Nespresso machines have built-in light-based alerts. When the orange light on your Nespresso machine flashes continuously, the machine isn’t working properly and needs some fixing.
Fortunately, there are a few common causes responsible for Nespresso orange lights. In this article, we will discuss in detail some of the most common methods that help you to fix your Nespresso machine.
The most common reason for Nespresso blinking orange light is that your Nespresso machine is dirty and it needs to be descaled or cleaned properly. Other reasons might be that your machine is overheated, the water level in your machine is lower, or there might be a blockage of capsules on your machine.
Key Takeaways!
When your Nespresso Machine starts blinking orange you should descale the machine ASAP!
Aside from Descaling, the capsule container might be full, the water tank might be empty or the capsule holder might be dirty (All discussed in this article in detail along with the troubleshooting guide!)
For every possible reason, the Nespresso Vertuo Next and Evoluo machines give different types of blinking light alerts.
In the table below, you will find all the possible reasons why your Nespresso machine is blinking lights.
Orange Light status
Meaning
Blinking Orange two times per second and then Off
The machine needs to be cleaned or the water tank isn’t assembled
Blinking Orange three times then steady
The machine needs to be descaled
Blinks Orange light 2 times for 1 second and then Off
The Capsule isn’t inserted correctly or the barcode is worn out
Orange Light blinking rapidly
The Capsule Container is Full
Orange Light Pulse (off then on)
The machine is overheated and it needs to be cooled
Blink Orange 1 time and then Off
The water tank needs refilling
Blinking Orange five times in 10 seconds
The machine needs a factory reset
Blink orange and then turn white for 3 second
The machine needs to be descaled urgently
How to Fix NESPRESSO Blinking orange light
As mentioned above in the table, there are seven different causes for Nespresso flashing orange light. Now let’s discuss how to solve these problems in detail.
1. The light flashing orange two times per second Cleaning needed
If the orange light blinks twice in a second, then you must clean your Nespresso machine thoroughly. Follow the below-mentioned steps and see if they solve your problem.
Open the head of the Machine to eject any previously used capsules.
Take a paper towel or piece of cloth, and gently slide it around the machine parts.
Open the head of the machine and clean the area where coffee capsules are placed and also wipe all the moving parts of the machine with that cloth.
Empty and rinse the water reservoir, then fill it with fresh water to minimize the chance of contaminants buildup.
Wash the cup holder and place a larger cup under the coffee spout to drain left out.
Empty the capsule container, and rinse it with water.
Close the head and place it in the locked position by turning it to the left.
Press the button 3 times in 2 seconds to start the cleaning cycle. The orange light will flash to indicate the cleaning cycle has started. The machine will start dispensing hot water after two minutes and it will take around 5 to 7 minutes to complete the cleaning cycle. After the cleaning cycle has finished the blinking orange light will turn to a steady green light indicating that the machine is ready to brew.
If your machine is blinking two times per second then your problem must be solved by following the steps mentioned above.
If it keeps blinking, hold down the button for approximately 7 seconds. If it doesn’t stop and keeps blinking, you should run descaling before calling Nespresso support.
Blockage of coffee grounds in the machine
Sometimes, the Nespresso machine experiences blockage of grounds in its centrifugal spinner at the top of the capsule holder. In this situation, the Machine cannot operate properly and alert the user with the orange light.
To fix this you should adequately examine the capsule holder to check whether there is any blockage because of old coffee grounds. Wipe the spinner thoroughly and try to spin it with your hands. If it’s spinning properly then the orange light will go away.
2. The light blinks three times and then turns steady Descaling needed
If the Nespresso machine flashes orange light three times per second, then your Machine requires descaling. Descaling helps remove any mineral buildup of contaminants from the water used in brewing coffee.
While you can also use vinegar to descale your machine but it’s recommended to use Nespresso descaling solutions.
Skip to the end of the article if you want to know how to prepare a descaling solution and how to use it.
But sometimes the machine does not stop blinking even after descaling in that case you have to exit the descaling mode.
How do I get my Nespresso out of descaling mode?
A common reason for flashing lights on Nespresso machines is accidentally putting the machine in descale mode.
If you find that your machine lights are blinking quickly and persist for a more extended period, then it is most probable that you have put your Machine in descale mode.
In that case, you should quit the descaling. For quitting, Press and hold the buttons for approximately six to eight seconds or until the Machine beeps clearly.
When this happens, you can release the button, and the system must exit on its own.
3. The light blinks 2 times in 1 second and then off Error in the capsule holder
This mostly happens in 2 different conditions.
1. During coffee preparation
Make sure the machine is properly locked and that a new undamaged capsule is inserted into the machine.
If the light is still on, try inserting a new coffee pod, lock it, and press the button.
Sometimes the lower part of the pod holder is covered with dried-out coffee residue that makes it difficult for the machine to read the code. In that case, thoroughly clean the pod holder with a bit of water and a soft toothbrush.
2. During the descaling process
During descaling or cleaning, make sure that the machine is locked properly and that there are no capsules in the machine.
