Coffee Makers, Troubleshooting Coffee Makers

Nespresso Blinking Red And Yellow Lights? Here Are Some Possible Causes and Simple Repairs!

Written by

Erica Cervenkova

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Ordinarily:

Your Nespresso coffee maker should display a green status light whenever you power it on. Certainly, you’re accustomed to this pattern, but your Nespresso is displaying red and yellow lights for some reason.

Shocking?

Maybe to you, but believe it or not, the red and yellow display error is a fairly common Nespresso malfunction. However, it is also quite easily rectifiable.

Here’s the thing:

When this display error surfaces, it often indicates that something needs to be adjusted or cleaned. It is mostly nothing too detrimental, so the repairs are similarly minimal effort fixes.

On that note:

Keep reading to explore the causes of this error and a range of suggestions to help solve it.

Nespresso Is Displaying Red and Yellow Lights

Your Nespresso could display red and yellow lights for a few reasons. Luckily, this error is relatively easy to resolve. You could reset, descale or unclog your Nespresso. You could also try ensuring the water tank is full and leak-free or that the capsules are fresh and properly placed.

Nespresso Blinking Redy and Yellow

1. Check the Power Outlet for Faults, Then Reset Your Nespresso Coffee Maker

Listen:

If your Nespresso is flashing red and white status lights, it is likely because the coffee maker is not getting power. This defect could be caused by the power cord, outlet, or an internal system flaw.

In most cases:

Simply resetting your Nespresso coffee maker will clear all error messages and lights.

You should try holding the power button for about three seconds to turn off and reboot the machine.

However:

This solution is more likely to work when the fault is from the machine itself and not a power transmission issue. 

Therefore:

Before resetting your Nespresso, ensure it is plugged into a working power outlet and that the power cord is not damaged. If any is faulty, replace it to resolve the issue.

After this:

Your Nespresso should return to its default settings and eliminate the red and yellow error lights.

2. Descale and Clean Your Nespresso Coffee Maker

Nespresso Descaling

You see:

Keeping your Nespresso coffee maker clean is a no-brainer. You get to avoid malfunctions and keep enjoying great-tasting coffee.

To that end:

If your Nespresso is flashing red and yellow status lights, it is an indication that the machine needs to be descaled ASAP!

Typically:

You should descale your Nespresso once a month or every three months, depending on the frequency of use.

Also:

The descaling process is not tedious, as Nespresso makes it a point to make maintenance as stress-free as possible.

Here’s how to descale your Nespresso coffee maker:

Ensure that there is no coffee capsule in your Nespresso. Then, fill the water tank with a mixture of Nespresso descaler, vinegar, or citric acid and 900ml of clean water.

Next:

Turn the machine on and hold the power button and lever simultaneously for about three seconds until the light turns orange.

Then, pull the lever and push the power button down once to begin the descaling cycle.

Note:

Allow the cycle to run until all the water in the tank is emptied. After this, wash the tank to remove the residual descaling solution and debris, then run a complete rinse cycle.

Eventually:

The status light should slowly blink orange to let you know the process is complete.

Afterward, you should press the lever and power button simultaneously to leave the descaling mode.

Now:

If you followed these steps within two minutes of each other, your Nespresso should have stopped blinking its red and yellow status lights.

Instead, it should display a steady green light like it normally would.

3. Check for Clogs and Blockages in Your Nespresso System

Sadly:

If your Nespresso isn’t working effectively or is flashing red and yellow lights, there is a possible clog in the system.

This clog could be why your coffee tastes funny, or you aren’t getting a full cup of coffee from your Nespresso.

Not to worry:

The remedy is not difficult. All you have to do is search for the blockage and eradicate it.

Now:

Remove the capsule and dislodge coffee grounds or debris with a straightened paper clip if the blockage is in the coffee outlet.

However:

If the clog is in your water tank, detach it, wash it, and clear debris or mineral deposits obstructing the opening.

Also:

The clog may be internal, so you must call a skilled technician for assistance or contact Nespresso customer support.

4. Replace or Fill Your Nespresso Water Tank

Nespresso Water Tank

Here’s the thing:

Your Nespresso coffee maker is probably flashing red and yellow lights because the water tank is damaged or needs to be filled.

Easy fix:

If the water reservoir is uncracked, detach and fill it with clean filtered water and reattach it properly to the machine.

However:

If it is damaged, you’d need to purchase a new water tank from Nespresso, fill it and set it in place.

Note:

If you are still covered by warranty, go ahead and contact Nespresso customer support for your replacement water tank.

After this:

Power on your Nespresso coffee machine, and the indicator light should have reverted to a stable green.

5. Ensure That You Insert Fresh Coffee Capsules into Your Nespresso Properly

Nespresso Capsules

Get this:

The red and yellow status lights on your Nespresso coffee machine could indicate the machine is on standby mode.

This mode occurs when there is no coffee capsule inserted into the unit.

In addition:

The lights could be flashing because you’re using old or dried capsules in your Nespresso, or there is an obstruction to the capsule.

Here’s what to do:

Ensure you insert new coffee capsules into your Nespresso and place them properly.

Check that the capsule container is not obstructing the machine head and clear out any debris from the capsule container.

Certainly:

Your Nespresso should stop displaying red and yellow lights after attempting this troubleshooting recommendation.

