Why Does My Vape Crackle?
Quick answer
The main reason in most cases for vape crackling is due to a fault with the coil. While there are ways to address this that we cover later in the blog, the fastest fix for this issue is replacing your coil or pod entirely.
When you're new to vaping, it can come as quite a surprise just how ‘vocal’ your new e-cigarette can be. Throughout your use of the device, you might hear a whole range of sounds from crackling and popping to whooshing and hissing.
Firstly, don’t panic – it’s perfectly normal for your vaping device to make some noises. With that said, getting to know the normal noises will help you spot when they have changed, helping you to identify when and where there could be a problem.
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What Causes Vape Crackling and Popping?
With no Rice Krispies in sight, you might be wondering why you can hear snap, crackle and pop coming from your vape kit. The short answer is – your coil.
We’ve got lots of helpful blogs about coils you can explore, including how to tell when your coil needs changing and how long your vape coil should last. Not to mention a whole guide helping you to pair the best devices and liquids to get the best experience, and teach you how to vape properly.
With crackling, etc, however, the main thing is to remember you are using an electrical device that is working quite hard as you use it. As you inhale, vape juice is pulled into the atomiser head (coil) where it absorbs into the wicking material. The metal coil wrapped around it is also heating up as you activate the device. this action vaporises the liquid into an aerosol that you can inhale.
Much like dropping cold water onto a very hot surface, the e-liquid crackles and pops a little as it is heated up – don’t forget coils are producing temperatures way above 100 degrees Celsius, so it’s not surprising there is an audible reaction.
This effect is more noticeable when your coil is newer; this crackling is just a sign that the coil is working well and performing efficiently. If you notice that the crackle turns to a gurgle, then your coil may have flooded, indicating it’s time to swap for a fresh one.
To Summarize:
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Slight crackling can be normal, especially when first using your coil.
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Make particular note of whether it's a crackle or more abrasive and loud gargle.
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If it is a gargle, there may indeed be a problem such as leakage with your device.
Do Different E-Liquids Make Different Sounds?
The answer is yes! The difference is all down to the ratio of PG to VG in the e-liquid. You can learn more about the ingredients in e-liquids here, but the main thing to know here is that thicker e-liquids make less sharp sounds.
The increased amount of thick Vegetable Glycerol (VG) in high-VG juices and shortfills can dampen the sound made when it is atomised by your coil. Thinner 50-50 e-liquid by comparison, can be prone to being louder when it crackles.
Ultimately, the sounds will be very similar, the thick stuff might just be a little more muffled.
An E-Liquid Troubleshooting Guide
Check your vape wattage
If your device has adjustable wattage, make sure it's not too low for the e-liquid you're using.
Check your e-liquid type
Make sure your e-liquid is suitable for your coil. Using freebase e-liquid with a high-VG coil is likely to lead to leaks.
Check your pod and coil for damage/leakages
If everything else is in order, your problem may lie with the coil and/or pod itself. Check the coil for damage, leakages or any abnormalities.
Will More Watts Make my Vape Louder?
Absolutely – the higher the power, the louder your vape will be.
Big sub-ohm devices with a high power output will almost always crackle and pop instantaneously as the coil heats up much faster in these kits. As you tend to draw shorter puffs on these beasts, however, the noise will naturally last for less time.
Gurgling and spitting noises are commonly linked to wattage, with too little power making it sound like your coil is underwater as it struggles to heat up the thick, high-VG juice. Keeping pulling with too little power can flood the coil altogether as the excess juice doesn’t evaporate, meaning it’s all gurgles until you replace it.
What Actually Causes The Noises When Vaping?
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E-Liquid being heated and vapourised by the hot coil will cause some crackling and popping noises, even from a healthy vape.
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Whooshing noises on inhale are normal - the sound of the air being inhaled through the narrow airflow channels cause the sound.
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A more open airflow causes louder noise. Similarly, a closed airflow will make it quieter.
How Can I Tell If A Sound From My Vape Is Bad?
A healthy e-cig should sound:
Crisp and clear, with a clean whoosh as you inhale and gentle uniform crackling and popping during use. This indicates your air channel is clear, and the coil is not over-saturated, flooded or not performing properly.
By comparison, keep an ear out for:
Gurgling or bubbling sounds – this can indicate that the coil is not working properly and has flooded, or that your airflow is obstructed by liquid or other debris from your pocket or bag. It may also mean your power settings are not correct, so double check your setup against the manufacturers recommended settings.
Can I Make my E-Cig Quieter?
Yes, there are some simple steps you can take to help reduce the noise your e-cig makes:
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Dropping the power a little can reduce the heat and therefore crackles and pops – just don’t drop it too low or you’ll hear gurgling!
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Use a coil with a higher ohm rating will often reduce the noise they make – not all e-liquids and devices will support this option, however.
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Taking shorter puffs will also reduce the work your device has to do, and therefore reduce the noises it makes.
We hope that helps give you some peace of mind that your vape isn’t about to explode – some noises are perfectly normal, and now you have the information you need to know what sounds normal vs what might sound like trouble!
