Fix the Nespresso Blinking Orange Light + New Vertuo Models

Hello, fellow Nespresso owner! Is your Nespresso light blinking orange and you don't know how to turn it off? Well, you're not alone my friend!

This is a common issue with Nespresso machines, but in most cases, it can be fixed fairly easily. In this article, we'll cover all the red and orange blinking light patterns for ALL the Nespresso Vertuo models. And that includes the newer Nespresso POP+ and Vertuo Creatista models!

This way you can get back to using your Nespresso machine and feel confident that it is hard at work making the best cup of coffee for you!

So, keep reading our article to learn everything you need to know to fix and stop your precious Nespresso machine blinking orange - or for that matter any other color. As you'll learn soon, things can get a bit complicated because different Vertuo models have different status light blinking patterns and colors!

Why Is My Nespresso Blinking Orange Light?

There are several reasons for your Nespresso blinking orange light. Although this depends on your Nespresso machine model and whether you own an OriginalLine or VertuoLine machine, the most common reasons are as follows.

1. Your machine needs to be cleaned
   
   
2. Your machine needs to be descaled
   
   
3. The water reservoir is empty
   
   
4. The used capsule container is full
   
   
5. The machine has overheated
   
   
6. A machine error or fault has occurred
   
   
7. A user error has occurred

To complicate matters, different machines within the VertuoLine have different blinking patterns. In some models, you'll have to deal with a blinking orange light, while other models will have a blinking red light.

But don't worry, we have covered all of the VertuoLine Nespresso machine models in this article, including the latest Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ and Vertuo Creatista machines.

Nespresso Blinking Orange Lights Explained (Evoluo, Vertuo, and Vertuo Next)

Let's begin by decoding the blinking orange light patterns for the Nespresso Vertuo, Vertuo Next, and Evoluo.

1. The orange light blinks twice per second: clean the coffee machine

If your Nespresso machine is giving you this specific blinking orange light pattern, it needs to be cleaned.

How to fix it:

1. Check to see if there is dirt or coffee grounds covering the barcode scanner. Unplug the power cord and run some hot water over a paper towel. Wipe down the spinning component inside the head as well as the capsule holder. That should do the trick!
   
   
2. If the issue persists, run the cleaning cycle. To do so, rinse and refill the water tank with fresh water, place a large container under the coffee outlet, and remove any used capsules from the machine head. Then, press the button three times in two seconds. The cleaning procedure should start and run for about 5 minutes. Note that the cleaning procedure consists of three cycles.

2. The orange light blinks alternately 3 times then steady: descale alert

If you see this flashing orange light pattern, it means that your machine needs to be descaled soon, but not immediately! We do recommend you descale your Nespresso machine right away.

Note that some machine models have a slightly different light pattern: the light alternately blinks orange and white three times before turning steady on.

How to fix it:

1. Run the descaling cycle! Even though you don't need to descale your machine right away, we recommend you do rin it as soon as possible - your Nespresso coffee maker will appreciate it! Make sure you are using the official Nespresso descaling solution. We will show you how to descale your machine later on in this article.

3. The orange light blinks three times per second: empty the Nespresso machine pod container or descaling required

If you see the orange light blinking rapidly, it can mean one of the following things: it's time to empty the coffee capsule container, it's time to descale your machine, or the machine is stuck in descale mode.

How to fix it:

1. Empty the capsule container. Easy peasy.
   
   
2. Exit the descale mode. Press and hold the button for 7 seconds.
   
   
3. Run the descaling cycle. To learn how to do so, click here to jump down the article. Again, we recommend you use the official Nespresso descaling kit (obviously).

4. The orange light fades from on to off: the coffee machine needs to cool down from overheating

If you see a pulsing orange light pattern, it means that the Nespresso machine has been used too many times in a short period of time and needs to cool down for at least 20 minutes. This is a safety feature to prevent your machine from overheating.

How to fix it:

1. Press the button for 3 seconds to turn the machine off. Then, push it again to turn it back on. Wait for at least 20 minutes to allow your coffee maker to cool down. Besides waiting, there isn't much you can do. To avoid overheating your machine, avoid preparing multiple coffees in a row.

5. The orange light quickly blinks twice followed by a pause: machine error

If you see this blinking orange light pattern, it means that there's an error or fault in the machine.

How to fix it:

1. Turn off the machine and disconnect it for 30 seconds.
   
   
2. Try using a new capsule. Although quite rare, it could be that the capsule was defective.
   
   
3. The machine head spinner may be stuck. Unplug your machine and then open the head. Under the machine's head, check if the spinner is stuck. If so, try to manually rotate with your hands to free it. Then clean it with a damp paper towel.
   
