If you’ve spent any time on TikTok lately, you’ve probably heard people joking about the “5 Clicks of Doom.” It sounds dramatic—but it’s actually one of the most relatable trends on the app right now.
So what does it mean, and why is everyone pretending it’s a life-or-death moment?
What Are the 5 Clicks of Doom?
The “5 Clicks of Doom” refers to the five quick clicks needed to turn on a dab pen. That’s it. But thanks to TikTok humor, those clicks have become a shared code—especially in places where you really don’t want attention.
The name comes from the anxiety of the moment: the clicks are loud, suspicious, and impossible to hide in quiet spaces like bathrooms at work or school.
Why It Blew Up on TikTok
The trend took off as creators started posting POV-style videos about sneaking into bathroom stalls to “reboot” during a stressful day. The jokes usually follow the same format:
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Someone hears the clicks
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Everyone pretends not to notice
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The caption says, “Mind your business.”
It’s funny because it’s awkward—and because almost everyone understands the fear of being heard.
Why Dab Pens Use 5 Clicks
There’s actually a practical reason behind it. Clicking a dab pen five times is a safety feature. It prevents the pen from turning on accidentally in your pocket, which could drain the battery or overheat the device.
Bonus facts:
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3 clicks usually change heat settings
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2 clicks often activate pre-heat
Not doom—just design.
Why People Use the Phrase
Calling it the “5 Clicks of Doom” also works as a low-key code phrase. Similar to slang like “gardening,” it lets people talk about dab pens without being obvious—especially around coworkers, teachers, or anyone who doesn’t need to know.
The Bottom Line
The 5 Clicks of Doom aren’t actually dangerous—but the moment feels intense enough to earn the name. It’s a perfect mix of internet humor, shared experience, and TikTok exaggeration.
Loud clicks. Quiet stall. Mutual agreement to mind your business.