Models Most Affected

Look:

These Nespresso models have been commonly associated with this red and yellow display error.

1. Nespresso Vertuo

Nespresso Vertuo

Fact:

The Nespresso Vertuo is a sleek single-serve coffee maker with innovative technology that adjusts its settings by reading the capsule’s barcode.

It brews over 30 blends of rich coffee, espressos, and lattes.

However:

Though easily correctable, this model is prone to this red and yellow display light error.

2. Nespresso Vertuo Plus

Nespresso Vertuo Plus

The Vertuo Plus is a stylish and convenient coffee maker that brews a wide range of quality coffee.

Also, the machine has an automatic opening mechanism for easy insertion of capsules and an adjustable water tank.

Nevertheless:

This model frequently displays red and yellow lights that can easily be corrected.

3. Nespresso Pixie

Nespresso Pixie

The Nespresso Pixie is a compact, eco-friendly single-serve coffee maker. It is esteemed for being one of the fastest coffee makers, with an astonishing 25-second heat-up time.

However:

This Nespresso model often displays red and yellow lights for various reasons.

4. Nespresso Essenza Plus

Nespresso Essenza Plus

The Nespresso Essenza Plus is a reliable single-serve coffee maker with a sleek and simple appearance. It produces amazing cups of espresso and americanos and is easy to maintain and clean.

But:

Consumers have complained that this model is susceptible to the red and yellow light error.

5. Nespresso Inissia

Nespresso Inissia

The Nespresso Inissia is a compact and lightweight coffee machine that offers practicality and ease without compromising your coffee’s quality.

It has a 25-second heat-up time and comes with a one-year warranty.

Every so often:

This model starts flashing red and yellow lights to indicate that it requires maintenance.

6. Nespresso CitiZ

Nespresso CitiZ

The Nespresso Citiz is a user-friendly, elegant single-serve coffee maker that is compact and heats up quickly.

It also has an automatic energy-saving feature that powers off the device after nine minutes of inactivity.

Note:

Users have discovered that this particular model randomly displays red and yellow lights that they could rectify easily.

Conclusion

Look:

We don’t need to emphasize how irritating it can be when your coffee maker malfunctions.

Whether it’s a manufacturer, user error, or simply a maintenance defect, a faulty Nespresso is the last thing on anybody’s wishlist.

Of course:

You found this article because your Nespresso displays red and yellow lights, and you were perplexed.

We have highlighted and reviewed our recommendations for your Nespresso so you can get it up and running perfectly once again.

Now:

Try these suggestions to resolve your Nespresso’s red and light display error:

  • Check the power outlet for faults, then reset your Nespresso coffee maker.
  • Descale and clean your Nespresso coffee maker.
  • Check for clogs and blockages in your Nespresso system.
  • Replace or fill your Nespresso water tank.
  • Ensure that you insert fresh coffee capsules into your Nespresso properly.

Undoubtedly:

After you have tried these troubleshooting suggestions, your Nespresso should stop displaying red and yellow lights. We are really glad you put your faith in this article.

However:

Though unlikely, if your Nespresso is still affected by this error, you should contact Nespresso customer support for immediate assistance.

Remember:

Your additions are important to us! Don’t forget to share your opinions, thoughts, and questions in the comment section below.


Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Fix the Red and Yellow Light on My Nespresso Vertuo?

You can try a few remedies on your Nespresso Virtuo to fix the blinking red and yellow light. You could ensure the tank is filled, and capsules properly placed, descale, unclog or reset the machine to fix the error.

Why Is My Nespresso Light Red and Yellow?

Your Nespresso is likely displaying red and yellow lights because the machine is on standby mode, waiting for you to insert a capsule. It could also be due to an empty tank, faulty capsules, or a clogged system.

How Do You Reset the Nespresso Descaling Light?

You should follow some simple steps to reset the Nespresso descaling light and exit descaling mode.
 
Press and hold the button and lever simultaneously until the light becomes green, then let the machine rest for 10 minutes. 

How Often Does A Nespresso Need Descaling?

Ideally, you should descale your Nespresso as often as once a month as mineral buildup could lead to malfunctions.
 
However, you could adopt a 2-3 month descaling schedule depending on how frequently you use your Nespresso.

Why Is My Descaling Light Still On After Descaling Nespresso?

Your Nespresso’s descaling light is possibly still on even after descaling because the machine has not been rinsed properly.

It would help to flush the machine with plain water by running several rinse cycles.

What Can I Use Instead of Nespresso Descaler?

Experts recommend using Nespresso descaler to descale your Nespresso. However, you can use white vinegar or citric acid in its place.

You should consider that the white vinegar leaves an unpleasant smell, and using it could make your Nespresso warranty void.

How Long Does Nespresso Descaling Take?

The entire descaling process of your Nespresso coffee maker should take about 30 minutes to complete.
 
Note that you should remove the coffee capsule from the machine before you begin the process.

About
Erica Cervenkova
Coffee Connoisseur, SCA Member

As a coffee connoisseur and member of the Specialty Coffee Association, I am dedicated to understanding the sustainability of coffee pods and the impact it has on the environment. My expertise lies in the realm of capsule coffee machines, from the likes of Keurig and Nespresso to other well-known US brands. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and helping others make informed decisions about their coffee choices. Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or just looking for a new way to enjoy your morning cup, I'm here to help.

Erica

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