Why Is My Nespresso Blinking Orange and How to Fix It?

What Kind of Nespresso Machine Do You Own?

Before we get into how you can fix your Nespresso blinking orange light, let’s try to figure out the type of machine you have and whether or not this article is for you. So, there are two main kinds of Nespresso machines– the OriginalLine and the VertuoLine. These two machines differ because the VertuoLine uses centrifugal brewing while the OriginalLine does not.

This means that the VertuoLine brews coffee via a pod spinning at 7000 rotations a minute to create a rich, full-flavored mug of coffee. But if you’re unsure which of these Nespresso machines you own, we’ll help you figure it out.

1. The Nespresso VertuoLine

Introduced in 2014, this VertuoLine coffee maker uses a centrifugal brewing technique to extract flavor from coffee beans by spinning the seeds at high speed. Some common coffee machines in the VertuoLine include Vertuo, Evoluo, and VertuoPlus. 

But the only way to know if your machine belongs to this line, check the pods. The pods here appear larger than the OriginalLine and come in different sizes for different coffee drinks.

2. The Nespresso OriginalLine

The OriginalLine came about in 2004. These Nespresso coffee makers are easy-to-use. Although they make a delicious mug of coffee, these machines do not come with the bells and whistles that the VertuoLine has. 

Some popular coffee machine models in the OriginalLine are the Essenza mini, Pixie, Citiz, and Inissia. One way to identify if your coffee machine is from the OriginalLine is to check the coffee capsules. The capsules in these machines are small and the same size.

Now that we’ve created a distinction between the varying types of Nespresso machines, let’s try and figure out why your coffee maker is blinking orange light.

Why Is My Nespresso Machine Blinking Orange Light?

Nespresso machines have blinking lights that notify you when there’s a problem. Your coffee machine may blink a steady orange light or, in some cases, a red light for different reasons. These are some reasons why your coffee machine may be blinking orange light:

• The coffee machine may need descaling
• The water reservoir may be empty
• The capsule container may be full
• The heating element may have an issue 

Understanding what the different colors mean may be confusing, so we will decode the Nespresso machines blinking orange lights in the next section. 

Decoding the Blinking Orange Light Issue

If you have a Nespresso Vertuo, Evoluo, or Vertuo Next, here’s what the different colors of blinking lights on your coffee machine may mean:

1. Two Blinks Per Second

You may need to clean your coffee machine if you get this indicator light– two blinks per second. Ensure that the barcode scanner is not covered with coffee grounds by opening the machine head.

If you see any, remove the old coffee capsules and unplug the power cord. After that, clean the spinning component inside the machine head by wiping it with a paper towel and hot water. Do the same for the coffee capsule holder, and that should work.

2. Three Blinks Per Second

If you notice the light blinking three times per second, you need to empty the coffee capsule container or descale your coffee machine. Descaling takes about 20 minutes, so you may not do this in the morning before work. Alternatively, you can leave it for later in the day.

Make sure you’re using the proper descaling solution because there are many options. The one that may work best for your machine is the Nespresso descaling kit (clearly). In the coming sections, we’ll guide you on adequately descaling your coffee maker.

3. Pulse Down or Fading Light

This light indicates a safety feature that is designed to prevent your coffee maker from overheating. It indicates that your machine has been used too often at short intervals and needs to cool down for at least 20 minutes.

4. Two Blinks and Steady 

If the lights on your coffee machine blink twice and then stay steady, there is an error in the machine. Unplug your machine for 30 seconds, and allow it to cool. If this doesn’t solve the issue, contact Nespresso Support for help.

5. Light Goes off for Two Seconds, Then off for One Second

Decoding this is easy. This light indicates that the water tank needs to be refilled.

6. Five Blinks in Ten Seconds

This light indicates that your coffee machine requires a factory reset. But, before you do this, ensure you have not forgotten any capsules in your coffee machine. After verifying this, close the machine head and leave the coffee machine handle in the ‘unlock’ position.

Next, press the button five times in three seconds. There will be five orange flashes followed by a steady white light.

7. Blinks Three Times and Then Steady

You need to descale your machine if you see this light. We’ll show you how to fix it in the next section. 

How to Fix the Blinking Lights Issue on Nespresso Vertuoplus 

Troubleshooting the blinking lights issue is different on the Nespresso VertuoPlus model, as this machine uses blinking red lights instead of orange lights to indicate when there is an issue. Here’s what the different red lights are:

1. Steady Red Light or a Blink Per Second

If your coffee machine blinks red once every second or stays a steady red light, the machine has run into an error. Unplug it for about fifteen minutes and plug it back in.

