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Why is my Nespresso blinking orange? Is it broken?

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Some Nespresso machines have light indicators to alert you to do something; however, if you are unfamiliar with the device, you may ask yourself, “Why is my Nespresso blinking orange?” There is nothing worse than stumbling to your coffee machine to make your morning cup of coffee only to be met with a blinking light that you do not know how to handle.

This article will help you understand what the orange light status means and how to correct the issue.

Nespresso Vertuo Plus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Maker by De'Longhi orange blinking light

Blinking orange light

Nespresso blinking orange

To determine what the blinking light indicates, you need to observe the pattern of the light blinks. There are seven patterns, each showing a different course of action is required.

The machine needs to be cleaned if the light blinks twice per second. If it blinks thrice a second, you need to descale the Nespresso coffee machine. A pulsing orange light where it fades off and then on lets you know that the coffee maker needs to cool down because it is overheating.

If you notice the orange light blinking twice for one second and then it goes off for a while, there is a machine error. If the light is on for 1.5 seconds and then off for half a second, the water tank is empty and needs to be refilled.

You may notice the orange light blinking five times in 10 seconds. This lets you know that the machine needs to be reset to the factory settings. Finally, the light may blink and then go white for three seconds. If you see this, descaling is needed urgently.

As you can see, there are numerous possible meanings for a blinking orange light. That is why it is essential to note the pattern and timing of the blinks so that you can know what to do. The orange light error codes exist on several different Nespresso models, including the Vertuo, Vertuo Next, and Evoluo machines.

 

How to fix the orange light status on a Nespresso

Once you have identified what the orange light means, you will likely wonder how to address the issue and stop the blinking orange light.

 

Blinking two times per second

You should eject any used capsules to properly clean your Nespresso and stop the orange light from blinking twice. Then, moisten a paper towel with hot water and gently wipe down the piece of the machine that spins on the underside of the head. Also, wipe down the area where the coffee capsules go.

Rinse out the water tank and fill it up with fresh water. You should also rinse the cup support piece and place a large cup or mug under the coffee spout.

Next, empty the capsule container. Rinse it off with cold water and then replace it.

Now you are ready to close the head and lock it by turning it left. To start the machine’s cleaning cycle, push the button three times within two seconds. When you do this, the light will start flashing, and water will begin to come out within two minutes.

Your machine will use three cycles of water to clean the inside thoroughly. This process will take about five minutes.

If the machine still blinks an orange error message after you have cleaned the machine, you should hold the button down for seven seconds. Then, if that does not fix the issue, you can try to descale the machine to clean the inside thoroughly. If a problem persists, you can call Nespresso customer support to troubleshoot the matter further.

 

Blinking three times per second

A more rapid blinking orange light lets you know that the machine needs to be descaled. The descaling process is a vital maintenance process as it will break down any mineral buildup that has accumulated inside the machine that may block the flow of water. Therefore, you will need a descaling solution to descale your coffee maker properly.

To properly descale the machine, turn it off. Then, fill the water tank with water and the descaling solution. The next step is to enter the descaling mode by pressing and holding the power button for three seconds. Finally, brew the largest size possible on your machine to cycle the water and descaling solution through the lines.

Once the descaling solution has cycled through the machine, you should flush the system out by running the brewing cycle with just water. It is important to cycle plain water through the machine after using a descaling agent so your morning coffee flavor is not negatively affected.

 

Pulsing orange light on Nespresso

If you have been using your machine frequently, it may begin to overheat. The pulsing orange light lets you know that a cool-down period is needed. To do so, push the button for three seconds to turn the machine off. Then, allow it to cool down for 20 to 60 minutes before pressing the button again to turn it back on.

If the overheating blinks continue after the machine has had time to cool down, press the button for seven seconds to reset it.

 

Two rapid blinks and a long pause

There are a few different reasons you may see this error status that lets you know there is a machine error. To help you determine the right action to take, you need to know what the machine is doing when you see this error indicator.

If you see this during coffee prep, you should ensure that the new capsule was inserted correctly and is not damaged. Also, ensure that the machine head is locked in place. If the light continues blinking, you should try to insert a new coffee pod, lock the machine head, and press the button to start the brewing process again.

If you see the two rapid blinks followed by a long pause while you are descaling or cleaning the machine, you should ensure that there is no capsule in the capsule container and that the machine head is locked. Then, press and hold the button for about three seconds to turn the machine off. Then, press the button again to turn it back on.

