Red light blinking signals several different faults. For some, simply removing the holder from the charger and reinserting it correctly, or cleaning the connectors and restarting the IQOS may suffice, but sometimes you will need to file a warranty claim.
How to reset IQOS 2.4+
The most common cause of blinking lights is dirt on the connectors; rapid blinking of the holder signals a broken heating blade; blinking during charging may indicate the end of the holder battery's lifespan.
How to reset IQOS 3 DUO
The IQOS 3 DUO also uses light signals. It can now blink blue with the first light, indicating moisture or liquid contact; it blinks red when there is dirt inside the charger or the holder is not properly seated in the magnet (How to properly clean IQOS 3 DUO).
If your IQOS regularly blinks red instead of white during charging but still charges and can be used, it signals the end of the holder battery's lifespan. File a warranty claim for it.
How to proceed with an IQOS malfunction
- Check that the holder is correctly and loosely inserted into the charger; for IQOS 2.4+, always with the light facing the opening. Never force it in.
- Is the IQOS cold? Especially in winter, but also on cold summer nights, the holder can easily get cold; it is very sensitive to temperature changes. Hold it in your palm; if it is cold, warm it up and then try charging again.
- If the holder is correctly inserted, the lid is closed, and a red light is on, connect the charger to power. Sometimes it signals one or two dots but is already depleted.
- Try a reset of both IQOS parts; the charging base resets by pressing the Bluetooth button and the power switch; the holder resets after discharging by holding the button until it turns off. More in the article How to reset IQOS when having charging issues.
- Clean the bottom part of the holder; the contact pads sometimes get dirty and do not connect properly to the connectors; an ordinary eraser can help. You can also blow out the base, which may contain dirt, dust, or tobacco residue.
- The last piece of advice sounds quite odd. Wait it out, if you can manage. Some users report cases where the device comes to its senses after a few minutes, sometimes hours, and then works fine as if nothing happened.
- With the IQOS 3 DUO, it sometimes happens that the holder won't charge if the charger is open and simultaneously connected to the power source. Simply close the charger.
Freeze IQOS? We don't recommend it
Various tips circulate online, such as putting the IQOS in the freezer. We do not recommend these solutions; IQOS does not like cold, it damages the battery, and in our opinion, it only temporarily moistens the connections without providing a long-term fix.
IQOS warranty claim
No one likes the last step. If you are sure you have checked everything, a warranty claim awaits. Fortunately, it is not complicated, and there are several ways. Under the IQOS Care Plus warranty, IQOS is exchanged on the spot, unit for unit, if it is registered on your customer account.
- File a claim by calling the IQOS customer center
toll-free line 800 413 413.
- Drop-off at IQOS stores or partner retailers.
For a claim, you currently only need to have your IQOS device registered to your account; you do not need an invoice; the staff will fill out the protocol, unpair the old device from your account, and pair the new one. The entire process takes ten minutes.