Bypass Mode – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

Bypass Mode is a special VapeMod“>vape mod setting that removes internal wattage or voltage regulation and sends battery power directly to the atomiser, effectively turning your regulated box mod into a mechanical-style device. In this mode, the coil receives whatever voltage the battery currently holds (typically 4.2 V on a full charge, dropping to about 3.2 V before the cut-off). The purpose is to replicate the raw, unfiltered performance of a mechanical mod while still enjoying safety protections such as short-circuit, over-discharge, and reverse-polarity safeguards built into modern regulated devices. It is ideal for experienced vapers who want to feel the gradual “voltage sag” as the battery drains and who prefer building their own coils on rebuildable decks or using Bottom Coil / BVC tanks that can cope with fluctuating power.

Technical Details

When Bypass Mode is activated, the mod’s chipset stops pulse-width-modulating (PWM) or buck-boosting the output; instead, it closes the MOSFET switches to create the shortest possible path from battery positive to the 510 connector. Output voltage equals real-time battery voltage minus tiny circuit losses (≈0.1 V). Resistance range is dictated by the mod’s current limit (commonly 25–40 A on dual-battery devices) and the installed Deck“>build deck. Because there is no wattage ceiling, vapers must observe Ohm’s Law: a 0.15 Ω coil on a freshly charged 4.2 V battery will pull 28 A and deliver 117 W, falling to 68 W at 3.2 V. Some firmware versions allow “soft”, “norm”, or “hard” ramp-up curves even in Bypass, but true Bypass keeps these timings flat. Firmware may still read resistance, show live amp draw, and enforce low-voltage cut-off around 3.0–3.2 V to protect lithium cells.

Usage & Tips

• Use only high-drain 18650/20700/21700 batteries rated for the expected amp draw; check the CDR (continuous discharge rating) printed on the wrap.
• Build coils in the 0.15–0.5 Ω sweet spot: too low stresses cells, too high produces weak vapour as voltage sags.
• Keep battery wraps and the mod’s bottom coil contacts pristine; tiny nicks can become hard shorts in unregulated paths.
• Expect flavour and warmth to taper off as the battery depletes—carry spares and swap early if you like consistent hits.
• Test builds on a regulated wattage mode first; if the mod fires without errors and the build deck never exceeds 80 W, it is generally safe for Bypass.

History & Context

Bypass Mode first appeared on Evolv DNA 30 boards circa 2013 as a “mech mode” Easter egg, letting enthusiasts compare regulated and unregulated vape quality. Chinese manufacturers adopted the feature in 2015 to differentiate entry-level box mods from pure mechs, offering Australian vapers a legal way to enjoy mechanical-style output while remaining compliant with safety standards. Today, Bypass is a staple on single- and dual-battery devices, prized by builders who want battery feel without sacrificing protections.