Nespresso Red and Yellow Light After Descaling? Exact Fixes!

You just finished descaling your Nespresso machine, and now the red and yellow lights are flashing together. It feels frustrating, right? You might even think something is broken. But don’t worry, there’s a simple fix that works. This issue usually means your Nespresso machine did not exit descaling mode properly. To solve it, all you need to do is repeat the descaling exit steps carefully. In this article, you’ll learn exactly how to do that, with clear instructions that anyone can follow.

Understand What the Red and Yellow Lights Mean

When your Nespresso machine shows a red and yellow light at the same time, it means something went wrong during the descaling process. You may think descaling is done, but the machine does not agree. The lights are not just colors — they are messages from your machine telling you it is still stuck in descaling mode or something was missed.

This is a common issue, especially with Nespresso Vertuo machines like Vertuo Next or VertuoPlus. Many people report seeing these lights even after following all steps. It can feel like you did something wrong, but in truth, it’s a small step that gets skipped most of the time.

The machine needs to be told clearly that descaling is done. It doesn’t always figure it out on its own. Sometimes, pressing the button for the wrong length of time or not holding it properly can make the machine stay in descaling mode.

It’s also possible the water tank was not emptied or filled correctly during the process. Even using the wrong kind of water can confuse the system. The good news is that this is not a big problem, and you don’t need to send your machine for repair.

The machine is not broken. It just needs a little extra instruction to exit descaling mode fully. And this guide will walk you through how to do that.

• Red and yellow lights mean stuck in descaling mode
• Usually happens when descaling was not completed right
• Machine needs correct signals to exit the mode
• Most common with Vertuo models
• No need to panic or call support

Make Sure Descaling Was Fully Finished

Many people rush through descaling, thinking it’s just pouring liquid in and pressing a button. But for Nespresso, it’s more than that. It wants things in a perfect order. If something small is missed, the red and yellow lights will flash.

First, double-check that you actually ran both the descaling solution and the rinse cycle. Descaling has two steps. The first is where the solution runs through. The second is rinsing with clean water. If you miss the rinse part, the machine stays in descaling mode.

Also, the button press matters. For most Nespresso machines, to exit descaling mode, you need to press and hold the button for about 7 seconds or sometimes even longer until the lights change. Many people press the button too quickly, or they don’t hold it long enough.

Make sure the water tank has clean, fresh water and that the machine isn’t low on water. If the water tank is too empty, it can cause an error too.

And it may sound silly, but make sure the machine is plugged in right and the pod holder is closed. Sometimes, a loose lid or a missing pod tray can cause the lights to flash as a warning.

Run through the entire descaling process again if you’re not sure. Use the same descaling solution and follow each step in order. Take your time, don’t rush.

• Descaling has two parts: solution and rinse
• Press and hold the button at the end of the rinse cycle
• Machine must sense clean water before exiting mode
• Water tank must be full and in place
• Try the whole process again if unsure

Restart Descaling and Exit It the Right Way

Now let’s fix the problem the right way. First, unplug the machine and let it rest for 2 minutes. This small break can help reset small software issues inside the machine.

Now plug it back in. Fill the water tank with fresh water and place a large container under the coffee outlet.

Hold down the button for at least 7 seconds until the light starts flashing rapidly. This means the machine has entered descaling mode again. Now pour in your descaling solution mixed with water as per instructions.

Let the machine run the full cycle. It will push the solution through and clean the inside. When it’s done, empty the container and fill the tank again with clean water. Run this rinse cycle once or twice.

Now comes the important part: exiting descaling mode. Press and hold the button again for 7 seconds or until the light turns steady. This tells the machine, “I’m done.”

If your model uses a lock mechanism or has a lever (like Vertuo Plus), you might need to open and close it before pressing the button.

Don’t rush. Sometimes it takes two tries. If it doesn’t work the first time, do it again from the beginning, carefully.

• Unplug machine for 2 minutes
• Re-enter descaling mode by holding button
• Run descaling and rinse with clean water
• Press and hold button after rinse to exit mode
• Repeat process if machine doesn’t respond first time

Clean and Reset the Machine After Descaling

Even after descaling, some dirt or old coffee oil may be stuck in the machine. This can also confuse the sensors. Cleaning your Nespresso fully can help reset it.

Start by removing the water tank, drip tray, and used pod container. Wash them all with warm soapy water and rinse well. Don’t forget to clean the coffee outlet too — you can use a soft cloth or an old toothbrush.

Sometimes descaling solution dries inside if not rinsed fast. So do another rinse cycle using clean water. Fill the water tank and let it run through without a pod. You can do this by pressing the button like you are making coffee.

Also, press and hold the button after the rinse for 7 seconds. This tells the machine again to exit descaling mode, just in case it was not received the first time.

Check for any lime buildup around the capsule area or in the nozzle. Clean gently if needed.

Now do a test brew using just water (no pod). This makes sure everything flows right. If the lights turn steady white or green, your machine is back to normal.

• Wash all parts: tank, tray, pod holder
• Rinse again after descaling
• Clean coffee nozzle and inside area
• Hold button after rinse to confirm exit
• Do a test brew with water only

When Nothing Works: Try Factory Reset

If you’ve done everything right and the red and yellow lights are still flashing, it may be time to try a factory reset. This resets your machine to its original settings. Think of it like giving your Nespresso a fresh brain.

