Nespresso Blinking Orange Light? How to Troubleshoot & Fix (6 Steps)

Last updated on July 28th, 2023 by Rebekah Pierce

nespresso blinking orange

If you’re a coffee lover, you’re probably familiar with Nespresso machines – they make the process of brewing your favorite cup of Joe quick, easy, and hassle-free. 

But what happens when your trusty Nespresso machine starts to act up, and despite trying everything in your power, it still won’t stop blinking orange?

Don’t worry; we’ve all been there. In fact, this is a problem I’ve dealt with multiple times myself. You’re not alone!

In this blog post, we’ll show you how to fix the issue and get your Nespresso machine back up and running in no time.


What Does Nespresso Blinking Orange Mean?

what does nespresso blinking orange mean
Black and silver home Nespresso coffee corner
Photo by Mahrous Houses

Most of the time, a Nespresso blinking orange light means the machine is out of water, or it needs to be descaled. Those are the two most common issues, and I’ll walk you through them below. 

But what if you notice a Nespresso blinking orange light after descaling? The good news is that there are fairly simple solutions for that problem, too. Let’s take a closer look at all the potential problems that might cause your Nespresso to blink orange. 

It Needs to Be Descaled or Cleaned

If you notice a Nespresso Vertuo Next blinking orange twice, then white, it probably just needs to be cleaned. 

This is a common issue that can occur if you’re not keeping up with regular maintenance. Nespresso machines should be descaled every three to six months to prevent the build-up of mineral deposits inside the machine. 

Cleaning the capsule container and water tank regularly can help to prevent this issue from occurring. If you keep up on regular cleaning, you shouldn’t notice the orange light issue, but it can still happen.

I’ve had my Nespresso blinking orange start even when I’ve been vigilant about cleanings, so you never know. Rule this one out first and then move on to other potential causes. 

The Used Capsule Container is Full

Another reason your Nespresso machine might be blinking orange is that the used capsule container is full. This is an easy fix – simply open the machine and remove the used capsules.

If this doesn’t stop the blinking, it’s worth checking that the capsule container is placed correctly and that there’s no blockage preventing it from closing correctly.

The Water Reservoir is Empty

If you notice the your Nespresso blinking orange light accompanied by an empty water reservoir, it’s time to refill it. While this may seem obvious, it’s easy to forget to top up the water tank, especially if you’re a busy person with a lot on your mind. 

So double-check and make sure your machine is well-hydrated before you hit the brew button.

It’s Overheating

If your Nespresso machine is starting to blink orange, this could also mean it’s overheating. This usually happens when the machine has been in use for an extended period or if it’s been used frequently. In this case, it’s best to let the machine cool down for a while before using it again.

Something is Broken or Malfunctioning

If you notice your Nespresso blinking orange twice after descaling and you’ve ruled out the other issues described above, there’s a good chance you have some kind of mechanical error. Most of the time, this indicates an issue with the heating element. 

If this is the case, contact Nespresso customer service for further assistance, and they should be able to help you troubleshoot the issue. I’ve called their customer service line before and found them to be quite friendly, accommodating, and helpful. 

Nespresso Won’t Stop Blinking Orange? Here’s How to Fix It

nespresso wont stop blinking orange
Instant and quality home coffee with Starbucks coffee pods
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Now that you know some of the most common reasons for a Nespresso blinking orange, here’s a quick guide to help you resolve the problem once and for all. 

1. Clean the Machine

If your Nespresso machine won’t stop blinking orange, the first step is to give it a good clean. Often, the blinking orange light is indicative of a dirty machine that needs a thorough cleaning. 

Start by removing the capsule and cleaning the inside of the machine with a damp cloth. Then, run a cleaning cycle using a Nespresso descaling kit. This will help remove any build-up of scale or mineral deposits that may be causing the problem.

2. Give the Nespresso a Rest

If cleaning doesn’t solve the issue, try giving your Nespresso machine a rest. Sometimes, the machine can overheat, which can cause it to blink orange. Simply unplug the machine and let it cool down for a few hours before giving it another go.

3. Unplug the Nespresso, Then Plug it Back In

If a little bit of a rest doesn’t work, the next step is to unplug the Nespresso machine and plug it back in again. Sometimes, this simple step can be enough to reset the machine and eradicate any problems that may be causing it to blink orange.

