A method for controlling an electronic cigarette to take account of a malfunctioning or non-functioning airflow sensor includes sensing airflow through the electronic cigarette and generating a signal according to each airflow or inhalation. The signal causes a first time counter (first stopwatch) to begin counting and the atomizer is operable, until a preset time period has been counted. Other preset time periods can be set to begin and be counted after combinations of signals and periods have occurred, to allow user to continue using electronic cigarette in a normal manner.