Troubleshooting 10 Common Problems Of Nespresso Prodigio And How To Fix Them

If your Nespresso Prodigio is struggling to brew or not working properly, then I will provide you with the best troubleshooting for it.

Hi Coffee Lovers!

Coffee is a perfect way to start your day, but when you turn the machine ON to brew a soothing coffee cup, you notice it’s not functioning properly. You tried whatever you could, for instance, turning your machine ON and OFF, but the result was the same. For this, I want you to calm down, and together, we will find the issue, and I will help you on how you can solve this issue.

I have also been using Nespresso Prodigio for quite some time, and sometimes I had to encounter problems that I mostly fixed by myself. The whole fixing procedure had not taken more than a couple of minutes of mine to place my machine back on its working path.

• Are you thinking of buying a perfect Nespresso machine to pair up with your mornings? Then you can check the Best Nespresso Machines guide for it.

So, keeping safety precautions in mind, here we go; troubleshooting your Nespresso Prodigio coffee machine.

Problem 01: No Coffee, No Water, And Unusual Coffee Flow In My Nespresso Prodigio

You inserted the coffee capsule and pressed the coffee button, but you noticed nothing was pouring out from the machine’s coffee outlet; nothing meant no water and no coffee; if the water/coffee decided to come out, the flow was unusual, mostly in the dripping form. Let’s see what’s wrong with it.

Cause 01: Coffee Grounds’ Residual Build-Ups

The disruption in coffee flow or complete blockage can be due to coffee grounds’ residual build-ups or dirt buildups in the machine.

Solution: Descale Your Machine 

To unclog the machine, you have to descale the machine. Follow the below procedure carefully.

Descaling Instructions: 

1. Empty and clean the machine’s removable parts; drip tray, drip grid, and used capsule container.
2. Rinse and clean the water tank as well.
3. Turn ON the machine.
4. The LEDs will start blinking, and the machine will take approx. Twenty-five seconds to heat up.
5. When the LEDs become still, it’s time to enter the machine in descaling mode. 
6. Simultaneously press and hold all three beverage buttons, Espresso, Ristretto, and Lungo buttons, for 6 seconds. Let go of the hold once the beep sound is heard and the LED starts blinking.
7. Fill the brewer’s tank with fresh potable water up to 0.5 L or 17 ounces.
8. Pour one whole Nespresso Descaling Liquid sachet into the water tank.
9. Place a container of minimum volume 0.8 L or 27 ounces under the coffee outlet.
10. With the slider closed, press any beverage button.
11. The descaling procedure will start, and the machine will start pouring the solution into the container.
12. The machine will automatically stop the procedure when the tank becomes empty. 
13. Empty the drip tray.
14. Refill the tank with the already poured container solution. 
15. Repeat points 10 to 13.
16. Clean and fill the tank with freshwater
17. Press any beverage button.
18. The rinsing procedure will start, and the machine will start pouring water into the container.
19. Repeat points 16 to 18 twice. 
20. Descaling has been done.
21. To exit the descaling mode, simultaneously press and hold all three beverage buttons, Espresso, Ristretto, and Lungo buttons, for 6 seconds. Let go of the hold once the beep sound is heard.

Descaling Kit Solution Review →

Cause 02: Water Tank Is Not Positioned Properly

When the water tank is not properly positioned on the tank base, then water doesn’t flow properly through the nozzle that connects the tank with the internal machine’s water pipe. Thus leading to no coffee/water flow or unusual coffee flow.

Solution: Reposition The Tank

Reposition the water tank on the machine. Remove the tank from the tank base and again place it back and see if the tank is properly fixed in its place or not. If not, then disconnect it again and place it back on the base. Remember, the tank position matters a lot in coffee brewing, as water is an essential element for saturating and making coffee.

Cause 03: Empty Water Tank

If the water tank is empty or the water level is quite less, then it can hinder the brewing of a coffee shot.