   
4. If this does not get resolved then you should contact Nespresso Support for further assistance.

6. The orange light turns on for 1.5 seconds and then off for 0.5 seconds: refill the water tank

This one is pretty easy and straightforward. If you see the orange light flashing for a long time followed by a quicker orange flash, it means that the water tank is empty!

How to fix it:

1. Refill the water reservoir. If you got this error while your coffee was brewing, you should replace the coffee capsule with a new one.

7. The orange light blinks 5 times in 10 seconds: factory reset your coffee machine

If you see this light, it means that you need to factory reset your Nespresso Vertuo machine. Don't worry, this should be a quick fix!

How to fix it:

1. Reset your machine to factory settings. To do this, make sure there aren't any forgotten capsules in the Nespresso machine, then close the head and leave the handle in the unlocked position. Then press the button 5 times in 3 seconds. You will know that it was reset because the light will flash 5 times orange and then changes to steady white.

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Red Light Status for Nespresso Vertuo Plus

Now we are going to go over and decode the red lights for the Nespresso Vertuo Plus coffee makers.

1. Steady red light: the machine is overheated

If the red light is steady on and the machine is not running, it means that your Nespresso machine has overheated. To prevent this from happening, avoid preparing multiple back-to-back coffees, or avoid using your machine right after running a descaling or cleaning cycle.

How to fix it:

1. Turn off the machine and unplug it. Wait at least 15 minutes to allow your Nespresso machine to cool down.
   
   
2. If the problem is not resolved, contact Nespresso customer service and provide them with code WVP17.

2. The red light pulses down or fades out: the machine is cooling down from overheating

This issue is similar to the one above; it means that your machine is just about to overheat and is cooling down. This is a safety feature to prevent your machine from overheating. If you see this light, it means that the Nespresso machine has been used too many times in a short period of time and needs to cool down.

How to fix it:

1. All you have to do is wait for the flashing to be done and turn steady green before trying to use the machine again.
   
   
2. If the problem is not resolved, contact Nespresso Support and provide them with code WVP18.

3. The red light blinks once per second: Remove obstacle or obstruction

If the red light blinks once per second and the machine head stops moving, it means that there is an obstruction.

How to fix it:

1. Check that the coffee capsule was inserted correctly. If the capsule was inserted incorrectly and pierced, try using a new capsule.
   
   
2. Check the machine head spinner as it may be stuck. Unplug your machine and then open the head. Under the machine's head, check if the spinner is stuck. If so, try to manually rotate with your hands to free it. Finally, clean it with a damp paper towel.
   
   
3. If the problem is not resolved, contact Nespresso customer service and provide them with code WVP14.

4. The red light blinks twice then turns steady green: refill the water tank

This light pattern indicates that your Vertuo Plus' water reservoir needs to be refilled. No worries here!

How to fix it:

1. If the light pattern is displayed before brewing has started simply refill the water reservoir and press the button.
   
   
2. If the light pattern is displayed while brewing, refill the water tank, eject the coffee capsule, and replace it with a new one while making sure it is correctly inserted. Don't forget to ensure the machine head is closed and locked!
   
   
3. If the problem is not resolved, contact Nespresso customer service and provide them with code WVP15.

5. The red light blinks twice red then blinks orange: error while running a special function

If you see this flashing pattern while a special function is running, it means that an error has occurred while running a special function.

How to fix it:

1. Open the machine head and remove the capsule. Then restart the special function you were running.
   
   
2. If you see this light pattern when running the Emptying the System function, then remove the water tank!
   
   
3. If the problem is not resolved, contact Nespresso customer service and provide them with code WVP19.

6. The red light twice then turns solid orange: select the desired special function

When you see this pattern, you are in the Special Functions menu and your Vertuo Plus is waiting for you to select the special function you want to run.

How to fix it:

1. Go ahead and choose your desired function by pressing the lever down.
   
   
   
2. If you are unable to select a special function, contact Nespresso customer service and provide them with code WVP20.

7. Blinks three times then steady red - the coffee machine head is in an unknown position

If this happens, the machine head is in an unknown position likely due to obstacles or obstructions.

How to fix it:

1. Look for any obstacles or obstructions. Press the lever up and wait till the machine head stops, release any obstacles, empty the used capsule container, and then push the lever down to close the coffee machine head.
   
   
2. Check the machine head spinner is not obstructed. Unplug your machine and then open the head. Try to manually rotate the spinner with your hands to free it.
   
   
3. If you are unable to select a special function, contact Nespresso customer service and provide them with code WVP16.

8. Steady light with half red and half green - Descale your machine

When you see this pattern, it means that you can operate the coffee machine a few more times before the descaling process becomes necessary.

How to fix it:

1. Run the descaling cycle. We recommend you use the official Nespresso descaling solution.
   
   
2. If the machine is heavily scaled the descaling function may not run and the light will start blinking. If that's the case, pause the descaling cycle and wait for 30 minutes to allow the solution to do its magic.
   
