Click with the e-cigarette: Understanding button functions

A click refers to each press of the fire button on a battery mod or pod system. If the chipset registers several clicks in quick succession – usually within half a second – it triggers a specific command. Single clicks are used for vaping itself: as long as you hold the button down, the battery supplies power to the coil and the e-liquid is vaporised.

Multiple clicks, on the other hand, are control commands. They are recognised by the integrated chip and trigger actions such as switching the device on or off, changing menus or activating child locks. The click function is therefore a universal operating concept: almost all modern devices with a display or power control use it – from compact pod mods to powerful dual-battery devices. Disposable e-cigarettes without a button are excluded here, as they are triggered by an airflow sensor (autodraw).

The most common click codes are largely standardised across manufacturers, although variations do occur. The most important commands:

Click 5 times – Switch on and off

Clicking 5 times is the standard command for switching on and off almost all e-cigarettes with a chipset. Once switched on, the display lights up and the device is ready to vape. Pressing 5 times again puts the mod into sleep mode. This prevents accidental activation when the e-cigarette is in a trouser pocket or rucksack – an important safety feature.

Click 3 times – Menu and mode change

On most devices, clicking three times opens the settings menu or switches between modes. Typical options include: Wattage Mode (Variable Wattage, VW), Temperature Control (TC) for nickel, titanium or stainless steel coils, Bypass Mode or Smart/Auto Detection. Which mode is displayed depends on the chipset.

Other click combinations

• Click twice: often switches between puff counter, battery indicator or resets the counter.
• Click 4 times: on many devices, this activates the button lock (Stealth Mode) or turns off the display.
• Fire + plus / Fire + minus: locks the power buttons whilst the fire button continues to function.

Every manufacturer interprets the click codes slightly differently. If you’re new to vaping, you should therefore be aware of a few basic rules before firing up your e-cigarette for the first time:

• Check the user manual: You can find the exact functions of 3 clicks and other combinations in the manual or on the manufacturer’s website. Chips such as Geekvape AS, Vaporesso Axon or SMOK IQ use different menus.
• Speed of clicks: The sequence must be performed quickly, usually within 400–600 milliseconds. The chip will not recognise clicks that are too slow as a combination.
• Activate the lock function: When transporting the device, always switch it off by clicking five times. This prevents the coil from glowing and burning in your pocket.
• Keep the firmware up to date: For high-end battery mods with USB-C, a firmware update is worthwhile. Manufacturers use these to optimise click recognition and sometimes add new modes.
• Check button quality: A clearly defined pressure point prevents accidental clicks. On cheaper devices, the button can become spongy over time – a reason to pay attention to build quality when buying.

Why doesn’t clicking 5 times work on my e-cigarette?

Either the click sequence was too slow, the battery is flat, or the buttons are locked internally (lock mode). Fully charge the device and repeat the 5 clicks quickly in succession. If that doesn’t help, check whether the fire button triggers cleanly.

Do all e-cigarettes have a click function?

No. Disposable vapes and many simple pod systems use an auto-draw sensor and do not have a button. The click function is mainly found on battery carriers, box mods and more complex pod mods with a display or power control.

What does it mean if the display shows ‘Lock’ or ‘Locked’?

The device is in lock mode. This lock can usually be released by clicking the fire button three times or using the combination of fire + plus/minus. The exact combination is specified in the manufacturer’s instructions.

Can I change the click assignments?

On most devices, the click logic is hard-coded into the chipset and cannot be customised. Some high-end mods allow for custom function mapping via their software (e.g. Arctic Fox on Evolv DNA chips).

The click function is one of the most important basics of vaping: 5 clicks to switch on and off, 3 clicks for the menu or mode, plus further combinations for lock and display. If you know your device’s click codes, you can use your e-cigarette more safely and avoid operating errors. If you want to upgrade your setup or switch to a new chipset, it’s worth taking a look at the range of mod bodies and matching accessories – there you’ll find devices to suit every preference.