Solution: Fill The Brewer’s Reservoir

Fill the reservoir to the max level. As the Nespresso Prodigio tank is approx. 27 oz or 0.79 L, so fill the tank up to a max of 26 ounces to prevent spillage. 

Problem 02: No Light Indicators On Button In Nespresso Prodigio

Your Nespresso Prodigio was working nicely, but after a time, you saw there were no light indicators on the machine. Let’s see what the reason for it is and how to fix it. 

Cause 01: Machine Automatically Turned OFF

The machine might have turned OFF automatically due to not being in use for quite some time. As Nespresso Prodigio has a built-in Auto-OFF system, it shuts off the machine if it is continuously not in use for 9 minutes or 30 minutes. 

Solution: Wake Up The Machine

Wake up the machine by pressing any beverage button or by just opening the slider. The button indicators will then start blinking.

Cause 02: Unsteady Voltage Or Current

If the voltage or current supply is discontinuous, it can cause the machine to not work properly and can even lead to turning the machine OFF to prevent any damage.

Solution: Check The Mains

You should check the voltage (is steady or not) as the appliance only works at a specific voltage, plugs (to check if it is in good condition or not), or mains to ensure everything is in a perfect state. 

Problem 03: Why Is Nespresso Prodigio Not Pairing Up Through The App?

Nespresso Prodigio provides its user to connect the machine with the Nespresso App to perform functions like capsule stock management, schedule coffee brew, brew now, maintenance notifications, descaling alert, and much more. But some issues can occur that can make pairing unsuccessful. 

Cause 01: Bluetooth Is Off

One of the main causes of why your Nespresso Prodigio is not pairing up through the app can be due to the issue with the Bluetooth. Your smartphone or tablet’s Bluetooth could be OFF, which can lead to pairing issues.

Solution: Turn ON The Bluetooth Connection

Check the Bluetooth of your smartphone or tablet and turn it ON if it is not activated. 

Video Link: Pairing Nespresso Prodigio

Cause 02: Incompatible Device

If your device’s Bluetooth is on and there is still an issue with the connectivity, then it might be the reason that your device is not compatible with the machine.

Solution: Use A Compatible Device

There can be chances that your smartphone/tablet is not compatible with the machine. 

To check your device’s compatibility, go on to Nespresso Website

Cause 03: Nespresso Prodigio Is Far From The Device

You should check the surrounding under which you are trying to pair up your mobile with your machine and how far your machine is from the device. It is because the farther the machine is, the harder it gets to connect. 

Solution: Keep Smartphone Near While Pairing  

Keep your smartphone/tablet near the machine during connectivity. 

Cause 04: Presence Of Microwave

If the surroundings in which you are connecting your machine with the smartphone have the presence of a microwave, then it could be the reason for the inability to pair because the rays ejected by the microwave can interfere with the Bluetooth signals resulting in the inability to connect.

Solution: Pair In The Absence Of Any Nearby Microwave

Keep the machine and smartphone away from microwave machines, especially during pairing.

Problem 04: Nespresso Prodigio Not Brewing Hot Coffee

Many coffee lovers like their coffee hot, and if the machine fails to provide hot coffee, then that would surely be mood-spoiling. Let’s see how to fix your machine to get hot coffee.

Cause 01: Need Descaling

If the coffee served is not enough, or you are experiencing a change in the coffee temperature recently, then it’s time for you to descale your machine. Descaling is important as it cleans your machine then keeps it safe from other problems like clogging. You should descale your machine twice a year to avoid problems. But for now, let’s see how you can descale your machine.

Solution: Descale Your Machine 

You should descale your machine. To know the descaling procedure, you can check out “Descale your machine” under “Problem 1 (Cause 1)”. 

Cause 02: Heat Absorbed By The Cup/Mug

Dispensing on the type of mug/cup you are using, the coffee temperature can fluctuate. Some mug/cup materials, such as glass or metals, tend to absorb much heat resulting in decreasing your coffee temperature.

