How to Fix a Broken Vape Cartridge: A Step-by-Step Guide

So, you just popped a new vape cartridge onto your battery, all excited to take a hit … and nothing. Nada. Zilch. No vapor, no buzz, no relief — just disappointment. Before you toss it out, take a breath. Broken carts (or ones that seem broken) are a super common issue, and most of the time, they're totally fixable.

Here’s your simple, no-BS guide on how to fix a broken vape cartridge — even if you’re not exactly a tech wizard.

Step 1: Is It the Cart or the Battery?

Let’s start with some simple detective work. A “broken” vape cartridge might actually just be a dead or finicky battery.

Try Another Cart: If you’ve got a backup cart lying around, screw it on. If that one hits, congrats! The issue is definitely with the original cartridge.

Check the Battery: A lot of 510-thread batteries need to be turned on (usually 5 quick clicks on the button). Also, definitely make sure it’s charged.

Pro tip: If your battery has adjustable voltage, start low and bump up the temp slowly. Too much heat can wreck your oil.

Step 2: Common Cart Issues (And How to Fix Them)

Problem: It’s Clogged

A clogged cart is the most likely issue, especially if it’s been sitting around or the oil is thicker.

Quick Fix: Use a paperclip, safety pin, or even a toothpick to gently clear the mouthpiece.

Warm It Up: Oil too thick? Warm the cart by rolling it between your palms or hit it with a hair dryer on low for 10–15 seconds. It loosens things up without damaging the vape cartridge.

Problem: Connection Drama

Sometimes your cart and battery just aren’t vibing.

Clean the Contacts: Dab a Q-tip in a little isopropyl alcohol and gently clean the metal contact points on both the cart and battery. Let it dry before testing.

Adjust the Pin: If the center pin on the bottom of your cart (that tiny metal dot inside) looks pushed down, carefully lift it up a bit with something small — like a flathead mini screwdriver, tweezers, or a paperclip.

Step 3: Try to Get Your Money Back

In some cases, if the vape cartridge was purchased at a pharmacy or dispensary, the facility would have a policy in place for defective products. For example, local Utah medical dispensary, WholesomeCo Cannabis, has a return policy that makes it simple. You can log in to your account and report your defective product online in a matter of minutes. Once the team reviews and verifies your report, you’ll be refunded the cost of the cart to your account in the form of a credit.

Step 4: If All Else Fails, Save the Oil

If the cart is truly toast (cracked, leaking, or otherwise donezo), don’t cry over spilled THC. You can still rescue the oil.

Let Gravity Work: Warm up the broken cart and flip it over a new empty one (or a silicone container). It’ll eventually drip out.

Use Cotton Swabs: Soak up the oil with a clean cotton swab and use it in a dab rig or in a vaporizer. Waste not, want not.

Step 5: Keep It from Happening Again

Store Your Carts Right: Always keep vape cartridges upright and in a cool, dark place. Sunlight and heat are not your friends here.

Regular Cleanups: Every few sessions, wipe down the mouthpiece and battery connection.

Buy Quality Stuff: Cheap knockoff carts are way more likely to clog or leak. Stick to trusted (legal!) brands when you can. See if you qualify for a Medical Marijuana Card in Utah so that you always have a quality plug.

TL;DR – Don’t Toss That Cart Just Yet

Most vape cartridge issues are totally fixable and learning how to fix a broken vape cart just takes a little patience (and maybe a paperclip). Before giving up, try the quick fixes above — you might save yourself the cost of a new cart and a trip back to the dispensary.

Got a cart that still won’t hit after all this? Check out this WikiHow guide for more in-depth troubleshooting tips.

May your clouds be fat and your carts forever hitting smooth. Happy vaping!