SmokeGENIE Support

Start with the power supply, cable and batteries. A full charge normally takes about 3 hours.

1. Use a 5 V / 2 A USB power supply and the supplied USB-C cable.
2. Switch the machine off and disconnect the charging cable.
3. Remove and reinstall both batteries, matching the polarity markings.
4. Use two flat-top, unprotected 18650 cells. Check that the contacts are clean and dry.
5. Reconnect the cable. If charging still fails, try another working cable and power supply.
6. If available, test with a working, compatible pair of batteries.

Still not charging? Email cs@pmigear.com and describe what the charging indicator does when the cable is connected.

Related helpPMI Battery Guide

These are approximate total output times across multiple bursts, rather than the length of one continuous burst.

• Smoke Level 5: about 36 minutes.
• Smoke Level 4: about 46 minutes.
• Smoke Level 3: about 62 minutes.
• Smoke Level 2: about 120 minutes.
• Smoke Level 1: about 180 minutes.

If you get much less output at the same setting, fully charge both cells and test again. If available, compare with a working, compatible matched pair.

A full battery and a full chamber can run out at different times. Check the liquid level as well as the battery indicator.

If you have upgraded SmokeGENIE to PMI Fog Chamber 3.0 with Cloud Formula, follow these steps.

Spitting, gurgling or thin smoke can mean excess liquid is trapped in the AERO MESH. Drain it before your next shot.

1. Remove all nozzles from the machine.
2. Place a napkin at the machine’s mouth to catch the liquid.
3. Turn the machine upside down and spray into the napkin for 5 seconds.
4. Give the machine a slight shake if needed. Repeat the 5-second drain until the excess liquid is out and normal smoke density returns.
5. Return the machine upright and refit the correct nozzle for normal use.

This is a short cleaning procedure. Do not keep the machine inverted for long bursts.

If draining does not restore normal output, stop and email cs@pmigear.com with the chamber model and the symptoms.

Excess liquid in the heating unit can cause spitting. Use this procedure for PMI Fog Chamber 2.0, also known as the Shock-Proof Chamber.

1. Switch the machine off. Let the chamber cool, then remove it.
2. Make sure the silicone refill cap is fully closed.
3. Wipe the outside of the chamber clean.
4. Place the chamber upside down on a napkin for 2 minutes.
5. Tap it gently a few times to release the remaining liquid.
6. Check that the contacts are clean and dry, reinstall the chamber, then test a short upright burst.

If the problem remains, try another working Chamber 2.0 if you have one. If the replacement works normally, the original chamber may need replacing.

Watch: Chamber 2.0 cleaning

Images from PMI’s troubleshooting guide.

Check the chamber connection before replacing any parts.

1. Switch the machine off and let the chamber cool.
2. Remove the chamber and check that the contacts on both the chamber and machine are clean and dry.
3. Reinstall it securely, then switch the machine on and test again.
4. If the problem remains, try another working compatible chamber if available.

If neither chamber is detected, email cs@pmigear.com and tell us which chambers you tested.

• Original setup: PMI Fog Chamber 2.0 (Shock-Proof Chamber) with Cloud Formula.
• Chamber upgrade: PMI Fog Chamber 3.0 with Cloud Formula.

Vanishing Formula and the Vanishing Formula Chamber are not for SmokeGENIE.

Refill when the liquid level drops below one-third. Chamber capacity is 8.5 mL.

1. Stop the output and let the chamber cool.
2. Lift the silicone refill cap.
3. Add PMI Cloud Formula.
4. Close the silicone cap firmly and wipe away any spilled liquid.
5. Check that the chamber is fitted securely before using the machine.

Images from PMI’s troubleshooting guide.

Related helpChamber and formula compatibility

A full chamber holds 8.5 mL. The following figures are approximate total output from the liquid, across multiple bursts.

• Chamber 3.0: about 18 minutes for Fog, Dry Ice or Haze.
• Chamber 2.0: about 15 minutes for Fog, Dry Ice or Haze.
• Steam: about 90 minutes.

These are liquid-runtime figures. They do not extend the machine’s battery runtime or continuous-burst limit.

1. Stop using the machine and let the chamber cool.
2. Check that the silicone refill cap is fully closed.
3. Wipe away the liquid and inspect the chamber for damage.
4. If liquid is collecting at the outlet, follow the cleaning procedure for your chamber in this tab.
5. Check that the contacts are dry before reinstalling the chamber.

If liquid continues to leak, stop using that chamber. Email cs@pmigear.com with a photo and the chamber model.