Solution: Preheat The Cup

Use ceramic mugs to avoid getting your coffee cold. Preheat the cup by adding hot water to it and let it sit for some minutes and then discard to get a hot coffee shot.

Problem 05: Why Nespresso Prodigio Does Not Start Brewing? 

With my Nespresso Prodigio, the issue regarding being unable to start brewing often occurs. It sometimes frustrates me, but in the end, I was the one to blame, not the machine. Let’s see what the cause of it is and how you can solve it.

Cause 01: Slider Is Not Closed Properly

The main problem with your machine not starting the brewing process is that the slider is not closed properly.

Solution: Close The Slider

To solve this issue, you have to empty the capsule container. Remove the used capsules from the inside of the capsule container, remove the cup support, pull out the drip tray and drip base and capsule container, and place back all the parts. Then insert your new capsule in the capsule compartment, the slider will now close properly, and your machine will start brewing your coffee.

Cause 02: Empty Water Tank

If the water tank is empty or the water level is quite less, then it can hinder the brewing process to start.

Solution: Fill The Water Reservoir

Fill the water tank to the max level. As the Nespresso Prodigio tank is approx. 27 oz or 0.79 L, so fill the tank up to a max of 26 ounces to prevent spillage. 

Problem 06: Why Is My Nespresso Prodigio Leaking?

Leakage could occur in your machine, but knowing why the leakage occurs and how to fix it is important, as an unattended sign can lead to a huge problem. 

Cause 01: Drip Tray Is Full

The drip tray could be full, which leads to leakage under the machine.  

Solution 01: Empty Drip Tray

Empty the drip tray, rinse and dry it and place it back on the machine.

Cause 02: The Machine Is Clogged

If your machine is not descaled, then it can cause leakage due to blockage in the nozzle. The blockage leads to coffee being poured somewhere else, such as in a drip tray rather than in the cup.

Solution 01: Descale Your Machine 

If you have not descaled your machine for a while, then it’s a perfect or most suitable time for you to perform it. You should descale your machine twice a year for best cleaning results. To know the descaling procedure, you can check out Descale your machine under Problem 1 (Cause 01’s solution).

Solution 02: Contact Nespresso Club

1. After doing the above solution, if the issue continues, then you should call Nespresso Club. 

• Nespresso Originalline : 800-562-1465

Problem 07: Nespresso Progidio Indicators Unusual Flashing & Stillness

Nespresso Prodigio has a Maintenance light and Beverage button lights that blink to indicate a specific function has been started. Any unusual or out-of-the-way flashing is not normal, so you should know about the issue and solve it right away. 

Condition 1: The Maintenance Light Is On

If the maintenance light is On even if you have descaled your machine, then the cause for it would be;

Cause: Used Capsule Container Is Filled

If the used capsule container is filled, then it can cause the maintenance light to turn ON to let the user know it’s time to empty it.

Solution 01: Empty The Used Capsule Container 

You should empty the used capsule container by removing all the used capsules from it.

Open and close the slider to remove any block capsule in the capsule compartment.

Empty, rinse, and fill the water with fresh water and reposition it on the tank base.

Solution 02: Contact Nespresso 

If the above solution does not work, then you should call Nespresso Club.

Nespresso Originalline: 800-562-1465

Condition 02: The Nespresso Light Is On

Nespresso Prodigio has a Nespresso light right in front of the capsule compartment. It manages the capsule stocks. 

Cause: Empty Capsule Stock

Empty capsule stock is the main reason for the Nespresso light being On.

Solution: Order Capsules 

It’s time to restock the capsules. You can order capsules using the Nespresso App or through the Nespresso Website. 

Condition 03: The 3 Coffee Buttons Flash Quickly

Nespresso Prodigio has three coffee buttons; Ristretto, Lungo, and Espresso. All three have LEDs that blink at their specific time and function. Let’s see the cause and solution for it.