4. Fill the Water Tank

Another common cause of a Nespresso blinking orange is low water level. Simply refill the water tank and try again – the problem could be as simple as that!

5. Reset to Factory Settings

If you notice a Nespresso orange light is solid, rather than flashing, the issue is likely related to a mechanical malfunction. In this case, you’ll need to reset the machine to factory settings.

The same applies if none of the above steps have solved the issue. It’s time to reset your Nespresso machine to its factory settings. This will erase any custom settings you may have programmed and allow your machine a fresh start. 

To reset your machine, press and hold the Lungo button for five seconds while turning the machine on. The light will blink rapidly to let you know that it has been reset.

6. Descale Your Machine 

If all else fails, it may be time to descale your Nespresso machine thoroughly. Over time, scale and mineral build-up can cause damage to your machine, leading to an orange blinking light. Use a descaling solution specifically designed for Nespresso machines and follow the instructions carefully.

You’ll notice the Nespresso Vertuo Next blinking orange light after descaling. That doesn’t mean the process has failed! Instead, the orange light blinking once every two seconds just serves to confirm that descaling is completed.

To exit descaling mode, press the button and lever down simultaneously for about three seconds. 

What if it’s a Nespresso Vertuo Plus Blinking? 

nespresso vertuo
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Photo by Studio 74

If you’re a proud owner of a Nespresso Vertuo Plus coffee machine, you might have experienced the flashing orange light dilemma. The good news is that it’s not a cause for worry, but rather an indicator that your device is undergoing a procedure such as factory resetting or descaling.

If you discover that a Nespresso blinking orange light once or twice indicates your machine needs descaling, the process is quite simple. 

Fill the water tank with descaling solution and water, then activate the descaling mode. Allow the water to run for a few cycles until it’s done. After this, rinse the machine to remove the descaling solution.

If you wish to reset your Nespresso Vertuo Plus to the factory settings, you can quickly do so by pressing and holding both buttons on either side of the device’s display for three seconds. 

A screen showing the word “factory reset” will appear. Press the button on the left side of the display to confirm the action.

But what if your Nespresso blinks red light? In this article we discuss why and how to fix it.

Contact Nespresso Customer Service if These Fixes Don’t Work

Nespresso customer service
Coffee latte art in a ceramic cup.
Photo by Kim S. Ly

Nespresso machines are a great investment, but like any machine, they can experience issues from time to time. The good news is that many of these problems are easily solvable with simple troubleshooting techniques. 

If you find that none of the above steps work for your Nespresso Vertuo Plus, don’t hesitate to call customer support. They are knowledgeable and equipped to handle different issues on Nespresso machines. They’ll guide you through the troubleshooting process and provide you with accurate solutions to get your machine working correctly.

Final Thoughts

Nespresso machines are a convenient and essential part of any coffee lover’s life. But sometimes, they can run into issues that can cause the infamous Nespresso blinking orange light to appear. 

By following these six simple steps, you can fix the problem and get your machine back up and running in no time. Whether it’s cleaning, cooling down, or resetting, there is always a solution to get your Nespresso machine firing on all cylinders once again. Happy brewing!

FAQ

How do I get my Nespresso out of descaling mode?

If your Nespresso machine is stuck in descaling mode, turn on the machine and hold the two buttons on the side simultaneously for three seconds – the buttons will start blinking. Press and hold the button on the right until you see a steady light, and the machine should now exit descaling mode and return to normal mode.

How do I stop my Nespresso from blinking?

The most common reason why you might notice your Nespresso blinking orange light twice or more and it’s not due to a need for descaling, it could be that the water tank is empty. Check the water tank, and if that’s not the issue, try turning off the machine, unplugging it, then plugging it back in. 

Why is my Nespresso Vertuo Next blinking orange twice?

If your Vertuo Next Nespresso is blinking orange twice, it indicates that the machine needs descaling. Fill the water tank with descaling solution and water and allow the descaling program to finish. Once the program is complete, rinse the machine by running water through it three times.

Why is my Nespresso blinking orange fast?

If your Nespresso machine’s light is blinking orange fast, it may be due to a malfunction. Try unplugging your machine and plugging it back in.

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