2. Pulsing Red Light or Fading Out

A pulsing red light is a safety signal, meaning that your machine is overheating from being used too often in a short while. Leave the machine for a while, and wait for the flashing lights to stop. If this doesn’t work, contact Nespresso Support for further assistance. Note that if the red light seems like it’s fading out, there’s no cause for alarm. It just means that the machine is cooling down and will soon return to steady green light, after which you can use it.

3. Two Red Blinks and a Steady Green

Getting two red blinking lights followed by a steady green light means that the water level is low, and you need to fill up the water tank. 

4. Two Red Blinks and an Orange Blink

If you notice the red light blinking twice and then blinking orange once while running a particular function, open the machine head and remove the capsule. Press the button to restart the function. If the display shows an “Emptying the System” text, you need to remove the water in the tank.

5. Two Red Flashes and Returns to a Steady Orange

This display means that the special functions menu on the coffee machine has been enabled. You can select any maintenance functions from this display by pressing the lever down.

6. Three Blinks and a Steady Red Light

If your machine blinks red three times and stays a steady red light, it indicates that the coffee machine head is in an unknown position. What you should do next is to press the lever up, then wait for the machine head to stop. Then, release any obstacles and empty the used coffee capsule container. Finally, push down the lever to close the coffee machine head.

7. Steady Half-Red, Half-Green Light

Once you notice that your machine displays a steady half-red, half-green light, your coffee machine may soon need descaling after a few more uses. So, you may need to fit descaling your coffee machine into your weekend schedule. 

How to Descale Your Nespresso Machine

All coffee machines need routine descaling, and the Nespresso coffee machine is no exception. Ideally, this should be done every three to four months. Depending on your water’s hardness, you may need to descale more frequently.

Fortunately, you don’t need to set up a schedule or mark dates on your calendar to know when to descale your coffee machine.

The Nespresso coffee machine has blinking alerts to alert you when you need to descale your coffee maker. Here’s how you can descale your Nespresso coffee machine:

Step 1: Remove the Used Coffee Capsule

Remove the used coffee capsule first. Clean the drip tray by removing it and soaking it in warm water. Grab your Nespresso descaling kit if you have one available. You can order one from Amazon. But if you don’t have a descaling kit nearby, you make one at home by mixing vinegar and water in equal parts. 

However, we don’t recommend using this homemade fix. The descaling solution is a better option, and the vinegar solution should only come up as a last resort; don’t make it a habit. 

Step 2: Replace Water With Descaling Agent

Place the Nespresso descaling agent in the empty water tank of your coffee machine. The instructions on the bottle will specify the right amount to use. 

It is standard to add 17 ounces of water to the tank and then add one unit of descaling solution. Alternatively, you can fill the water tank with the homemade vinegar solution. 

Step 3: Check for Brand-Specific Descaling Instructions

Every coffee machine has its unique descaling instructions. So, you may want to check out the Nespresso website for instructions that fit your specific coffee machine. Otherwise, follow the steps in this guide for generic instructions that will still work. 

Step 4: Place a Container Under the Coffee Spout

Put a container carrying more than 34 ounces under the coffee spout and turn on the machine. This container catches any liquid that may come out when you turn on the machine. 

Step 5: Put Your Machine in Descaling Mode

Make sure your coffee machine is on. Hold the descaling button for 7 seconds to put your machine into descaling mode.

An indicator light should begin blinking rapidly at this point, indicating that the descaling process should begin in 45 seconds. Otherwise, your coffee machine will return to brewing mode.

Step 6: Empty the Drip Tray and Rinse Out 

To descale, turn the level from “unlocked” to “locked” and then push the button. Allow the coffee machine to run the process, and once done, empty and rinse the drip tray, water tank, and cup support. Then, fill the water tank with clean water, return it to its position and turn the machine on again.

After the first cycle, run another cycle, two or three times, using fresh water to rinse your coffee machine. Then, let the machine dry for ten minutes before using it again. 

Conclusion

If you see the orange light blinking on your Nespresso machine, there is a problem that needs to be resolved. Most times, it means that your machine needs to be cleaned, but other times, it may indicate something more serious, like a capsule holder error, an overheated machine, or an empty water tank.

Whatever the case is, this guide should help you troubleshoot the issue with your Nespresso coffee machine and identify why there is a blinking orange light. Following the tips in this article should help you get your machine in order and ready to brew a mug of your favorite hot coffee.

However, if the problem persists, we recommend you take it to a Nespresso store for assistance.