Cause 01: Machine Is In Descaling Mode

If the machine is in the descaling mode, then this is why all three coffee buttons are flashing quickly. 

Solution 01: Exit Descaling Mode

To exit your machine from the descaling mode, you have to simultaneously press and hold all three buttons (Ristretto, Lungo, and Espresso) for 6 seconds. Let go of the hold after 6 seconds or when you hear the beep sound. The buttons will then stop blinking.

Solution 02: Contact Nespresso Club 

If the issue remains, then it’s better to call Nespresso Club.

Nespresso Originalline: 800-562-1465

Problem 8: Non-Stop Coffee Or Water Flow In My Nespresso Prodigio

If you are facing non-stop coffee flow or even water flow during the dispensing process, even when you try to press the beverage buttons, then follow the steps given below to solve the issue. 

Cause: Improper Slider Position

If the slider is not moved backward fully, then it can cause a non-stop coffee flow.

Solution: Move The Slider

You should move the slider that is present on top of the machine backward. The flow will stop. 

Problem 9: No Coffee & Water Is Going Into Drip Tray

You have inserted the coffee capsule in the machine, and when you brew, you see that no coffee is coming out and only water is going into the drip tray. Let’s see how to fix it.

Cause: The Slider Is Not Closed Properly

When the slider is not closed, then it can cause the coffee not to fall into the cup, and only water will fall into the drip tray and thus can create some mess.

Solution 01: Close The Slider Properly

You should pull the slider that is present on top of the machine and close it correctly (not leave it partially open). 

Solution 02: Contact Nespresso Club

If the issue still persists, then contact Nespresso Club.

Nespresso Originalline: 800-562-1465

Problem 10: Nespresso Prodigio Automatically Turns To Off Mode

If your Nespresso Progidio turns to off mode, then you should be panicked. Just read the below reason and solution to solve the issue.

Cause: Automatic OFF Settings

Nespresso Prodigio has Auto-OFF Settings that make the machine turn OFF if not being used for continuously 9 minutes.

Solution 01: Turn On The Machine

Turn On the machine by pressing any beverage button, or you can just open the slider as well.

Solution 02: Change Auto-Off Settings

You can change the auto-OFF timing from 9 minutes to 30 minutes to prevent the machine from turning OFF. This is how you can do it.

1. Turn OFF the machine by simultaneously pressing the Espresso and Lungo button and holding it for 3 seconds. 
2. Press and hold the Lungo and Ristretto button for 3 seconds or until the Espresso button blinks three times. 
3. Three times Espresso blinking means the machine’s energy-saving mode has been shifted from 9 minutes to 30 minutes. 
4. To change the settings back to 9 minutes, follow the above steps, but this time the Espresso button will blink once instead of three times. 

Conclusion

From the start, my aim was to provide you with the best solutions so your coffee experience would never stop. I hope after finding the root cause of the issue and with the provided guide, you will be able to mend your machine in the comfort of your own place. 

To find out and discover more features and knowledge regarding your Nespresso Prodigio machine, you can check out How To Use A Nespresso Prodigio and

Nespresso Prodigio (Discontinued) Review 2023.

FAQs

What Is The Lifespan Of Nespresso Machines?

Nespresso machines, due to their hard plastic and metal combined body covering and extra protection to internal parts, make them quite solid, which eventually offers you about 5-10 years of coffee coverage with almost no compromise to quality and quantity (self-maintenance included)

How Much Does A Nespresso Machine Repair Cost?

Minor glitches or small errors could be solved with the help of good troubleshooting, which overall doesn’t cost you much. However, hardware issues relating to internal parts of the brewer can make you call the technician. Each problem has a cost depending upon the severity of the issue. So it’s better to contact the Nespresso Club or a technician to let them tell you the exact cost of the repair. 

