IQOS malfunction: red blinking light and stopped charging – how to repair or claim warranty

A blinking red light signals several different faults. With some, simply removing the holder from the charger and reinserting it correctly, or cleaning the connectors and restarting the IQOS, is enough, but sometimes you will have to make a warranty claim.

How to reset IQOS 2.4+

The most common reason for blinking lights is dirt on the connectors; rapid blinking of the holder signals a broken heating blade; blinking during charging may indicate the holder battery is reaching the end of its life.

How to reset IQOS 3 DUO

The IQOS 3 DUO also uses indicator lights. It can now blink blue on the first light, indicating moisture or contact with liquid; it blinks red when there is dirt inside the charger or the holder is not properly seated on the magnet (How to properly clean IQOS 3 DUO).

If your IQOS normally blinks red instead of white during charging, but still charges each time and can be used, it signals the end of the holder battery's life. Make a warranty claim for it.

How to proceed when IQOS malfunctions

1. Check that the holder is correctly and loosely inserted into the charger; for IQOS 2.4+, always with the indicator light facing the opening. Never force it in.
2. Is the IQOS cold? Especially in winter, but also during cold summer nights, the holder can easily get cold; it is very sensitive to temperature changes. Hold it in your palm and if it is cold, warm it up and then try charging again.
3. If the holder is correctly inserted, the lid is closed, and a red light is on, connect the charging base to power. Sometimes it may show one or two dots but is already discharged.
4. Try a reset of both IQOS parts; the charging base is reset by pressing the Bluetooth button and the power switch; the holder is reset when discharged by holding down the button until it turns off. More in the article How to reset IQOS for charging problems.
5. Clean the bottom part of the holder; the contact pads sometimes get dirty and don't connect properly to the pins; an ordinary eraser can help. You can also blow out the base, which may contain dirt, dust, or tobacco residue.
6. The last piece of advice sounds very strange. Wait, 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.
7. With the IQOS 3 DUO, it sometimes happens that the holder won't charge if the charger is open and connected to the mains. 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 the cold, it also 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 you. Fortunately, it is not complicated and there are several ways. Under the IQOS Care Plus warranty, IQOS is replaced on the spot, unit for unit, if it is registered on your customer account.

• Claim by calling the IQOS customer service centre

  toll-free line 800 413 413.

• Drop-off at IQOS stores or partner retailers.

For a warranty claim, you currently only need to have your IQOS device registered to your account; you do not need an invoice. The staff member will fill out the protocol with you, unpair the original device from your account, and pair the new one. The whole process takes ten minutes.