If the light is still blinking after doing this, try unplugging your machine from the wall. Then, wait about ten seconds before you plug it back in and turn it back on.

Finally, you may see this error code while programming the water volume you would like for your drink. If you do, ensure you’ve placed the pod correctly. This should take care of the flashing orange lights.

 

Light on for 1.5 seconds, then off for .5 seconds

This error code lets you know that your water reservoir needs more water. It could be that it is running low or even that it is completely empty. To correct the problem, fill the reservoir with clean water and then push the button to start the brewing process. That should stop the flashing orange light.

 

Blinking orange light 5 times in 10 seconds

If you see this rapidly blinking orange light, you will need to do a factory reset on your machine. Don’t worry; it’s not too hard. First, open the machine head and eject the capsule. Then, close the head but leave it in the unlocked position. Next, push the button five times within 3 seconds. You will then see the machine blink slowly five times to show you that the factory reset is complete.

 

Orange and white blinking lights

This alert lets you know that descaling is critical. Once you begin to see this blinking light pattern, you will only be able to use your coffee machine a few more times before it refuses to work anymore until you descale the machine. Once you complete the descaling process, the light will no longer blink orange and white.

 

There’s an app for that

If you have a Vertuo Next, you can use the Nespresso app to troubleshoot what the various alerts mean easily. The Vertuo Next has Bluetooth, which allows it to send alerts to the Nespresso app informing you of the problem with your machine (1).

Examples of common alerts include: the machine head is unlocked, the water tank is empty, the previous capsule needs to be ejected, the capsule is not recognized, there is an electronic error, or that descaling is needed.

You will need to download the Nespresso app to connect your machine to the app. First, ensure that both Bluetooth and wifi are on for your phone. Then, place the phone on top of the coffee maker.

Open the app and tap the machine icon. Then you will follow the steps on the screen. When prompted to select your wifi network, choose the correct option and enter your wifi password. Then tap connect and OK once the connection is established. You will know you successfully linked your machine to your app when you see the word “Connected.”

 

Other color options

If you own a VertuoPlus or a VertuosPlus Deluxe, the indicator light will blink red instead of orange. The Nespresso Vertuo Next, Verto, and Evoluo use an orange light to alert you to problems. Regardless of whether your machine flashes red lights or orange lights, the problems they indicate are the same.

A steady red light lets you know there is an error, and you must thoroughly check the machine to troubleshoot the problem. A pulsing red light means that the device is overheated. It will need to cool down before it can be used again.

If the machine blinks red once per second, there is an error. You should open the pod container to check for any obstacles. If you notice the machine blinks red twice and then is steady green, there is either no capsule or empty water tank. This is an easy fix. Just refill the water tank or insert a coffee capsule.

Two red blinks followed by steady orange say there is an error while the special function is running. You will need to press the restart button to correct this issue.

If your Nespresso blinks three times within two seconds and there is a steady red light in between, that lets you know that the head is in an unknown position. Finally, a steady half-green half-red light lets you know it is time to descale the machine.

Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Maker by De'Longhi, White

 

Why is my Nespresso blinking orange FAQ

 

Why is my Nespresso blinking orange light?

There are seven possible reasons for the Nespresso machine to blink orange. These range from simple things like refilling the water tank to more complex issues like needing to descale your machine. Coffee machines have a limited number of things that can go wrong, so be mindful of the frequency of the blinks to determine what your machine is trying to alert you to.

Related: How to Reset Your Nespresso Machine

What does a light blinking two times per second mean?

This lets you know that your Nespresso machine needs to be cleaned.

 

What does a light blinking three times per second mean?

This more rapid blinking means that you need to descale it. This is not a complicated process, but you must buy a Nespresso descaling kit to break down the mineral buildup inside the machine.

 

Why does my Nespresso flash twice and then have a long pause?

This could mean several things. It may be that a damaged coffee capsule was inserted and needs to be replaced. Alternatively, it could mean that there is a capsule in the machine head, but you are trying to use the descaling mode and need to remove it.

Finally, this series of light blinks could let you know that the pod position is incorrect or in an unknown position and needs to be corrected.

 

What do factory settings blinks look like?

The pattern that indicates you need to restore your Nespresso to its factory settings is five blinks within ten seconds.

 

Sources

(1) – https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/mobile-device-tips/what-is-bluetooth/1/

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