How Do I Force Reset My Nespresso Prodigio?

If you want to force reset your Nespresso Prodigio, then there is how you can do it. 

Instructions

1. Turn OFF the machine by simultaneously pressing the Espresso and Lungo button and holding them for 3 seconds
2. Press and hold Espresso & Lungo buttons for approx. 5 seconds.
3. All the beverage button’s LEDs will blink once to confirm a reset has been made.

Does Nespresso Prodigio Have Reset Button?

No, Nespresso Prodigio does not especially have a reset button, but you can reset the machine by following the steps below. 

Instructions 

1. Turn OFF the machine by simultaneously pressing the Espresso and Lungo button and holding them for 3 seconds.
2. Press and hold Espresso & Lungo buttons for approx. 5 seconds.
3. All the beverage button’s LEDs will blink once to confirm a reset has been made.

How Can I Reactivate Bluetooth On Nespresso Prodigio? 

If you wish to reactivate the Bluetooth on your machine through the machine, then follow the steps below.

You have to reset the machine to factory settings to reactivate Bluetooth on Nespresso Prodigio. To reset the machine:

1. Turn OFF the machine, and press and hold Espresso and Lungo buttons simultaneously for approx. 3 seconds.
2. Press and hold Lungo & Espresso buttons for approx. 5 secs.
3. All the LEDs will blink once. It means resetting has been done.

Nespresso Prodigio Bluetooth has been reactivated. Now you can connect the machine to your smartphone.

How Can You Descale Your Nespresso Prodigio?

If your machine is not working properly or the coffee quantity and quality are less

than before, then it means it’s time to descale your machine. 

1. Empty and clean the machine’s removable parts; drip tray, drip grid, and used capsule container.
2. Rinse and clean the water tank as well.
3. Turn ON the machine.
4. The LEDs will start blinking, and the machine will take approx. Twenty-five seconds to heat up.
5. When the LEDs become still, it’s time to enter the machine in descaling mode. 
6. Simultaneously press and hold all three beverage buttons, Espresso, Ristretto, and Lungo buttons, for 6 seconds. Let go of the hold once the beep sound is heard and the LED starts blinking.
7. Fill the brewer’s tank with fresh potable water up to 0.5 L or 17 ounces.
8. Pour one whole Nespresso Descaling Liquid sachet into the water tank.
9. Place a container of minimum volume 0.8 L or 27 ounces under the coffee outlet.
10. With the slider closed, press any beverage button.
11. The descaling procedure will start, and the machine will start pouring the solution into the container.
12. The machine will automatically stop the procedure when the tank becomes empty. 
13. Empty the drip tray.
14. Refill the tank with the already poured container solution. 
15. Repeat points 10 to 13.
16. Clean and fill the tank with freshwater
17. Press any beverage button.
18. The rinsing procedure will start, and the machine will start pouring water into the container.
19. Repeat points 16 to 18 twice. 
20. Descaling has been done.
21. To exit the descaling mode, simultaneously press and hold all three beverage buttons, Espresso, Ristretto, and Lungo buttons, for 6 seconds. Let go of the hold once the beep sound is heard.

How Do I Force My Nespresso To Reset?

To force reset your Nespresso Prodigio, follow the below steps. But remember, resetting will disconnect the machine with your smartphone and bring back all the settings to default settings. 

Instructions

1. Turn OFF the machine simultaneously, press and hold the Espresso and Lungo button for 3 seconds
2. Press and hold Espresso & Lungo buttons for approx. 5 seconds.
3. All the beverage button’s LEDs will blink once to confirm a reset has been made.

How Can I Unpair Nespresso Prodigio Using A Machine?

If you want to disconnect the machine with your smartphone/tablet but don’t know how then follow the below solution.

To deactivate the Bluetooth function from the Nespresso Prodigio machine.

1. Simultaneously press the Ristretto and Espresso buttons and also remove the cord from the mains.