   
3. If the issue persists, contact Nespresso customer service and provide them with code WVP13.

And this Nespresso descaling solution from Amazon is the best one!

Light Status for the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+

Let's go over and decode the status red and orange lights for the Nespresso Pop+.

1. The red light blinks twice then turns solid white: user error

This light pattern indicates a user error has occurred. There are several causes that could cause a user error on your Nespresso Pop+. Let's go over them!

How to fix it:

1. Check that a fresh capsule was inserted and you did not initiate a brew cycle with an old capsule. It happens to all of us, especially early in the morning when we are caffeine-deprived.
   
   
2. Check that the capsule was correctly inserted. Don't forget to properly lock the handle.
   
   
3. Check that the water reservoir is correctly placed on the machine.
   
   
4. If you are running a special function (cleaning, descaling, or emptying the system), check that a capsule is not inserted. If so, remove it, close and lock the machine and push the button to start the desired function.

2. The red light pulses down or fades out in one second: the machine is overheated

If you see this light pattern, it means your Nespresso Pop+ has overheated and you need to let it cool down.

How to fix it:

1. Press the button for 3 seconds to turn off your machine and then push the button again to turn it back on. Wait at least 20 minutes to allow your Nespresso POP+ to cool down.
   
   
2. If you prepared multiple coffees and then ran the descaling cycle, your POP+ could overheat. If that's the case, pressing the button for 3 seconds will not turn it off. Instead, press the button for 7 seconds to exit the descale cycle after which you can turn it off.

3. The red light blinks twice then pauses: machine error

If you see this light pattern and your Nespresso POP+ is not running, it means that there is a machine error. Check the following potential solutions to fix this issue.

How to fix it:

1. Turn off the machine and unplug it for 30 seconds. While disconnected press the button a few times to drain the capacitors and essentially "reset" the machine.
   
   
2. Try using a new capsule. It could be that the capsule was defective or damaged.
   
   
3. The machine head spinner may be stuck. Unplug your machine and then open the head. Under the machine's head, check if the spinner is stuck. If so, try to manually rotate with your hands to free it.
   
   
4. Clean inside the machine head. If your Nespresso machine is overly dirty, it could be blocking the sensors from properly reading the Nespresso capsule barcodes.
   
   
5. If this does not get resolved then you should contact Nespresso Support for further assistance.

4. The red light blinks slowly: refill the water tank

If you see this red light pattern, don't fret! Despite its ominous look, this simply means you need to refill the water tank. Phew!

How to fix it:

1. Refill the water tank. If this occurred during brewing, make sure you eject any used coffee capsule and insert a new one!

5. The orange light quickly blinks three times then turns solid white: descaling alert

If you see this light pattern, it means that it's time to descale your Nespresso machine. Don't ignore this warning otherwise the innards of your POP+ could become heavily scaled leading to machine failure.

How to fix it:

1. Run the descaling cycle. We recommend you use the official Nespresso descaling solution to avoid voiding the warranty. Allow for at least 20 minutes to finish this process.
   
   
   
2. If the machine is heavily scaled, pause the descaling cycle and wait for 30 minutes to allow the solution to dissolve the scale build-up.

Status Lights for the Nespresso Creatista Vertuo

Let's go over and decode the status red and orange lights for the Nespresso Creatista Vertuo.

1. The coffee module light blinks twice in orange and is followed by a pause: machine error

If you see the coffee module light up in this pattern, it means an error has occurred with your Nespresso Creastista Vertuo. No worries though, usually this problem can easily be solved.

How to fix it:

1. Power off and unplug your Creatista Vertuo for at least 30 seconds. Try powering up while disconnected to drain any power left from the capacitors. This resets the electronics of your machine.
   
   
2. Clean the machine head. If your machine is overly dirty, the sensors that read the coffee pod's barcode could be obstructed.
   
   
3. Try using a new capsule. Although quite rare, your coffee pod could be defective (e.g. printing issue with the barcode).
   
   
4. The machine head spinner may be stuck. Disconnect your Nespresso machine, and using your hand try moving the spinner to help dislodge anything that could be preventing it from spinning.

2. The coffee module light fades on and off in red: the coffee module has overheated

If the coffee module light fades on and off in red, it means that the coffee module has overheated. To avoid this from happening again, avoid brewing coffee right after running the descaling cycle. Also, avoid preparing many consecutive coffees.

How to fix it:

1. Turn off your machine by holding the coffee button for 3 seconds, then turn it back on by pressing the coffee button. Now, wait for at least 20 minutes to allow your Creatista Vertuo to cool down.
   
