How to fix the dreaded red and yellow light on a Nespresso Vertuo

For God’s sake, let it run dry.

Please clap as many times as you can (50?) at the end of the article! I make a few bucks a month from this article and it keeps me in coffee.

If you’ve made it here, chances are you’ve become frustrated with all the advice about the “red and green” light and the confusion from Nespresso’s own customer service representatives. Fear not, help is at hand.

Treat the yellow and red light as if it was a yellow and green light; it’s a descaling issue. I know, I was also in denial after two failed attempts. Just trust me and follow these steps:

1. Do all these steps within 2 minutes of each other, or the machine resets itself. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
2. Acquire some descaling liquid or powder. It doesn’t have to be Nespresso’s own-brand; You may even be able to do it with just water.
3. Turn the machine on and make sure there’s no capsule in the thing.
4. Fill the tank with descaler and 900ml of water.
5. Push the button and lever (silver bit on the front) down for 3 seconds. The light will turn orange. If the machine just turns off, repeat this step.
6. Push the lever down once. The light will slow blink orange. Make sure you have a large…