Last Updated on October 14, 2023 by Timothy Byron Smith
Nespresso Vertuo machines have gained popularity for their convenience and ability to brew high-quality coffee. However, if you ever encounter a blinking or flashing yellow light on your Nespresso Vertuo Next, Vertuo, or Evoluo machine, it signifies an error that requires troubleshooting.
Understanding the reason why Nespresso yellow light started to flash on your Vertuo machines can help you quickly identify and resolve the issue.
In this blog, we will explore the various yellow light patterns and provide specific steps to address each one, ensuring a smooth coffee brewing experience.
Nespresso Yellow Light Meanings And Solutions
The yellow light on your Nespresso Vertuo machine can flash or pulse in different ways, each indicating a specific problem.
Let’s take a look at the common yellow light patterns and what they mean:
Flashes two times per second
If your yellow light flashes at a rate of two times per second, it indicates that your machine needs cleaning. Proper maintenance and cleanliness are essential for optimal performance. To clean your machine, follow these steps:
- Start by ensuring the machine is turned off and unplugged.
- Wipe the spinning part of the open head with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue.
- Rinse the water reservoir thoroughly and refill it with fresh water.
- Run a cleaning cycle as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Flashes three times per second
When the yellow light blinks three times rapidly, it is a signal that your machine needs descaling. Over time, mineral buildup can affect the functionality of your machine, and descaling helps remove these deposits. To descale your Nespresso Vertuo machine, follow these steps:
- Purchase a descaling solution compatible with Nespresso machines.
- Ensure the water reservoir is empty and free from any capsules.
- Mix the descaling solution with water according to the instructions provided.
- Fill the water reservoir with the descaling solution.
- Place a container that can hold at least 1 liter of liquid under the coffee outlet.
- Activate the descaling mode by following the instructions specific to your machine.
- Allow the descaling solution to run through the machine completely.
- Rinse the water reservoir thoroughly and refill it with fresh water.
- Run a rinse cycle to ensure any remaining descaling solution is removed from the machine.
Pulsing (fades OFF, then ON)
If your yellow light pulsates, fading off and then on again, it means your machine has overheated and needs to cool down. To address this issue, follow these steps:
- Turn off the machine and unplug it from the power source.
- Wait for approximately half an hour to an hour, allowing the machine to cool down completely.
- Once the cooling period is over, plug in the machine and turn it on again.
- Resume normal operation and monitor if the yellow light persists. If it does, further troubleshooting may be required.
Flashes twice for 1 second, then long OFF
This yellow light pattern indicates a machine error. To troubleshoot this issue, follow these steps:
- Check the capsule insertion to ensure it is properly aligned and inserted.
- Verify that the brew head is securely locked in place.
- Attempt a factory reset Nespresso Vertuo by following the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
- If the problem persists, contact Nespresso support for further assistance.
On for 1.5 seconds, OFF for 0.5 seconds
If the yellow light stays on for 1.5 seconds and then turns off for 0.5 seconds, it suggests an empty water reservoir. To resolve this issue, follow these steps:
- Refill the water reservoir with fresh water, ensuring it is properly filled to avoid interruptions during the brewing process.
Flashes 5 times in 10 seconds
This pattern indicates a reset to factory settings. Performing a factory reset should only be considered a last resort. If you need to proceed with a Nespresso Vertuo factory reset, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer carefully.
Flashes then white for 3 seconds
When the yellow light flashes followed by a white light for 3 seconds, it indicates that descaling will be required soon. It is essential to address this warning promptly to maintain the performance and longevity of your machine. Plan to descale your machine soon to avoid any brewing issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How often should I clean my Nespresso Vertuo machine?
A: It is recommended to clean your Nespresso Vertuo machine every 300 capsules or at least once every 3 months to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Q: Can I use a homemade descaling solution instead of a Nespresso-approved descaling solution?
A: It is highly recommended to use a descaling solution specifically designed for Nespresso machines. Homemade solutions may not effectively remove mineral buildup and can potentially damage the machine.
Q: Why does the yellow light on my Nespresso Vertuo machine keep flashing after troubleshooting?
A: If the yellow light persists after following the troubleshooting steps, it is advisable to contact Nespresso support for further assistance. They can provide tailored guidance based on your specific machine and the observed behavior.
Final Thoughts | Nespresso yellow light
While the provided troubleshooting steps can help resolve many Nespresso yellow light issues, there might be instances where the problem remains or additional assistance is required.
If you are unable to resolve the issue using the troubleshooting steps outlined above, we recommend reaching out to Nespresso support for further guidance and support.
They have the expertise to address specific technical issues and provide the necessary assistance to get your machine back in working order.