   
2. Your machine could overheat in descale mode. If that is the case, exit the descaling mode by pressing the button for 7 seconds. Power off the machine by pressing the coffee button for 3 seconds, then turn it back on. Wait for at least 20 minutes to allow the machine to cool down.

3. The milk module light fades on and off in orange: the milk module has overheated

If the milk module light fades on and off in orange, it means that the milk module has overheated. To avoid this from happening again, avoid steaming milk right after running the descaling cycle. Also, avoid steaming milk for many consecutive coffees.

How to fix it:

1. Turn off your machine by holding the coffee button for 3 seconds, then turn it back on by pressing the coffee button. Now, wait for at least 20 minutes to allow your Creatista Vertuo to cool down.
   
   
2. Your machine could overheat in descale mode. If that is the case, exit the descaling mode by pressing the button for 7 seconds. Power off the machine by pressing the coffee button for 3 seconds, then turn it back on. Wait for at least 20 minutes to allow the machine to cool down.

4. The coffee module light blinks red twice per second: user error regarding the lever or capsule

This red light pattern with the coffee module indicates a user error has occurred. No worries though, it should be easy to fix!

How to fix it:

1. Check that the coffee capsule was properly inserted. Sometimes when we are sleeping and low on caffeine we don't pay attention!
   
   
2. Check that the handle is properly locked. After locking it properly, press the button to start brewing your favorite caffeinated drink!

5. The coffee module light turns red solid and then off during coffee preparation - refill the water tank

This red light pattern with the coffee module indicates that the water tank has run empty during coffee brewing and needs to be refilled.

How to fix it:

1. Simply refill the water tank. Eject the used capsule, insert a new one and start brewing again!

6. The milk module light turns red solid and then off during milk steaming: refill the water tank

This red light pattern with the milk module indicates that the water tank has run empty during milk frothing and needs to be refilled.

How to fix it:

1. Simply refill the water tank and continue steaming milk!

7. The cleaning light blinks orange while the milk module light turns solid white - clean the steam wand

This light pattern indicates that the steam wand needs to be cleaned.

How to clean the Creatista Vertuo Steam Wand:

1. Remove the steam wand cleaning tool located under the water reservoir.
   
   
2. Unscrew the tip of the wand and use the pin to clean each hole.
   
   
3. Then, using the steam wand cleaning tool, unscrew the cap and rinse the components.
   
   
4. Assemble everything back together. Don't forget to place back the steam wand cleaning tool under the water tank!
   
   
5. Empty and refill the water tank with fresh water.
   
   
6. Fill the milk jug with water, and press the milk module button for 3 seconds to start the clean cycle.
   
   
7. Empty and clean the jug. Dry the steam wand with a soft cloth.

8. The descaling light blinks orange while the milk module light turns solid white: descale needed

When you see this light pattern it means it's time to descale you Nespresso Creatista Vertuo. Don't ignore this warning or else you risk damaging your machine due to heavy scale build-up.

How to fix it:

1. Simply descale your machine. Refer to the video below for more details.

Related Reads:

• Keurig Descale Reset Light Not Working? Fix it Now!
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How to Descale your Nespresso Machine?

Step One:

First, grab the Nespresso descaling kit (see Amazon link below) if you have it on hand. If you don't, then make your own by mixing one part water with one part vinegar.

We actually recommend that you use the descaling solution rather than vinegar, but if you don't have it on hand and you HAVE to descale it in this instance, then go ahead and use vinegar. But try not to make that a habit!

Step Two:

Empty the water tank and then fill it up with the Nespresso descaling agent (the amount will be stated on the bottle) or instead fill the water tank with the vinegar solution.

Step Three:

Place a container under the coffee spout to catch the liquid and turn on your machine.

Step Four:

Each machine has its own descaling instructions, so it would be best to check out Nespresso's site for the instructions for each coffee machine. The video below will show you the instructions for the Vertuo Next.

Step Five:

Once the cycle is finished, run two to three cycles of fresh water through your machine to rinse it out.

And that's it! You've successfully descaled your coffee machine and it should be back in working order.

Related Reads:

• Nespresso Vertuo Next Review (2023) - The Good and The Bad
• Nespresso Creatista Plus Review (2023) - Is It Worth It?
• The Best Dual Coffee Maker + 7 Other Favorites!
• How Espresso Machines Work & Their 5 Main Parts - Complete Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Bottom Line and Summary

We hope this article was helpful in troubleshooting the dreaded Nespresso blinking lights! We have gone over every Vertuo model available, but if you're still having trouble, feel free to send us a message! Otherwise, we recommend taking your coffee machine to a Nespresso store or a local repair shop for further assistance.

If you're seeing a Nespresso flashing orange light (or any color for that matter) that was not decoded in this article, then please let us know and we will make sure to find a fix for you!