If you will not use the chamber for more than 24 hours:

1. Switch the machine off and let the chamber cool completely.
2. Remove the chamber and close its refill cap.
3. Store it in its airtight capsule. You can leave the correct formula inside.
4. Close refill bottles tightly and keep them at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.

Replace a damaged chamber, or one that still performs poorly after the correct cleaning and connection checks.

• A persistent burnt or unusual smell.
• Very weak output or repeated protection warnings.
• Physical damage or leaking that does not stop.

To replace it, switch the machine off, let the chamber cool fully, then remove it. Check the contacts, fit a compatible replacement securely and fill it with the correct PMI formula before testing.

Not sure whether the chamber is the cause? Email cs@pmigear.com with its model, approximate age and the checks you have tried.

Watch: replacing a SmokeGENIE chamber

No. Use the PMI formula specified for SmokeGENIE and its chamber. Other fog liquids may not work correctly and can cause unwanted output or damage.

Use these steps for Standard Remote V2. Magic Remote uses a different button sequence.

1. Switch SmokeGENIE off and back on.
2. Within 30 seconds, hold the remote’s Pair button for 5 seconds.
3. Press On once.
4. Press Off three times.

If the machine does not respond, test close to it and check the remote’s 23A 12V battery. Replace a weak battery, then repeat the sequence.

Watch: Standard Remote V2 pairing

This clears all remote pairings stored on the machine. You will need to pair the remotes you want to use again.

1. Hold UNPAIR until the machine’s remote indicator flashes.
2. Follow the Standard Remote V2 pairing steps above for each remote you want to use.

This does not erase the Haze Nozzle’s separate Bluetooth connection.

Watch: Standard Remote V2 pairing and unpairing

Choose the Magic Remote button you want to use, then pair it with the machine.

1. Switch SmokeGENIE off and back on.
2. Within 30 seconds, hold C + D together for 5 seconds.
3. Check that the SET indicator turns on.
4. Press your chosen button 4 times.

If the button still does not trigger the machine, test close to it, check the remote battery and repeat the sequence. If pairing works but output behaves differently from expected, check the selected control mode.

Each SmokeGENIE can store up to 4 paired remote buttons.

Watch: Magic Remote pairing

Images from PMI’s troubleshooting guide.

Related helpCheck Magic Remote control modes

This erases every Magic Remote button paired with this machine. Pair a button again before trying to control it remotely.

1. Switch SmokeGENIE off and back on.
2. Within 30 seconds, hold A + B together for 5 seconds.
3. The SET indicator flashes to confirm that the stored buttons have been erased.

Watch: Magic Remote pair and erase

• Trigger: hold the paired button to produce smoke; release it to stop.
• Continuous: press the paired On button to start and the paired Off button to stop.
• Pulse: the machine produces repeating 3-second pulses until you press Off.
• 3-second burst: one press produces a 3-second burst.

For Continuous or Pulse, pair separate start and stop buttons first. Enter Pair Mode, then press the intended On button once and the intended Off button three times.

Choose a mode

Switch the machine off and back on. Within 30 seconds, hold the matching combination for 5 seconds:

• B + C: Trigger.
• B + D: Continuous.
• A + C: Pulse.
• A + D: 3-second burst.

Check the liquid level before use. Continuous mode still follows the machine’s normal burst and protection limits.

Watch: Magic Remote control settings

Yes. Pair the same button with each machine you want to trigger together. Pair different buttons when you want separate control.

1. Set up and pair one machine at a time.
2. Repeat the pairing steps on the next machine using the intended button.
3. Test every machine before the shoot, including the Off button if you use Continuous or Pulse mode.

Watch: pairing multiple machines

Yes. Cloud Formula will trigger smoke detectors. Confirm the detector type and the venue’s requirements before using fog.

• Get approval from the venue before your shoot.
• Never spray directly at a smoke detector.
• Do not disable, cover or bypass fire-safety equipment.

Vanishing Formula requires a compatible SmokeNINJA PRO or PRO V2 setup with the VF Chamber and Amplifier Nozzle. It is not an option for SmokeGENIE.

Keep the nozzle at least 0.5 m / 50 cm away from people.

Do not point the smoke directly at anyone. Position the output to create the effect around your scene while maintaining that distance.

Let the chamber cool completely before handling it. Switch the machine off before removing, cleaning or replacing the chamber.

Stop using a chamber that is damaged, leaks persistently or produces a burnt smell. Check the Chamber tab for the next steps.