Nespresso Blinking Orange Light: How To Fix It

A Nespresso machine is any coffee lover’s dream. It lets you skip the hassle of learning how to brew an espresso.

For those of us who rely on a cup of coffee to start our day, having your Nespresso malfunction can be a nightmare. One of the most common problems users face is a blinking orange light.

The blinking Nespresso light usually means that the machine needs descaling if the light is flashing three times per second. If otherwise, there might be other underlying issues that need to be fixed.

Fortunately, fixing this problem is not too hard. While diagnosing why blinking may not be as straightforward, there are solutions for each possible situation. In this article, we will be discussing the most widespread problems and how you can fix them yourselves.

What Is a Nespresso Machine and How Does it Work?

There are several differences between a Nespresso and a Nescafe machine.

Brewing your coffee in a Nespresso machine is very simple and easy. The machine does have various models, such as the original line and the vertuo being the most common models, but the brewing methods for both are mostly similar.

Here are the steps to get your Nespresso machine ready to make your cup of coffee:

1. Insert the compatible capsule and shut the lid.
2. The pod is perforated three times on the top side. Learn more about Nespresso pods.
3. Select your drink/cup size.
4. The machine then pumps the water from the tank into the capsule.
5. The foil is broken from the water pressure and releases the rich espresso.

Common issues With Nespresso Machine

Like any other machine, a Nespresso machine is also vulnerable to problems. The problems in the Nespresso machine lead to a blinking orange light of different forms. The common issues that lead to the blinking light are as follows:

1. The machine needs cleaning
2. Descaling
3. Overheating
4. Machine error
5. Empty water tank
6. Reset to factory settings
7. Urgent descaling required

These issues cause the machine to turn on the orange light. If the orange light blinks rapidly, then descaling is required.

How to Fix Nespresso Blinking Orange Light Issue?

There are multiple reasons why this might be the case for you. The first thing you need to do is turn your Nespresso off and let it cool down for a while, as overheating can cause this issue.

In other cases, something as simple as a factory reset can do the trick. However, if none of these work, a blinking orange light refers to a problem with descaling.

Either your machine has been set to descaling mode or needs to be descaled.

What is Descaling?

All water contains minerals such as magnesium. Over time, these minerals accumulate in your machine. This accumulation is especially prevalent in places where hard water is used. These minerals clog your machine up and prevent it from functioning correctly.

Descaling refers to removing these unwanted minerals from your machine. Nespresso machines have a built-in system that allows them to prepare for being descaled. This feature is referred to as the descaling mode. 

The Descaling Process

The descaling process is not that complicated if you follow the instructions. You will need to use a Nespresso descaling kit, but you can also use any other universal descaling kit.

Below are the few steps you need to follow to quickly get through the descaling procedure and get your Nespresso machine working perfectly again.

1.   Use a Nespresso Descaling Kit

The first thing you need to do is get the descaling kit ready.

Wait for the blinking light to stop before starting the procedure. Then you add 500ml water and the descaling agent into the machine’s water tank and place a basin underneath your machine or anything you can use to capture the water easily.

2.   Remove the Scale

The next step is to remove the scale.

All you have to do is press the buttons on your machine for about three seconds. The lights will begin to flicker, and the procedure of descaling your Nespresso machine has started.

To flush, press the button for a big cup of coffee.

3.   Start the Flushing Procedure

Press the lungo button to enable the fluid to run through the machine. The water tank in your coffee machine will keep flushing till it’s empty.

Pour the drained-out fluid back in and repeat the cycle a few times. Then empty the water collecting dish, place it under the Nespresso machine, and press the lungo button for the flushing procedure.

4.   Cleaning the Nespresso Machine

After you drain the descaling agent a few times, wipe down the tank and make sure there is no residue of the agent left.

Once that’s done, repeat the process but with water instead.

Then, pour out the water the same way you would for a regular espresso and keep repeating the process until you have drained out the tank with water at least twice.

After this, you are done descaling, and your problem should be resolved.

5.   Descaling Menu

Your Nespresso machine has completed the descaling process and is now totally clean. Press the buttons simultaneously to switch off the machine’s descaling mode.

You can now use your Nespresso machine as usual and enjoy your drinks.

Takeaway

An espresso machine, just like any other machine, after all. Thus, there will always be a possibility of malfunctions and other problems, and there is nothing worse than waking up to start your day with a perfect cup of coffee only to find out the machine’s blinking orange light.

The Nespresso machine’s blinking orange light usually means a problem with the machine. This problem could be that the machine requires cleaning, the water tank is empty, or the machine needs to be reset to factory settings, etc. the most common problem is that of descaling.

If the Nespresso machine blinks rapidly, it means it needs to be descaled. The procedure for descaling is quite simple. All you have to do is follow the instructions and your machine will be as good as before.