Press and hold the button for about 3 seconds to turn the machine off. Press the button again to turn it on. If the light is still blinking, unplug it from the wall outlet.
Wait 10 seconds before plugging it back in, then turn on the machine again.
4. Orange Light Blinking Rapidly The Capsule Container is full
If the waste capsule container of your Nespresso machine is full your machine will not brew coffee and start blinking orange rapidly.
To fix that empty and clean the waste capsule container and the orange light will turn off automatically.
5. Orange light pulsing (Fades on and Off) Machine is overheated
The pulsing orange light indicates that the machine is warmed up due to excessive use and just needs to cool down. In this condition, press the machine button for 3 seconds to turn it off. Also, unplug the machine.
Wait for approximately 20-30 minutesuntil the Machine cools down.
If it still pulses, then your machine might be in a descaling mode. In that case, press and hold the button for at least 7 secondsto check whether the light stops or not.
6. The light blinks for 1.5 seconds and then off for 0.5 seconds
This condition indicates that the water reservoir of the Machine is empty. When the water level is lower, the Machine cannot operate, (Obviously!) and the orange light will blink for 1.5 seconds.
To fix this, simply remove the water tank and then refill the water tank with water.
It is advisable to use filter water as it helps minimize the buildup of contaminants in the machine.
6. Orange light blinks 5 times in 10 seconds Machine needs a factory reset
The machine blinks five times in 10 secondsmeans you need to perform a factory reset. To reset the Nespresso Vertuo Next:
Open the head of your machine and eject the previously used capsule.
Close the head of the machine.
Make sure that the lever is in the unlocked position.
Now press the button five times. It will flash slowly five times to confirm that the reset has been completed.
Descaling your Nespresso machines once every 3-4 months is necessary to keep Nespresso machines working smoothly, andbrewing tasting coffee.
A descaling alert appears on Nespresso Vertuo machines when the light blinks three times per second, followed by a steady white light.
Follow the steps below for descaling a Nespresso Vertuo line. But before we start, you need to unplug the machine and then plug it in back.
1. First clean all parts of the machine
For preliminary cleaning of the Nespresso Vertuo line, you simply need to open the machine head and eject any used capsule. Once this is done, make sure that the lid is closed, and the lever is turned to unlock.
Remove the waste capsule container, drip tray, water reservoir, and cup support, and empty them.
After that, it’s recommended to rinse all parts with water before putting them back, then designate slots.
2. Prepare a descaling solution
Pour around 500 ml of clean water into the Vertuo line water tank. Take out Nespresso descaling solution sachets from the kit, and pour them into the water.
If you have purchased a machine from the Nespresso brand, you will receive a descaling solution. Otherwise, you can buy it from here.
Universal Descaling Solution -> Suitable for all coffee makers
3. Turn the machine ON and enter the descaling mode
Switch on the Nespresso Vertuo line by pressing the button at the top. Unlock and then close the Machine. While preheating, the button will flash and eventually turn off.
Press and hold the button for at least 7 seconds to enter descaling mode.
You will now have 45 seconds to start the descaling process.
Lock the Machine by turning the lever towards the lock symbol and unlock it by turning it to the right.
Press and hold the button again for at least 7 seconds.
Place a large cup (capable of holding at least 20 ounces) under the spout and allow the Machine to drain into the bowl.
Note: If the Machine does not start unloading, lock the Machine and press the button again to start the process.
The machine will continue to rinse until the water tank is empty.
Fill the tank again and press the button, and the rinsing process will restart.
4. Turn off the descale mode
Simply press and hold the power button for about 7 seconds to exit the descaling mode. When the power light has stopped flashing, Vertuo Line has exited the mode, and you are good to go!
This is quite straightforward. Let the Machine dry for approximately 20 minutes before using it again.
If your Nespresso machine is leaking from the top or bottom. Read a detailed guide on Why is my Nespresso Machine leaking and how to fix it.
Final thoughts
This article discusses all the possible reasons why is your Nespresso blinking orange light and what you can do about it. I hope this article has helped you in fixing your problem.
If the problem still persists, then there might be some serious issues with the machine (Glitches, Errors in Software). In that case, you must contact Nespresso customer service.
The Nespresso Customer Support is really helpful and supportive. They will surely help you to fix the machine or you can also replace the machine if it’s still in the Warranty Period.
You should generally descale your Nespresso machine every 3 to 6 months or after every 300 cups of coffee. Usually, Nespresso gives orange light alerts when there is a need for descaling but it’s a good practice to descale the machine on time even if there is no alert.
Does Nespresso blink orange when brewing?
No, Nespresso machines blink white or green lights while brewing coffee depending on the model.
Johny Morrisson is a passionate coffee enthusiast and an avid blogger dedicated to exploring the world of coffee.
Whether it's repairing or troubleshooting coffee equipment, reviewing cutting-edge brewing machines, or delving into the latest coffee trends, Johny's writing captivates readers and invites them on a flavorful journey.
When he's not writing, Johny enjoys traveling, seeking inspiration from different cultures and coffee traditions worldwide.