Each model has a different way to reset. But for most Vertuo machines, it works like this: Turn the machine off. Then, hold the button down while plugging it back in. Keep holding until the lights flash fast, then let go.

Sometimes, the machine needs you to turn the lever or open and close the pod area during this process.

After resetting, go through the descaling process again. Use fresh water and descaling solution. Make sure to exit descaling mode properly using the long button press.

A reset also helps if the software inside the machine glitched. This is more common than you think and can happen after power cuts or if the button was pressed too many times during descaling.

After reset, most users find their machine works perfectly again.

• Do a full factory reset if nothing works
• Hold button while plugging in the machine
• Reset clears software bugs
• Run descaling again after reset
• Works well if the lights are stuck

Prevent the Problem in the Future

Now that you fixed the issue, let’s make sure it doesn’t happen again. First, always follow the descaling process step-by-step. Don’t skip the rinse cycle. Always press and hold the button after descaling.

Keep your machine clean. Wipe it weekly and clean the water tank often. Use clean, filtered water if you can, to avoid minerals building up inside.

Always read the manual for your specific model. Some Nespresso machines need different timing or button combinations.

Also, make it a habit to descale every 3 months or after every 300 uses. Waiting too long allows too much calcium to build up inside.

If you ever see weird lights again, act quickly. Don’t keep brewing with lights flashing. Stop, clean, and check the steps.

And lastly, keep your descaling kit ready. Buying Nespresso’s official descaling solution helps a lot, as the machine is made to work best with it.

• Follow each descaling step carefully
• Always press and hold to exit mode
• Clean the machine weekly
• Descale every 3 months
• Use official descaling solution

Final Thoughts

When your Nespresso machine shows red and yellow lights after descaling, it can feel scary. But now you know it’s not a big issue. Most of the time, it just means the machine didn’t exit descaling mode. With some patience and the right steps, you can fix it at home. No need to call for help or buy a new machine. Just follow the instructions, clean well, and remember to press and hold the button properly. Coffee time is saved, and your machine is safe and clean again!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it normal for red and yellow lights to stay on after descaling?

Yes, this can happen often with Nespresso machines, especially the Vertuo models. It usually means the machine is still in descaling mode or the descaling process wasn’t finished correctly. You may have forgotten to do the rinse cycle, or you didn’t press and hold the button long enough to exit the mode. Don’t worry — the machine is not broken. Just repeat the rinse step and hold the button for 7 seconds to exit the mode properly.

Can I use vinegar instead of Nespresso descaling solution?

You might think vinegar is a cheaper and faster option, but it’s not the best idea. Vinegar can leave a strong smell and taste in your machine, and over time, it may damage the internal parts. Nespresso machines are designed to work best with their own descaling solution. It cleans better and is safer for the machine. So while it’s tempting to use vinegar, it’s better to stick to what Nespresso recommends to keep your machine in good shape.

Do I need to rinse after descaling?

Yes, rinsing is very important after descaling. If you skip this step, your machine might stay in descaling mode. The rinse removes any leftover descaling solution and helps reset the machine. Use clean, fresh water, and run it through the machine at least once. After rinsing, don’t forget to press and hold the button for a few seconds to tell the machine that descaling is finished. Skipping the rinse is one of the most common reasons for red and yellow lights staying on.

Is it safe to keep using the machine with red and yellow lights?

No, it’s not a good idea to keep using the machine while the red and yellow lights are flashing. These lights are warning signals. They mean the machine is still in descaling mode or there’s a problem that needs fixing. Brewing coffee while this is happening can cause more issues or confuse the machine even more. It’s better to stop, fix the issue using the right steps, and then continue using the machine safely.

Can descaling too often damage my Nespresso?

Descaling too often usually doesn’t harm the machine, but there’s no need to overdo it. Nespresso recommends descaling every 3 months or after every 300 uses. Descaling too often might waste solution and water, and it doesn’t offer extra cleaning benefits. Just stick to the schedule. If you use hard water, you might need to descale a bit more often, but doing it once a month or more is not usually needed unless your machine tells you to.

Do I need to remove the pod before descaling?

Yes, always remove any used pod from the machine before starting the descaling process. Leaving a pod inside can block the water flow and stop the descaling from working properly. It can also make the machine think you are trying to brew coffee, not clean it. So always check that there’s no pod before starting. Also, make sure the pod holder is clean and closed correctly before you begin.

Can I reset my Nespresso if lights won’t stop blinking?

Yes, resetting the machine is a good idea if the lights won’t stop flashing even after descaling and rinsing. A factory reset helps fix small software bugs that can get stuck. Just follow the reset steps in your manual or try holding the button while plugging in the machine. After that, run through the descaling process again. Most users find that resetting helps when nothing else works and gets the machine back to normal.

Is it okay to use tap water in the machine?

You can use tap water, but filtered or bottled water is much better. Tap water often has minerals like calcium, which can build up inside the machine and cause problems. That’s why descaling is needed. Using filtered water helps reduce how often you need to descale and keeps the machine cleaner. If your tap water is hard or smells like chlorine, it’s safer to use clean, bottled water for a better coffee taste and longer machine life.