If you are like millions of people around the world who cannot function without coffee in the morning, you want your Nespresso machine to be in perfect working condition at all times. But, what does it mean when your Nespresso Vertuo is blinking orange?
If your Nespresso Vertuo is blinking orange, it is telling you there is some kind of issue. Generally, these issues have simple fixes, like refilling the water tank or cleaning the machine. The orange light blinks in different sequences to signal which issues it is having.
Don’t miss your morning cup of coffee because of a blinking orange light! Keep reading to learn what this light could mean and how to fix it.
Why is My Nespresso Blinking Orange?
If your Nespresso Vertuo Plus or Vertuo Next is blinking an orange light, it typically means one of the following issues is present:
- The machine is overheating and needs to cool off
- The machine needs general cleaning or descaling
- The water tank is empty
- There is a mechanical issue or user error
- The machine needs to be reset
A blinking orange light can signify any of the above issues, but how can you tell which it is?
Rather than just having an orange light that blinks when something is wrong, Nespresso uses different blinking sequences to indicate which issue needs addressing.
If you study the light for a minute, you will see that the light is not just randomly blinking. There will be a pattern that will help you identify the problem.
The Machine is Overheating
When the orange light slowly fades on and off, it is telling you that the machine is overheating.
If you see this warning, press the power button for three seconds to shut the machine off.
Let the machine sit for at least 20 minutes before trying to use it again. Then, push the button again to turn the machine back on.
Once your machine cools doen, you can attempt to make a cup of coffee.
General Cleaning Necessary
If the orange light on your Nespresso machine blinks twice per second, it is trying to tell you that it is time for regular cleaning.
Thoroughly clean all parts with warm, soapy water, then rinse and wipe it dry before brewing your next cup.
The Water Tank is Dry
If the orange light blinks for one and a half seconds and then turns off for half a second, it means your water tank is dry and must be refilled with fresh water.
Once the tank is refilled with clean water, the machine will be ready to make the next cup of coffee. Remember to always clean your tank before adding new water for the best results.
The Machine Needs Descaling
If your machine needs descaling, the light will blink orange three times per second. Follow the descaling process outlined in the instruction manual included with your machine.
If your Nespresso machine is blinking in an alternating pattern between orange and white, you can no longer procrastinate on the descaling process.
Ignoring the descaling process can cause your machine to work improperly and cause health issues due to bacteria.
A Mechanical or User Error
When the orange warning light on the machine blinks quickly two times, with a long break in between the next sequence, there is an issue with the machine usually caused by human error.
A common error that causes this warning light is when the Nespresso pod is inserted into the machine incorrectly.
Check that the pod is sitting in the reservoir correctly, that everything looks clean, and that there are no obvious obstructions before proceeding.
The Machine Needs to be Reset
Sometimes, machines just need to be reset to work correctly. If your Nespresso machine blinks orange five times over a ten-second period, it’s time to reset it.
To reset your Nespresso Vertuo, remove the pod and close the lid, leaving it unlocked. Next, push the button five times within three seconds.
If done correctly, the orange light will blink five more times to let you know that the settings have been restored to their original state.
This will also mean that any Bluetooth or Wi-Fi information and other settings must be re-entered.
In Conclusion
There’s no need to panic when your Nespresso machine blinks orange. Most issues can be identified and resolved quickly once you understand the blink sequences.
By understanding why your Nespresso is blinking orange and how to resolve the issue properly, you can spend more time enjoying your coffee and less time wondering what’s wrong.
