads line up perfectly. If using a push-to-fit pod, ensure the coil base is flush with the pod base and not at a weird angle
Fix#2: Check Your Coil Installation (RDA edition)
Hello, coil crafter. We’ve come to your bit! Checking a RDA/RTA coil’s installation went well is a little tricker, so follow these steps:
- Analyse the installed coil for damage, bends, deformation or bunched-up segments
- Check the posts or clamps to see if the coil is firmly connected
- Ensure there aren’t any trailing ends from the coil’s wire wandering off anywhere
- Make sure that the coils aren’t pressing against the walls of the RDA/RTA
- Use an external device to check the coil’s resistance is within the limits of your mod.
Fix#3: Do the Frankenvape Shuffle
So we’ve tried cleaning the tank/pod ends and ensuring they’re all connected. The next step is to see whether this is a coil or mod issue. Pray it’s the coil because it’s a lot cheaper to replace.
Grab another vape mod with the same connections as your pod/tank. You may need to borrow a friend’s device. If the pod/tank magically starts firing, then bad news, Bucko, but that’s a battery/mod issue.
Fix#4: Device Checks, Resets, Updates
If the problem seems to be with the mod itself, you can try a couple of things before buying a new vape mod.
- Remove the batteries (if the device has removable batteries) and hold down the fire button to cycle power out, then replace the batteries
- If your mod features firmware updates, go to the manufacturer’s website to check for available updates
No Atomiser, No Problem
I hope that these tips have helped resolve your No-Atomiser issue! A reinstall can often resolve issues, and sometimes, we just have to shrug and buy new coils.If none of the steps above have solved your issue, don’t worry: you can get a brand-new vape kit or mod at great value from the MIST online store.