Instant Pot Error Codes

Complete diagnostic guide for Instant Pot pressure cookers and multi-cookers in the United States.

Important Note

Instant Pot pressure cookers use various error codes that may vary by model. Always ensure the inner pot is properly seated, the sealing ring is correctly installed, and there is sufficient liquid before starting pressure cooking.

For Sauté mode, the lid must be removed. For pressure cooking, the venting valve must be set to "Sealing" position. Regular maintenance including cleaning the sealing ring and checking for proper component seating can prevent many common errors.

Temperature and Overheating Errors

Error codes for Instant Pot pressure cookers related to temperature sensors, overheating, and burn detection.

Error Code / Indicator	Meaning	Possible Causes	Solutions
Burn / Food Burn / OvHt	Burn detected / Overheating / Food burning on bottom	Not enough liquid in the pot Food stuck or burned on bottom Thick or sweet contents causing sticking Venting valve not set to "Sealing" Heating element too hot	Add sufficient liquid to the pot Open pot (after pressure release) and scrape food from bottom Deglaze bottom after sautéing Set venting valve to "Sealing" position Remove burned food residue from bottom Add more liquid and restart cooking
C1 / C2 / C3 / C4	Temperature sensor error / Temperature sensor malfunction	Temperature sensor defective Sensor dirty or blocked Sensor connection problem Control board error	Unplug and reset the appliance Clean temperature sensor area Check sensor connections Allow appliance to cool completely Contact Instant Pot support if problem persists
C5	Temperature too high / Inner pot not properly positioned	Temperature exceeds safe operating range Inner pot not correctly seated Insufficient liquid Heating element malfunction	Ensure inner pot is correctly positioned Add sufficient liquid Allow appliance to cool down Check inner pot for proper seating Clean contact surfaces

Pressure Sensor Errors

Error codes for Instant Pot pressure cookers related to pressure sensor problems and pressure detection issues.

Error Code / Indicator	Meaning	Possible Causes	Solutions
C6 / C6L / C6H	Pressure sensor error / High or low pressure sensor problem	Pressure sensor defective Moisture or contamination on sensor element Sensor reading outside specifications High pressure (C6H) or low pressure (C6L) sensor issue	Allow appliance to cool completely Clean bottom and sensor area Unplug and reset the appliance Check sensor for damage or contamination Contact Instant Pot support with model number
NoPr	No pressure / Pressure not building	Sealing ring incorrectly placed or damaged Not enough liquid in pot Venting valve set to "Venting" instead of "Sealing" Sealing ring worn or damaged Lid not properly sealed	Check sealing ring is properly installed Ensure sufficient liquid is added Set venting valve to "Sealing" position Clean and inspect sealing ring Replace sealing ring if worn or damaged Ensure lid is properly closed and locked

Inner Pot and Component Detection Errors

Error codes for Instant Pot pressure cookers related to inner pot detection and component recognition problems.

Error Code / Indicator	Meaning	Possible Causes	Solutions
Pot / C5	Inner pot not detected / Pot not properly positioned	Inner pot not correctly seated in housing Contamination preventing contact Inner pot warped or damaged Contact surfaces dirty	Remove and reinsert inner pot correctly Clean contact surfaces Check inner pot for warping or damage Ensure pot sits flat and makes proper contact Rotate pot 180 degrees and reinsert
C8	Wrong inner pot / Inner pot not recognized	Incorrect inner pot for model Inner pot not properly seated Common issue with Duo Evo Plus in Sauté mode Contact surfaces dirty or blocked	Remove inner pot and reinsert correctly Rotate pot 180 degrees and try again Clean bottom plate and contact surfaces Ensure using correct inner pot for your model Contact support if problem persists in Sauté mode

Lid and Sealing Errors

Error codes for Instant Pot pressure cookers related to lid detection, sealing, and locking mechanism problems.

Error Code / Indicator	Meaning	Possible Causes	Solutions
Lid	Lid not properly locked or detected	Lid not correctly positioned or locked Locking mechanism not engaged Sealing ring dirty or misaligned Lid sensor not detecting closure Lid required for pressure cooking but removed for Sauté mode	Open and properly close lid Ensure lid is correctly positioned and locked Check sealing ring is properly installed Clean lid and sealing surfaces For Sauté mode, lid must be removed Inspect locking mechanism for damage

Heating Element and Power Errors

Error codes for Instant Pot pressure cookers related to heating element problems and power supply issues.

Error Code / Indicator	Meaning	Possible Causes	Solutions
C7	Heating element error / Heating system malfunction	Heating element defective Power supply problem Heating circuit error Control board malfunction	Check power supply and connections Try different power outlet Unplug and reset the appliance Contact Instant Pot support May require service or replacement
Blank Screen / Display Off	Display not working / No display	Power supply interrupted or poor connection Internal fuse or module defective Control board failure Display malfunction	Check power cord connection Try different power outlet Try different power cable if available Unplug and wait 30 seconds, then plug back in Contact Instant Pot support if display remains blank

Need More Help?

If you are experiencing problems with your Instant Pot that are not covered by these error codes, or if the provided solutions do not resolve your issue, we recommend:

Consult your Instant Pot user manual for model-specific information
Visit the official Instant Pot support page: instantpot.com/support
Contact Instant Pot customer service in the United States
Regular maintenance: clean sealing ring, check inner pot seating, ensure proper liquid levels
Always ensure venting valve is set to "Sealing" for pressure cooking
For Sauté mode, remember to remove the lid
Seek help from a qualified appliance repair technician
Check warranty coverage if your Instant Pot is still under warranty

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